Minister of the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has emerged as the overall best Minister of the Federation, 2014 bestowed on him by the Management of Newswatch International Magazine.
The award was presented to the Minister at his Area 11, Garki office, Abuja by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch Magazine, Dr. Bolu Folayan who commended Senator Bala for the various innovative programmes, such as the Land Swap programme, the Centenary City and the Abuja City Centre projects which have transformed the Abuja landscape for the better.
Dr. Folayan said that the Minister has performed excellently in project implementation, revenue generation and innovation, adding that the award had to be presented to the minister in his office because he could not attend the main award ceremony on 18 January, 2015 due to the fact that the event coincided with the peak of electioneering campaigns.
The Managing Director described the FCT Minister as a good ambassador of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and that he has justified the confidence reposed on him by the President and Nigerian journalists.
He said that with more leaders of President Jonathan and Senator Bala’s hue, the country is at the verge of overcoming her age long leadership woes.
Responding, Senator Bala Mohammed described the award as one of the most cherished and genuine awards he has received, saying that the gesture has humbled him and proved that this country could appreciate hard work and excellence.
He recalled a similar award on Good Governance which was bestowed on him by the United Nations (UN) two years ago in Bahrain.
The FCT Minister commended Newswatch International magazine for being a unique brand that has straddled Nigeria’s media industry for over three decades. He expressed his gratitude to President Jonathan for giving him the opportunity and necessary support to serve the people even as he dedicated the award to the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s workforce.
“This award is not just for me but for the entire management and public service of the FCTA.”
He thanked them for helping him “to plan, innovate, recreate and execute”. He singled out the Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Dvelopment Authority (FCDA), Engineer Adamu Ismaila and the Coordinator of Abuja Infrastructure Investment Centre (AIIC), Mr. Faruk Sani for special commendation. [myad]
