15th October, 2010
Major streets and highways leading to the Eagle Square Complex at Maitama District of Abuja have been shut to traffic as the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, launches the FCT chapter of Women for Change programme.
This blockade has caused untold hardship to commuters and motorists within the federal capital city as movement from one point to the other became extremely excruciating and all motorists were forced to make use of a single exit point within the Maitama and central business districts of the Abuja metropolis.
The unpleasant motoring experience in the city was heightened by the Jumat service at the National Mosque and surrounding streets also witnessed heavy vehicular traffic coming into the city from Satellite towns and settlements.
The road blockade is part of measures to tighten security around the Eagle Square complex as notable politicians and women leaders are expected to accompany the First Lady to Eagle Square for the programme launching.
As at the time of going to press, the Shehu Shagari Way, Federal Ministry of Finance axis, Aso Drive to Federal Secretariat exit and the Aso Rock entry and exit points were shut to vehicular traffic.
—Nnamdi Felix /Abuja