Emir of Jiwa, Dr Idris Musa, has charged the management of the Centenary City Plc (CCPLC), Abuja, to resettle villagers whose land was acquired for the project.

The monarch, who was speaking yesterday during an event organised by the management of the CCPLC to give an update to stakeholders on the progress rate, however acknowledged that compensations have been paid for farmlands acquired by the company.

The Centenary City Abuja is a $18 billion, private-sector-led smart city project designed to mark Nigeria’s 100-year anniversary (1914–2014).

It was conceptualised as the foremost Abuja Urban Renewable Project under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The city spans 1,260 hectares across five communities in five emirates.

Musa, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, also called for understanding between the company and the communities to ensure a lasting peace.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Centenary City, Dr Ike Odenigwe, noted that the event was to give a progress report on the work done so far.

He said in August last year, the company engaged Julius Berger Nigeria Limited to construct a 4.3-kilometre access road to the city. “As I am speaking to you, the road is almost completed,” he stated, adding that by next year, the company would add another 10 to 15 kilometres of road.

According to him, the entire road network in the Centenary City is 95 kilometres.

Odenigwe, who acknowledged that the communities have been very cooperative and supportive, revealed that his company is currently building a resettlement centre tagged ‘Centenary Resettlement Scheme’ as a permanent residence for the indigenous inhabitants in the Gude District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).