Immortalise professionals with exceptional contributions to Abuja, APC Chieftain begs FG
ABUJA CITY GATE AND ROAD NETWORK
Agency Report
Mr Kehinde Olaosebikan, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain has appealed to the Federal Government to recognise and immortalise professionals with exceptional contributions to the building of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).
He made the appeal in a statement on Thursday in Abuja,saying this would encourage upcoming professionals and make them more patriotic and committed to national development.
As a take-off, Olaosebikan said government should name the National Press Centre at the Abuja Radio House after Lisa Olu Akerele, the first FCT newspaper Bureau Chief who just turned 70 years.
Olaosebikan who is also a public relations expert described Akerele as a good man, accomplished journalist, uncommon patriot and one of the builder of the FCT.
He noted that Akerele used his reports and social activities to attract both social and capital investments to Abuja when it was being built.
He said it was high time the country honoured such professionals with exceptional contributions to the building of Abuja.
He further noted that while the founders and other administrators of the territory were being variously honoured, professionals who played active parts in the development of the city should not be neglected.
“Today, Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power ranks among the most functional and beautiful capital cities in Africa and the world.
“Effects of the current massive development being carried out by President Bola Tinubu’s government would make anyone feel proud of the city.
“With sprawling roads and lovely structures dotting the city, it is, indeed, a beauty to behold, the sceneries from Abuja Airport.
“Or any of its entry points in Zuba, Mararaba among others to the city centre are simply breathtaking. kudos should eternally be given to the three great Nigerian leaders who made it a reality,” Olaosebikan said.
He listed the leaders to included Justice Akinola Aguda who led the panel which recommended the relocation of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja and late former Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed who promulgated the decree establishing Abuja into law.
“And lastly, the self-acclaimed evil genius, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who eventually moved the capital of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja on December 12, 1991.
“History will forever remember them for giving us this lovely capital city,” Olaosebikan said.
He noted that beyond the founders and ministers, there were also great professionals whose presence and activities contributed immensely to the success of the seat of power.
He added that there were engineers, architects, land surveyors, quantity surveyors, builders, journalists, lawyers, teachers, technicians and artisans among others who made Abuja what it is today.
Olaosebikan further added that many of these professionals went out of their ways to voluntarily offer and implement great ideas and projects that made things work in Abuja because of their genuine believe for its success.
He said in the field of journalism,
Olu Akerele stood out in contributing profoundly to the development of the FCT.
“In the history of the FCT, Akerele opened the first well established newspaper bureau in the heart of the city, as the head of Concord Newspapers.
“He not only ran the bureau effectively, but also exuded panache and power as the Bureau Chief of Concord Newspapers from 1986 to 1993.
“I therefore, appealed to the Tinubu-led administration to honour Akerele as one of the early impact makers on the FCT as he turned 70 years,” Olaosebikan said.(https://newsatlarge.ng)