Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have been urged to strengthen the bonds of friendship, unity and peaceful coexistence with one another.FCT Minister, Muhammed Musa Bello, gave the charge yesterday in his message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival in Abuja.

He said the lessons of the yearly ritual are sacrifice and piety stressing: “As FCT residents, we have exhibited these in great measure. As we celebrate, I salute your steadfastness amidst our growing hopes and challenges.”

He assured that the administration is working hard to launch the FCT into the circle of best cities in the world in the near future, adding: “We have striven to achieve this through the provision of first class infrastructure and public utilities.”

Bello noted that the recent completion and commissioning of the Abuja Light Rail testifies to FCT administration’s resolve and commitment to create a better city. “Our security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that the city remains safe and secure for all residents in their bid to go about their legitimate businesses,” he added.

He noted that the administration also wishes to reassure residents of its commitment to fast track the fulfillment of its promises to improve the living standards of residents through the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and to initiate other critical projects in the city, satellite towns and rural communities.

“This also includes service improvement across board, support for farmers and the strengthening of institutional framework for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as youth and women empowerment programmes,” he said.

The minister also enjoined FCT residents to live in peace and good neighbourliness, hard work, honesty and pray for President Muhammad Buhari and other leaders for security, prosperity and development, as well as peaceful and successful elections next year.