30th April, 2012
Former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has urged wealthy Nigerians to execute projects that would improve the living conditions of rural dwellers.
Shagari made the call when he laid the foundation of a multi-purpose complex at Bunza in Kebbi, being constructed by CITAR, an NGO, in honour of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.
The former president said government alone could not provide all the basic needs of the people, as such it was imperative for philanthropists and organisations to undertake projects that would raise the status of rural communities.
He said such gesture would not only fast track development but also reduce rural-urban drift and social and economic dislocation.
The National Coordinator of CITAR, Muhammad Lawal, said the complex would consist of a nursery and primary school, clinic, conference hall, a hall of fame, playground, library and restaurant.
In his speech, Belgore expressed happiness for the honour, which he said came from his “ancestral home.”
About N31 million was realised at the ceremony as donations from some state governments, individuals and organisations.