Residents urged to own, protect public infrastructure

By Stanley Onyekwere 

Residents of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been charged to boost their contribution to sustainable development, especially in the  area of security and protection of public infrastructure.

Also, residents were reminded they have a responsibility to bolster the development of the city for their comfort and its aesthetics.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, gave the charge when she paid a surprise visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, where she inspected the multi-purpose hall under construction and reassured of support to ensure completion of the project.

Aliyu called on journalists to promote the concept of developmental journalism and  galvanise the public to key into government policies to advance the FCT.

She added that members of the pen profession should promote good governance and responsible citizenry.

She stated that the FCT administration was open to constructive criticisms and engagement that would better the city, 

She assured on the continued commitment of the FCTA to developmental journalism through conducive environment such as the recent award of contract for the upgrading of the NUJ FCT Multipurpose Hall.

The Minister, who was accompanied on the inspection by the Special Adviser (SA), to the President, Femi Adesina, who was also at the council for a different program, noted that the hall has been on tender following due process for its completion by the FCTA.

According to her, the visit was to see how the council was faring and commended the union and the journalists on the role the media has been playing in democratic governance and solicited for continued support to the FCTA administration in policy and governance.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend you, journalists, for your support to the FCT administration and appeal that you use your mediums to galvanise residents and citizens to protect public infrastructure and take the issue of security seriously.

“We are all part of government, therefore, we should rise up against those vandalising public utilities as it affects development and public good,” the minister stressed.

On his part, Adesina, also noted that protecting public infrastructure saves government scarce resources that could be deployed for other public good other than repeating investments.

Speaking also, the chairman of the council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, thanked the minister for the unscheduled visit, stressing that such surprises gives journalists in the territory sense of belonging.

Ogbeche assured the Minister of the continued support and fair coverage of her activities and the administration in general.