Residents of Abuja, FCT, have called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to improve the economic fortunes of the country as the nation marks its 55th anniversary.
They made the call in interviews with NAN in Abuja on Thursday while speaking on the sideline of the country’s Independence anniversary.
Mr Victor Emmanuel, a civil servant, said the 55th independence was worth celebrating, but that the economic environment of the country left very much to be desired.
“Although the expectations of Nigerians were high, the government cannot satisfy all the needs of its citizens.
“Though the economy may not be all that good, we are, however, celebrating the independence in our own way believing that it will pick up very soon.’’
Dr Chukwudi Otogbolu, a medical practitioner, said that the present mood of the economy of the nation notwithstanding, independence celebration was an opportunity for Nigerians to relax with friends and relations.
Otogbolu, however, said that as the country celebrated its sovereignty, Nigerians expected the government to improve efforts in fashioning out policies and programmes that would fast-track the economy.
According to him, such efforts as it affects the security, health and education, among others, would better the standard of living of the people.
“We want bombing to stop in all parts of the country and we also desire the government to reduce the unemployment rate in the country.
“The percentage of NYSC graduates are more than the employment opportunities available, in this instance the nation cannot but continue to witness crimes.’’
At the Jabi motor park, Abuja, the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Mr Emmanuel Samuel, said that transport business was slow as few people travelled.
The Vice-Chairman, Kano taxis unit NURTW in Jabi, Mr Kassim Rafiu, complained of lull in business but observed that the occasion was peaceful.
“We want government to repair the park for us because the rainy season has affected the park more, passengers complain of deplorable condition of the park,’’ he said.
Mrs Oluwakemi Balogun, a trader at the Chescon Gardens at Maitama, Abuja, said that although business was slow in the morning, there was hope for improved business in the evening.
“People are coming in few numbers but patronage is still fair, hopefully when the sun comes down, they will start coming to relax with their loved ones.
“The issues of bomb blast in the FCT before had made some people afraid of coming to parks but we thank the Almighty for better security now,’’ she said.
Mr Simon Dolly, General Secretary, Initiative for Interreligious Peace and Harmony Nigeria, an NGO, said that Nigerians should promote peace and harmonious co-existence.
“We must forget our diversity and regional, tribal and religious agenda; rather we should focus on one agenda of peace and unity.
“As Nigerians celebrate independence anniversary, we pray that peace, justice and law would prevail across the country.
“The rule of law should prevail for all,’’ he said.
Dolly called on the people to be hopeful for better days in spite the fact that the country is passing through some socio-economic and security challenges at 55.
