Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts

2023 OCHO FESTIVAL: Attah Prays For Indigenous Igala Kingdom USA


By Amodu S. U.

The Attah Igala worldwide, and President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, HRM Agabaidu (Dr) Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa, has congratulated the indigenous Igala people of the United States of America on the successful celebration of Igala Ocho festival for year 2023. 

Recall that the indigenous Igala people of USA (Igala kingdom USA) began the celebration of Ocho festival in 2021, and this is the third edition in a row. 

Ocho is one of the core Igala festivals, and is celebrated by various Igala communities in Nigeria outside Kogi  State, before farming, to pray to God for good harvest in the farming season. 

The Attah Igala also used the event to pray for the Igala kingdom of USA, Brazil, Cuba as well as Igala sons and daughters worldwide. The revered monarch equally appreciated the traditional rulers of the indigenous Igala community in USA headed by Chief Edibo Idih Abba Nizare, the Onu Igala kingdom USA. 
His Majesty used the opportunity to encouraged them to continue to sustain the various Igala cultures and traditions already being practiced or observed by them, including giving Igala names to their children. 

His Majesty whose message was delivered by Amb Ayegba Abdullahi Adojoh, the Attah Igala's General Ambassador of Igala worldwide, added that indigenous Igala people of USA who are blessed should remember Idah, their origin in terms of development as that is the home of all Igalas, irrespective of their present languages, locations and colour. 

On his own part, the Attah Igala Ambassador and Head of the office of Diaspora Igala Affairs, Amb Ayegba, thanked the people of USA; both indigenous and residents, as well as indigenous Igala communities across 31 states of Nigeria, and appeal to them to keep working to preserve Igala culture for generations yet unborn. 

The 2023 USA Ocho festival, which involves various speakers such as Omachi of Saluda North Carolina, Iye Emah; Iye Igala Kingdom USA, Omaonyete Ufedoojo Agula (Omaonyete Igala Kingdom USA), Abeneche Unyo Ojochamachala (Abeneche Onu Igala for Florida) and others.

It also featured tours, libations, music, dance, food and drinks. It was celebrated in Charleston South Carolina, where Omah Igala Museum is located. Charleston is also the location where the headquarters of Igala kingdom USA is located.

Humanitarian Minister Commission's Legacy Projects In Jamfara



By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has commissioned the National Housing Programme at Kuraje Area in Bungudu Local Government area. The housing project comprising 80 two and three bedroom low cost bungalows are for low income earners in the state.

SA Media in a statement said the minister  represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Opening on Monday said that the housing project was  undertaken by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in Phases since 2016 for the good people of Zamfara State.



“With the support of the Zamfara State Government who provided the land, this place which was once unused land, amounting to no more than idle capital, has come alive and will now provide shelter for ordinary Nigerians.

“This is a good example of some of the developmental possibilities that Inter-Governmental collaboration can produce and I am optimistic that with the provision of more land, the Federal Government certainly can do more. Of course, the progressive ideals of our Government seeks to achieve one primary objective, which is to IMPROVE the human condition. This housing project has achieved that in many ways”.


Umar Farouq also commissioned SDG’s Projects at Federal Government Girls Collage, FGGC Gusau and the Primary Healthcare Centre at Unguwar Dallatu in Gusau Local Government area.

Again, she thanked President Buhari for completing the renovation of the classrooms, Medical laboratories, students hostels and ICT Centre in her alma mater FGGC Gusau which was executed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

“It is indeed a laudable effort by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari  for delivering on his mandate and his selfless service to the people of Nigeria. It is with his support that you see all these developments in Zamfara State and l want to appreciate him for all the numerous interventions to the good people of Zamfara State.


“The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will continue to ensure that these schools are supported adequately. Through the National Home Grown School Feeding Programmes, we will enable adequate and timely provision of food for primaries 1-3 pupils which will enhance enrollment in primary schools”.

Earlier, the Emir of Gusau His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello described Umar Farouq as a worthy daughter of Zamfara when she paid homage to the royal father on arrival.

The Serkinan Gusau thanked the minister for ensuring that Zamfara state benefited from President Buhari’s change mandate which has seen the state develop most of its infrastructure during her tenure as Minister.


On Tuesday, the Minister will commission the Federal Secretariat Complex as well as  SDG’s Projects at the Federal University Gusau.

The Federal Secretariat Gusau, Zamfara State is located at Unguwan Dan Lawan, off Sokoto By-Pass Road, Gusau, and situated on 7.5 Hectares of land. 


May Day: AMAC Chairman felicitates with workers


...Says his administration is committed to promotion of workers welfare 

By Blessing Bature 
 
The Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has sent felicitations, on behalf of the AMAC Administration, to all workers in AMAC, on the occasion of the 2023 Workers’ Day celebration.
 
According to a press statement on Monday morning, signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, Mr Kingsley Madaki, Hon. Maikalangu applauded the efforts of all the frontline workers, “who worked tirelessly over the ongoing fight against revenue invaders and illegal revenue collectors.

