By OKON OKON

No fewer than 110 constituency and Zonal intervention projects have been verified and certified by the Federal Government across the country’s six geo-political zones.

Mr. Zaphaniah Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, disclosed this at the third quarter Stakeholders’ and Citizens’ Engagement Forum organized by the ministry on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum had as theme “Deepening Inclusive Governance through Regional Collaboration and Grassroots Participation”.

Jisalo, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, said that the projects include school renovations, borehole installations, and agricultural empowerment initiatives, medical outreaches, and street lighting.

He said that these projects have directly impacted communities, stimulated local economies, and improved access to basic services.

The minister also highlighted the deployment of the PMIS-GIS Data logger for monitoring zonal and constituency projects and inspection of Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also said disclosed the verification of six jetties by the Presidential Standing Committee on Private Jetties.

The minister further revealed that more than 3,500 Nigerians have applied for the National Honours Award as of Nov. 2024, with applications screened and forwarded to the president for approval.

He pledged to strengthen state and local governance through intergovernmental collaboration, deepen inclusive development via partnerships with the private sector and international stakeholders and also ensuring transparency and accountability in all interventions for value delivery.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting artisans and technicians through vocational training, intergovernmental collaboration, and digital empowerment as they remain critical to inclusive economic development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of Abaji Area Council represented by Mr. Ajoze Sumaila, appealed for Federal Government intervention in curbing illegal mining in communities in the FCT.

Abdullahi the activities of illegal miners were displacing residents along the Niger boundary.

He also decried the financial strain on area councils, following the implementation of the new minimum wage, particularly in funding primary education.

The council chairman urged stronger federal presence in Abaji, citing neglect in infrastructure and socio-economic development.

Also speaking, the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mersole Mellejor, congratulated Nigeria ahead of its 65th Independence Day and commended the ministry for fostering accountability.

He described Nigeria’s youth as the “biggest asset” of the nation, and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.

Similarly, Chief Obinna Nwaka, Director-General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), lauded the ministry’s response to welfare and training concerns.

He however called for greater inclusion of security agencies and stakeholders in monitoring approved projects in the country.

The forum ended with renewed calls for government to engage more deeply with grassroots communities to sustain development and address pressing local challenges. (NAN)