EU Parliament Leader, Ayxela, lauds Abuja’s beauty, traffic situation

The leader of the European Parliament delegation to the recently concluded National Summit on Inter-Governmental and Inter-Party Relations in Abuja, Santiago Fisas Ayxela, has again brought to spotlight the gains of the FCT Administration’s strategy of completion of infrastructure projects.

In what could pass as a testament of a satisfied customer, Mr. Ayxela said, “We are happy to be in Abuja, your beautiful city – ‘no   much traffic.’ We are hopeful that our presence here would be the beginning of long-standing friendship between the European Parliament and Nigeria.”

The EU Parliament delegate noted that the Legislative Summit at which they participated was largely successful. He stressed that the delegation did not come to Nigeria to teach but to exchange views, stating “we have had very healthy exchange of perspectives.”

Mr. Ayxela conveyed the appreciation of the EU delegation to the FCT Administration for the reception accorded them while expressing their commitment to building lasting and rewarding relationship with their Nigerian counterparts.

Earlier in his address of welcome at the reception held at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Tuesday night, The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, expressed hope that the Summit would strengthen and deepen Nigeria’s legislative and democratic experience.

In an address read on his behalf by the Director Policy and Strategy, FCTA, Mr. Samuel Atang, the Minister commended the National Institute for Legislative Studies under the leadership of Prof. Ladi Hamalai, for living up to its mission to build and continuously improve the capacity and efficiency of our legislators and other relevant stakeholders.

The Minister underscored the Institute’s commitment to all-round excellence in ambience, faculty and curriculum while thanking the management for the opportunities the Institute’s facilities offer to both FCT residents and outside users.

His words, “Your library complex is sure to provide an invaluable resource centre to scholars and researchers both in Abuja and the country in general.”

The reception was well attended by National Assembly members as well as delegates from various state assemblies across Nigeria. Dignitaries present at the occasion include the Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on National Assembly Matters – Senate, Senator Solomon Ita Enang, The EU Ambassador, Ketie Karlsen, and the Chairman Nigerian Speakers Forum/Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, Honourable Ismaila Kamba.

The FCT cultural troupe was on hand to treat the audience to exciting range of dance performances reflecting the rich ethnic and cultural landscape of the country.