The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan on Wednesday said that private sector organisations’ cooperation was central to achieving the aims of the Transformation Agenda of the President.
Jonathan was speaking at the inauguration the road linking Defence Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Barracks constructed and named after her by the association.
Jonathan said that the road would serve the interest of members of DEPOWA, the barracks community and other road users.
“The gesture will also provide an evidence of the capability of our women to initiate and execute projects and programmes critical and beneficial to the wellbeing of our nation.’’
The first lady commended the association for encouraging members to promote the goals and objectives of the association to raise the standard of living in the barracks and encourage cooperation among security agencies in the country.
“I encourage all associations to emulate the good example of DEPOWA and to contribute their quota to the development of our dear nation.
“DEPOWA should not relent in its good work, and I appeal to users of this road to make good use of it and to ensure that it is properly maintained, ‘’ she added.
Earlier, Apolonia Petinrin, the president of DEPOWA explained that the road was hitherto full of pot holes and dusty, making movement a nightmare.
“DEPOWA discovered that the road was causing hardship for the users, especially women and children in the barracks.
“It was the compassion for the less privileged in this community that led the association into improving the condition of the road.
“We sought assistance from our immediate constituencies – the armed forces and the police to embark on this project,’’ she said. (NAN)