President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to take ownership of government facilities sited in their communities by safeguarding them against vandalism and destruction.
Akpabio made this appeal on Tuesday while commissioning key projects in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where he emphasized the shared responsibility between the government and citizens in ensuring sustainable development.
Speaking during the inauguration, Akpabio reminded constituents that the projects belong to them and should be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
“You, as the beneficiaries of these projects, owe the government a duty to protect the facilities so they won’t be vandalised or destroyed by enemies of progress. If you say after all it is government property, let us vandalise them—are we not all government?” he asked.
He stressed that communities must “own” the projects, noting that such an attitude would encourage the government to initiate and deliver more developmental projects.
Akpabio further assured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving lives and delivering tangible dividends of democracy nationwide.
“This current administration is one with a human face that is determined to make things easier for the people. The President recently approved that 1000 Nigerians from every ward all over the country should be financially empowered to boost their economic powers at the local level,’’ he added.
The Senate President also commissioned several projects, including an eight-classroom block and a fully equipped ICT Centre at St. Augustine Secondary School, Ika LGA.
Earlier in his remarks, Chris Okorie, a community leader and member of the National Communication Commission (NCC), pledged continuous support for Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and President Tinubu.
Akpabio concluded by stressing that protecting government projects is key to sustaining development, as vandalism only hampers growth and discourages future investment in communities.
