The House of Representatives reiterated its unwavering commitment to enhancing infrastructure in rural areas nationwide during the inaugural meeting of the Committee on Rural Development, chaired by Hon. Marcus Onobun in Abuja on Tuesday.
Hon. Marcus Onobun, expressing his dedication, emphasized the critical role the committee plays, impacting all 360 members of the house who represent rural communities. He acknowledged that the constituents in these rural areas elected them to ensure the benefits of democracy reach them.
Highlighting the unique significance of the Committee, Hon. Onobun noted that it exceeded the prescribed membership number of 40, underscoring its importance. He pledged to deviate from previous limitations on oversight functions, aiming for a more collective approach to achieve objectives and make a substantial impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians in rural areas.
Before delving into the committee’s scope and oversight functions, Hon. Onobun invited members to familiarize themselves with the standing orders of the House of Representatives, emphasizing the need to define aims and objectives clearly.
The Chairman welcomed input from members, encouraging the sharing of legislative, business, and individual expertise to collectively meet the challenges faced by the committee. He expressed openness to opinions and innovative ideas, acknowledging the diverse landscape of different communities and the specific developmental demands of constituents.
Hon. Onobun expressed the committee’s readiness to engage with relevant Ministries and Agencies, emphasizing the need for synergy with other Standing Committees to avoid overlapping functions.
Deputy Chairman Hon. Mohamud Audu called for cooperation among stakeholders to ensure accelerated development in rural areas, emphasizing the importance of extending urban development initiatives to rural areas.
During the meeting, all committee members voiced their solidarity with the leadership, pledging commitment to improving rural infrastructure, including electrification and engineering. They tasked the Committee Clerk with implementing proactive measures to engage various agencies in achieving their collective goals.