By Muhammad Tanimu, Abuja
The need to bolster the evolution and development of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the centre of unity and integration of Nigeria took centre stage yesterday, when stakeholders converged on the seat of the Federal Government.
The stakeholders drawn from past and serving politicians, civil servants, traditional rulers and religious leaders made this position known in their separate remarks during the public presentation of a book titled: “Abuja: The Evolution and Development of a Federal Capital City,” at the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC).
Presenting the book, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, noted that over the years, the FCT has continued to evolve into one of the beautiful cities in the world, in line with the expectations and dreams of its founding fathers.
Bello, who was represented by his chief of staff, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, noted that the publication of the book would serve as a reminder to the symbol of the FCT, which was founded on February 6, 1976.
Similarly, the FCT minister of state, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, reiterated that Abuja has grown from the sparsely-populated wooded savannah that was declared the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1976, into a beautiful city of millions today.
Represented by the FCT permanent secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, the minister however, noted that the challenges of over-population, inadequate infrastructure, social services, dwindling livability indicators and worrying levels of incipient criminality are threatening to derail the dream of the founding fathers.
According to her: ” In recommending the book as a veritable source of insight into how Abuja is evolving, I have no doubt that the experiences contained therein will enrich our knowledge of the evolution and development of one of the fastest growing cities in the world.
“It should grant us interesting glances at the past as we grapple with the side effects of a growing city already burgeoning at the seams. Abuja has no doubt grown from the sparsely-populated wooded savannah, into a beautiful city of millions today.”
Speaking on behalf of former FCT Ministers, Engineer Mohammed Abba Gana, said Abuja has succeeded beyond all expectations of its status as the FCT with the mantra of unity, multi ethnic and religious as well as other social outlook in just 45 years of its existence.
He added that Abuja has stood the test of time, as the decision to create a new Nigeria’s FCT has enjoyed the support of Nigeria especially its status as centre of unity has come to stay forever.
While giving an overview of the conception and implementation of Abuja as a new Nigeria’s FCT, he noted that the current FCT Administration has sustained developmental strides of the ex-Ministers of the FCT, through its policy of continuation of projects.
According to him, “the development of Abuja is in historical dimensions; and continuation of projects is the cornerstone of Abuja’s development.”
He added that there is urgent need to create other major cities across the regions in the character of Abuja, in order to boost the integration of Nigerians.
On his part, the book reviewer, Professor Saleh Dauda, explained that the book is divided into five chapters, with each chapter focused on important historical dimensions of the FCT as an evolution and development of Abuja.
He opined that the book will foster understanding and essence of the FCT especially among the youthful populace.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Senator Philip Aduda, the FCT lone Senator at the National Assembly, had described the book as a wonderful literature on the vision envisaged to develop the city as the source of exciting memories of the FCT.
Aduda opined that it’s a good reminder to everyone that it’s incumbent on them to support the development and management of the FCT.
He therefore commended the author for the initiative, which would help the realisation of the dreams and aspirations of the FCT as a capital city.
Not left out, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, who authored the book, said it was a reflection of her desire to leave a legacy as a civil servant.
“It’s an instructive and incisive literature that highlights the activities and achievements of FCT Ministers from 1998- till date.
“The book is part my humble contribution to the development of Abuja, the new FCT,” she submitted.