Muhammed Musa Bello
FCT Minister

By Festus Fifen.

The FCT Archives and History Bureau on Thursday kicked off independence symposium and one-week exhibition, aimed at promoting hard work and selfless service through relieving past experiences and cherished values of Nigeria as an independent nation since 1960.

With the theme of the exhibition centering on the socio-cultural and political history of the country, “Celebration Our Heroes Past”, is very timely while the topic of the Symposium is ” Appreciating Greatness, Hard work and Selfless Service”.

In his welcome remark, Director of the Bureau, Mr. Peter Chukwukelu, said the event was part of its independence anniversary organised by the bureau, in commemoration of Nigeria @61 anniversary.

Chukwukelu noted that “teaching of history in basic schools should be revived, so that our youngsters should be taught exactly what is history and what people in the past have done for us.

“Again, we have to take them round to places like here (FCT Achieves) so as to see the portraits of heroes and other this on display, and when they look at that they will impressed and encouraged to emulate and even do better in life.

“This is the hub of record-keeping, as it’s sacred. Everything that has happened, you will see them here.”

In his keynote address, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, represented by a Director in the Office of the Minister, Alhaji Adamu Kusheriki, described the theme of the exhibition as apt, which sought to draw consciousness to the acts of selflessness and sacrifices made by the founding fathers of the country.

He stressed the need to follow in the footsteps of heroes who stood firm in the face of colonialism and oppression to lay the first stone upon which the country stands.

According to him, Nigeria today, sits on a foundation forged from the ideals of unity, strength and a deep sense of national pride.

He explained that the ideals of Nigeria’s unity were mooted and exemplified by the founding fathers and over the years, had propelled the country to greatness.

Bello reiterated that the FCT was also built on the ideals of unity and the vision of the nation’s founding fathers as a territory that every Nigerian could call home.

He therefore urged the Archives and History Bureau to intensify efforts at telling the story of past heroes beyond the photo exhibitions and intellectual engagements on special occasions such as this.

Delivering the anniversary talk, Professor Andrew Zamani, a Psychologist, and Director Institute of Governance, Nasarawa State University, who approached his presentation from an attitudinal angle, decried overtime, occurrence of Parochial tendencies have led to the relegation bastardization of national heroes, excellence and national reward systems.

Zamani said the FCT Archives, through its activities is playing critical roles in keeping established legacies of heroes past, to help inspire others to emulate them.
He stressed the need to begin to reward excellence in service in all ramifications, so as to educate and encourage more people to pursue excellence.

According to him, teaching of history in basic schools, would ensure the proper development of a sense of identity and patriotism in children.