“The year 2020 was without a doubt one of the most challenging years in living memory not only in the FCT but indeed across the world due to the COVID -19 pandemic.”
The FCT Minister Malam Mohammed Musa Bello said this as part of his New Year message to the residents of the FCT. He commended and expressed appreciation to health personnel involved in the fight against the dreadful disease in the FCT.
He prayed that those who have paid the supreme price in the course of the battle should continue to rest in peace.
Malam Bello reminded the residents that, the most effective way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic is to adhere to the established health protocols of facial covering, hand washing and physical distancing.
” Following these simple public health instructions will help in controlling the spread of this second wave of COVID-19 which has proven to be more aggressive than the first wave.
I, therefore, appeal to residents to please continue to adhere to these health protocols as we step into the New Year,” he added.
The Minister also appreciated the efforts of individuals, corporate organisations, government agencies and non-governmental organisations who, despite the challenging times provided palliatives and other forms of support to the more vulnerable members of our society within the nation’s capital.
According to him, “the FCT was built on a foundation of unity of all Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious differences and this was exemplified as we battled the virus in 2020. It demonstrated, in more ways than one that the idea behind the founding of the FCT was not misplaced.
“I, therefore, want to urge you all to continue to demonstrate this principle of oneness and togetherness and fight hard to resist efforts to cause disunity or disharmony within your ranks.”
The Minister further explained that, as residents of the FCT, maintaining the dream of a united and indivisible Nigeria is an obligation that owes to the country.
Bello pledged that; “despite the challenges and the disruptions to our developmental agenda over the last year, may I once more reiterate our commitment to our core mandate which is the development of a Capital Territory that every Nigerian will be proud to call home
“We remain committed to meeting all our obligations to the residents of the FCT. We pray for the guidance of the Almighty in 2021 as we face the rigours of nation-building.
I hereby once again wish all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, a peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2021.”
Suzan O