Maikalangu lamented that illegal revenue collectors have milked the council dry over the years because of their selfish interest, but assured his administration has fought the revenue pandemic to a standstill since assumption of office.

He called on members of the public not to make cash payment or pay revenue to individuals or companies' accounts to avoid paying taxes twice. 

He said the fight is not yet over urging AMAC residents to continue to report revenue payment issues to the newly created AMAC revenue taskforce, monitoring, inspection and enforcement through the following phone numbers: 09162410000 or 09162450000.

 “I acknowledge and applaud the efforts of all the committed AMAC staff, who risked it all so that the revenue of the council would be safe, and not also forgetting our security operatives. The DSS, Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the AMAC Marshal and others for being supportive at all times,” Maikalangu said.

He noted that preventing or blocking the spread of revenue leakages will ensure consistency of salary payment and infrastructural development in rural areas.

Maikalangu also revealed that his administration inherited and cleared salaries owed by the past administration and has since taken upon as part of his administration’s policy not to owe workers’ for any reason. While calling on trade unions to work with the government and embrace dialogue in settling trade disagreements, he assured that AMAC will take all necessary steps to ensure that staff were well motivated and able to deliver the best possible services to residents of the Council.

He assured staff of AMAC that the Administration was committed to the promotion of their welfare and wellbeing and called for their cooperation and dedication to service, adding that AMAC and indeed the nation cannot reach their full potentials without a committed, dedicated and patriotic workforce.




World Malaria Day: AMAC chair takes sensitization to grassroots



By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel 

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has said effort of relevant stakeholders will ensure the eradication of malaria in AMAC and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Speaking Wednesday in Abuja, during the 2023 World Malaria Day Commemoration by the FCT Public Health Department at the Primary Health Center, Gidan Mangoro in Orozo ward, with the theme “Ending Malaria in the Federal Capital”, Maikalangu said that the fight against malaria scourge will not be possible without collaborative effort by FCTA and other stakeholders and global solidarity to harness the efforts and resources needed to address malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner.
He said: “While both international and domestic funding to fight malaria have dramatically increased between 2005 and 2014, a serious moral obligation lies ahead of us here in FCT to save the lives of about 30 per cent of our children, who are still dying from malaria. 

“Over the years, there have been increase in cases of malaria in countries around the world, which are linked to decreases in financing gap and weaker health systems. Such barriers have continued to keep Africa with a huge malaria burden and FCT area councils are not left out. 

“The African Heads of State and Government in the 2013 Abuja Declaration set bold target to eliminate malaria in Africa by 2030. The same target is now embraced in the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In that regard, Ending Malaria for Good is fundamental pillar of achieving the aspirations that we have set for ourselves in Agenda 2063.
“I am glad that the Catalytic Framework to eliminate malaria is one of the top most priority of this administration. Recently, we provided free medical healthcare to over 1,000 children and women of Kurudu community, including immunization, COVID-19 vaccination, free malaria testing and meditation, HIV testing and counseling, family planning, eye screening and other medical services rendered by medical doctors and nurses.

“This fight against malaria scourge will not be possible without collaborative effort by FCTA and other stakeholders and global solidarity to harness the efforts and resources needed to address malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner.

“Let me emphasise that we are calling for more support and tools to end malaria related deaths in the Council. Partnering to end the malaria scourge in FCT will, no doubt, lead to a robust workforce for, as the saying goes, Health is Wealth. On this note, I want to sincerely thank you for partnering with us in ensuring that malaria is ended in AMAC in particular and the Federal Capital Territory in general.” 

On his part, the representative of the National Malaria Elimination Program, NWEP, Mr Raphael Onyilo, called for more efforts by community leaders, religious leaders to promote and create awareness on basic information about malaria.

He advised pregnant women, mothers and children to always sleep in mosquito treated nets to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and getting malaria.


AMAC Chair Distributes motorcycles, agro-chemical products to over 120 farmers

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Tuesday, flagged off the 2023 farming season in the council, with the title "Agricultural Revolution Starts Now”. 

Speaking at the event, Maikalangu said that the flag off is a gentle reminder for all citizens of the council to embrace farming as a lasting solutions to end food scarcity in the entire council. 

The council boss added that the distribution of items also shows his administration’s commitment to meeting with his campaign promises of reducing the biting hardships experienced by AMAC residents, especially at the rural communities.
He said: "It is indeed my pleasure to address you today at the ceremonial flag-off of the 2023 farming season titled “Agricultural revolution starts now” in Abuja Municipal Area Council to signal the commencement of agricultural events and practices.

"While this is a gentle reminder for all citizens of the council to embrace farming as a lasting solutions to end food scarcity in the entire Council, this event also shows my administration’s commitment to meeting with my campaign promises of reducing the  biting hardships experienced by my people, especially at the rural communities.
"I am glad to announce that the Abuja Municipal Area Council will today distribute assorted farming items ranging from Agro- chemical products and others to not less than 120 farmers; 10 each from the 12 electoral wards. 

