Nigeria at 61: Time to reflect on our challenges– FCT Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello, has called on residents of the territory to use the occasion of the country’s 61st anniversary celebration to reflect on the current challenges being faced by the people.  In his independence message to the residents of the territory, the minister said, “We should use this moment […]

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello, has called on residents of the territory to use the occasion of the country’s 61st anniversary celebration to reflect on the current challenges being faced by the people.

 In his independence message to the residents of the territory, the minister said, “We should use this moment to reflect on our current challenges which includes our on-going battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. We once more extend our sincere appreciation to the efforts of our frontline medical personnel and sacrifices made in the fight against this unprecedented public health challenge”. 

The minister called on residents to continue to follow the laid down protocols, adding that “battle is far from over as we are now confronting a deadlier foe in the Delta variant of the virus.  I implore all residents to please get vaccinated and continue to observe all non –pharmaceutical interventions just as we call on the resident doctors to call off their strike in the interest of millions of Nigerians.”

 According to him, the FCT Administration in collaboration with the security agencies is working tirelessly to ensure the security of lives and property within the nation’s capital. 

“Today, I also pay tribute to the officers and men of all the security agencies who daily confront these challenges with some paying the highest price. We all also have the responsibility of aiding them by providing information when we sense the need to do so.

“Just as the maintenance of security is a shared and collective responsibility, so is the maintenance of the beauty and shine of our city. Our current efforts at ensuring compliance of the provisions of the Abuja Masterplan and Land Use Act will continue and we call for the support of all”.

 On the infrastructural development of the city, the minister said, “We remain committed to our efforts at providing world class infrastructure throughout the FCT as well as ensuring the wellbeing and welfare of all residents.

“It is worthy to mention once again, that there now exists a generation of Nigerians from all parts of the country who truly know no other home but the FCT, having been born, schooled, married and raising families of their own here in the Nation’s capital.

He also used the occasion to felicitate with “President Muhammadu Buhari for his exemplary leadership at this time of our history as an independent nation.  His unique character and personality have done much to imbue in us, hope in a greater future as a strong, virile and indivisible nation, the minister said.