Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to make the nation’s capital a true home for all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.
Aliyu made this known in her message to commemorate Nigeria 60th Independence Day Anniversary celebration on Thursday in Abuja.
She, however , hinted that the city would continue to share the noble dreams of the founding fathers who toilled day and night to lay the foundation for this great city that Nigerians proclaim to the rest of the world.
According to her, despite numerous challenges faced by the country in the past 60 years, the diversity has continued to strengthen us as a nation, adding that the nation’s differences have shown that when properly harnessed, Nigerians could surmount any challenges.
The minister lamented that, the 60th Independence Day celebration was restrained due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic that has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll on the economy, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, who responded effectively and well in time.
She assured residents of the territory that the outbreak of the pandemic has afforded the administration the opportunity to initiate reforms to revitalise the economy for the benefit of all, especially in the agricultural value chain and with small entrepreneurs.
Her words ; “This 60th Independence Day celebration, is very unique and restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world has been rattled by the deadly virus (COVID-19 pandemic) which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll on our economy. It has altered the world we lived in before its outbreak.
“However, it is very reassuring to note that, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, responded effectively and well in time. For a country so vast and diverse with its high population density, meeting this challenge requires extraordinary efforts. This we have provided and will continue to do.
“With our committed efforts, we have succeeded in containing the magnitude of the pandemic and saving a large number of our compatriots. We thank all those that supported us in this battle that we continue to wage in our resolve to defeat our common enemy—COVID-19.
She added; “On our part, the FCT Administration headed by Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and I have looked at the current crisis as an opportunity to initiate reforms to revitalise our economy for the benefit of all, especially in the agricultural value chain and with small entrepreneurs”.
She therefore, expressed commitment that working together, Nigerian would emerge stronger in the comity of prosperous democracies of the world, while calling on upcoming generation to imbibe the culture of patriotism and how it could be the driving force and catalyst in nation building.
