In a message to the residents of the territory on the nation’s 60 independence anniversary, the minister wanted the people in this category to keep to the dream of the founding fathers.
“As our nation turns 60, we are glad to note that FCT is in its 44 years of existence. In the period, the Territory has been blessed with an emergent Abuja generation. These are Abuja-born men and women who are today in their forties, thirties, twenties and tens. I therefore charge them to own the Abuja dream and work towards the preservation of our collective heritage.”
The minister asked the residents to continue to work towards the unity of the country and togetherness of all citizens and to continue to strive to project those values that have always kept the country together as a single undivided entity.
“For us in the FCT, the dream of our founding fathers was to build a city that showcases our national aspirations. As residents, our charge is to uphold these ideals. I urge all residents to use the opportunity provided by this 60th anniversary to demonstrate acts of unity and togetherness towards our neighbors and everyone else we come in contact with.”
Malam Musa Bello wished all residents a happy 60th Anniversary Celebration, even as he asked them to see the occasion as an opportunity to take stock of the great strides in nation-building and march to a brighter future.
“It is also a moment to pay tribute to the great men and women who have made great sacrifices to bring us to where we are today. These include all our nationalists, leaders, statesmen and citizens.”
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his exemplary leadership at this time of Nigeria’s history as an independent nation.
“His unique character and personality have done much to imbue hope in a greater future as well as in shaping our ethos in our transition to a brighter future.”
The Minister also used the occasion to commend health personnel, first responders and other partners who have worked hard and made sacrifices towards checking the COVID 19 pandemic which he said “has threatened has collective wellbeing, taken the lives of some of our loved ones, constrained our social interactions and hindered our economic progress”.
Malam Musa Bello said that while the virus is under control, there is need for all hands to still be on deck, stressing that COVID-19 remains a very deadly disease judging from the experiences of other countries.
