Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has commissioned the Surulere Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) facilitated by the chief of staff to the president, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.
Abbas also opened a 484-bed Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), equally facilitated by Gbajabiamila when he served as the speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.
Speaking at the separate events yesterday, Abbas faulted the criticisms against the Zonal Intervention Projects popularly called constituency projects, saying they were addressing the needs of Nigerians, especially at the grassroots.
Abbas had on Tuesday inaugurated an 80-bed hospital at Imota in Ikorodu, Lagos State, facilitated by the member representing Ikorodu federal constituency and the chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon Babajimi Benson.
The speaker noted that legislative representation and constituency projects are two critical components of a functioning democracy, especially in a representative system of government like Nigeria’s presidential democracy.
“These specific initiatives are funded through the government budget and are intended to address the needs and improve the conditions of constituents, ” he stated.
Abbas also noted that for many Nigerians, especially at the grassroots, it is through constituency projects that they see the most direct and tangible manifestation of the government and democracy.
“However, there has been a widespread and endemic misunderstanding of the purpose and essence of these legislative interventions. Constituency projects are not mere items in a budget; they are the lifelines that connect the heart of our government to the heartbeat of communities. I urge all legislators and members of the House to emulate Hon. Gbajabiamila and renew their commitment to constituency projects,” he said.
Abbas lauded Gbajabiamila’s efforts in securing funding and support for several projects, including schools, hospitals, and countless infrastructure developments in his Surulere 1 federal constituency and beyond when he served as a member of the House.
At the commissioning of the hospital attracted by Hon Babajimi Benson, the speaker said it was a well-known fact that several significant challenges had confronted the health sector in Nigeria and were further exposed with devastating consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Lagos was the worst hit.
“The commissioning of the 80-bed hospital signifies a significant step towards addressing the disparities in healthcare accessibility and quality, symbolizing the collective aspirations for a Nigeria where quality healthcare is a right for every citizen. The hospital stands as a beacon of hope and a crucial resource in the ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of the community,” he said.
In his remarks, Gbajabiamila noted that his story started at the University of Lagos, saying, “on this campus, I made friends who continue to play important roles in my life; I learned and acquired the education that allowed me to become a lawyer here at home and abroad. On this campus, I went from being a young man with ambitions to a young man with a plan. I remain very fond of and incredibly proud of this great institution.”
