Database query in a controller method?

Every now and then I need to run a quick database query which doesn't really belong to any of the Models. Or even when setting a quick demo site, I need a quick and dirty way. In CI3, I could just do

Code:

$this->db->query();

Is there something like that available in CI4?

I thought of setting a private variable as below and then use it in any of the methods. I am wondering if there is any better way?

PHP Code:

class Home extends Controller
{
 private $db;
    public function __construct()
    {
        $this->db = \Config\Database::connect();
    }

    public function index()
 {
 $query = $this->db->query('SELECT name, title, email FROM my_table');
 //process query info
 
 return view('welcome_message');
 }

}