The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration will strive to achieve all its development goals.
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello gave the assurance while receiving the participants of Course 38 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru-Jos, who were in Abuja for a study tour.
The minister reiterated that a lot has been achieved, adding that a lot more needs to be done to fast-track the development of the entire Federal Capital Territory as envisaged by its founding fathers.
Bello noted that his administration would do everything possible to scale up the infrastructural development of the city and its environs including the provision of services in the Territory.
His words: “I assure you that this Administration will continue to strive very hard to achieve all the goals set for us in all aspects so that we will continue to advance the society”.
The Minister remarked that the Administration is quite aware that there is still a lot to be done in respect of poverty alleviation as well as development of our rural communities; adding that the present government will not rest on its oars until it improves the living standard of the residents.
According to him, “When you talk about Abuja, the initial impression is that the city is beautiful with roads, streetlights and beautiful buildings but the reality of Abuja is much more than the beautiful things you have seen”.
The Minister urged the participants to feel free to come out with a realistic assessment of the city so as to help government in taking critical decisions.
During the interactive session, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye stated that the FCT Administration’s policy on poverty reduction and inclusive development is targeted at people in the rural communities.
Ajakaiye explained that the FCT Administration operates with what we call Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) just like the MDAs in the Federal Government.
He further explained that the Secretariats and departments operate more as policy-making organs, while the agencies implement these policies as formulated.
Ajakaiye enumerated that the FCT Administration has seven Mandate Secretariats and they include Education, Transportation, Health & Human Services, Social Development, Agriculture & Rural Development, Area Council Services and Legal Services Secretariats as well as the
Abuja Metropolitan Management Council that takes care of the municipal services.
Earlier, leader of the NIPSS delegation, Professor Abu Galadima advised the FCT Administration to send officials to the Institute during the participants’ presentation of its study report.