The Nigerian Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has called on residents to join hands with the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and stand firm on the side of unity, peace and the collective progress of the country.
The Minister who made this call in his 61st Independence Day Anniversary message to FCT residents, said the country was better off as one united entity and would achieve much more working together.
He urged the residents to resist all efforts to cause divisions amongst them.
While felicitating with President Muhammadu Buhari for showing exemplary leadership at this time in the nation’s history, Bello said the President’s unique character and personality have done much to imbue in Nigerians hope in a greater future as a strong, virile and indivisible nation.
He also encouraged residents to reflect on the struggles of the heroes of Nigeria’s independence, past and present leaders , who have through the years sacrificed enormously to bring the country this far.
Bello pointed out that the FCT was founded on a platform of unity of Nigeria, a place where all Nigerians can call home adding that the Administration has strived to build a Territory of the collective dreams of all Nigerians.
“While we have largely succeeded in building a beautiful, world class city, thanks to the efforts of thousands of Nigerians over the years, the equally important task of forging a common identity for our people is still work in progress”.
“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, are married and raising families of their own here in the Nation’s capital,” he said.
According to him, “the dreams of our founding fathers are truly alive in these residents and we should constantly remind ourselves that we are better off together and will achieve much more as a united people and consequently, should resist all efforts to cause divisions within our ranks.”
On security, the Minister paid tribute to the officers and men of all the security agencies who daily confront security challenges in the FCT with some paying the highest price with their lives.
He therefore called on FCT residents to continue to aid them in their work by providing vital information when they feel the need to do so.
The Minister said the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic was far from over, advising them to seize every available opportunity to get vaccinated in addition to abiding by other non- pharmaceutical health guidelines.
While reiterating the Administration’s determination to ensure compliance on the provisions of the Abuja Masterplan, the Minister reiterated its commitment to ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of all residents.
Malam Bello added, “As we roll out the drums in celebration today, let us be encouraged that the best of our country still lies ahead of us and we should work hard together at meeting our collective aspirations”,
