By Ezeocha Nzeh
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has been admonished to commerce an intensive data collection on the level of compliance on the distribution of resources by government agencies among the geo political zones in the country
This was the position of stakeholders and participants at the commission’s one day sensitization program with government agencies, for the North Central zone
The position came following agitations on marginalisation by different groups and geopolitical zones, on the distribution of federal government project and resources
With the theme: Promoting Peace and National Development, the sensitization program which was after by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Minister of works and Housing and North Central Governor’s Forum, stakeholders agreed on the need to have equal distribution of infrastructural amenities, just as they commended the present administration for the distribution of same.
The SGF, Boss Mustapha in his goodwill message said, “the importance of fair and equitable distribution of socio-evonomic amenities and infrastructural facilities in the country cannot be overemphasized. Our unity as a country and peaceful coexistence as a people is based on the assurance that every part of the country is fairly and equitably developed. It will also give all citizens a sense of belonging and commitment to work for our greatness and development. The principle equity and fairness in the Nigerian context also applies to the provision of physical facilities such as road infrastructure, educational services health care delivery, portable water and a host of others.”
On his part, the Chairman of the North Central Governor’s Forum and governor of Niger State, Sani Bello said, “the actual purpose of leadership is majorly about the provision of the needs of the people but when the number of those seeking these needs grow higher than the corresponding resources available for these demands, then there are bound to be agitations for inclusion and calls for even distribution of the few available.
“Our governance process must continue to concentrate on the provision of selfless, accountable, transparent and God fearing leadership on a manner that puts the people first in everything we do. That way, we can be assured that the people will understand why we take certain decisions based on the needs assessment an available resources.”
Also in his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Ministry of Works and Housing said, “it is important to state that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is conscious of the Federal Character principles as it pertains to fair and equitable distribution of infrastructural facilities. The Ministry has thus, continuously ensure that this well cherished principle is duly observed in all its endeavours.”
Similarly, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs.Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed gave a goodwill message. In her goodwill message she emphasized the timely of the program given the general elections slated for next year.
Others that participated in the sensitization program were heads of government agencies.
Highlights of the program included presentation of papers on the theme by invited resource persons