"The take-off project involves the donation of sack spraying machines, assorted herbicides and other agricultural tools we have gladly obtained for free distribution to our farmers.

"May I also remark that the beneficiaries were selected following recommendations and based on their statuses as "Sarkin Noma" of their communities."
He added: "It is necessary to note that every farmer is qualified, but for financial constraints, we shall continue to reach out to as many farmers as possible on the next batches of our farmer-empowerment schemes.

"For the beneficiaries, I wish to advise you never to contemplate on selling them for financial gains but make use of the implements so as to achieve the desired result. 

"On this note, may I officially flag-off the 2023 farming season and I wish to congratulate our farmers for witnessing the 2023 farming season. 

"May I at this point also call on everyone to avoid any  act that would cause mayhem in your communities. Let us ensure  peace with our neighbors and always be our brother's keepers."

Highlight of the event was the distribution of two BM 100 motorcycles to inspection workers. 

Agro chemicals, including 120 pieces of Sunsate pressure sprayers, 5 cartons of agro chemical products containing (12 bottles each) Paraforce, 5 Forceup Glaphosate, 5 Afraforce, 5 Cypeforce, Guardforce were also distributed to the farmers. 

While showing his appreciation, Chairman of Sarkin Norma of AMAC, Mr Emmanuel Danladi, said the inputs will help farmers to curb food insecurity. 

Speaking with journalists, Mr Solomon Thomas, who is an extension agent working with the council, said that the greatest challenge of Extension Workers is accessing farmers, but that the motorcycles will help them in interfacing with farmers especially with regards to innovations. 

"I can't thank the Chairman enough for this wonderful donations to AMAC farmers. He has indeed lifted a great burden from us by donating the farming inputs to farmers. As extention workers, the motorcycles will help us in our duty of meeting farmers with innovations," he said. 



UniAbuja: AMAC Chair seeks collaboration in sports, more admission of Indigenes

...Donates sports items worth N2.8m for competition 

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, Monday, led a delegation of AMAC staff to a courtesy visit on the University of Abuja, UniAbuja and urged the VC to consider more admission opportunities for AMAC indigenes.

Speaking during a courtesy visit on the University of Abuja, Maikalangu said that he desires to collaborate with the citadel of learning in sports development. 
Senior Special Assistant Media and Public Affairs to AMAC Chairman, Kingsley Madaki in a statement said "the University of Abuja is our home. We always come here for collaboration. I am here with my staff to synergise with you on moving the university forward. We are here to support you in terms of sports development. 

Maikalangu said, "I have earmarked funds for sports competition in the university. I want to sponsor the faculty inter faculty sports competition. It will be known as the Abdul-Raheed N'Allah and Maikalangu inter faculty sports competition. We want the university to have the best sports team. Therefore, we came with sports items for the university. 

"Also, I want to plead for more admission slots for our indigenes. It is disheartening that our people often travel to Sokoto and other faraway states in search of admission. This is because it's assumed that admission is easy there, whereas we have a university here. 
"Therefore, we urge you to consider more Abuja indigenes for admission in the university. Even if you have been doing that, we want more for our people." 

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Raheed N'Allah, who was represented by the Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Gabriel Moti, said that he was elated to receive such a good gesture from the AMAC Chairman. 

He said: "Today has been a wonderful day for us in the university. We have never seen this kind of visit that AMAC would suspend everything and move to UniAbuja. We want to thank you for the initiative you took in developing sports in UniAbuja. We are grateful for the partnership opportunity. 

"It is not even the amount you put in that matters, but the deep excitement that will envelope and develop amongst students because of the sports collaboration between AMAC and UniAbuja. 

"Here, we don't just focus on teaching, but developing the students through sports. We have a basketball court, volleyball court, football pitch, etc. We recently started indoor sports, which is almost completed. We look forward to the competition kicking off. 

"Since his assumption of office in 2019, the VC has made it a priority to give FCT more slots as one of our cashment states, despite tye university having cashment in all states across the country. Therefore, rest assured that we will continue to do that. More additional slots will be provided FCT students."

Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Abubakar Umar Kari, said that the football partnership is a welcome development as the school has been finding it difficult in hosting competitions for students.


Foundation commission toilet facilities, 3 block classrooms to Gwarinpa junior school


Blessing Bature, Abuja


As the world commemorate the 2023 World Water Day, the Sam Empowerment Foundation, has commissioned a sanitary facility project, 12 units 3 block classrooms, 3 block toilet facilities and renovat a 3 block classrooms in Gwarinpa estate junior secondary school, Abuja to address the unhealthy practices of open defecation in the school.

The Foundation Project Director, Kiema Ogunlana during the commissioning of the project said the project was strategically apt considering the challenges the girl child could face in the school especially when there are in their monthly period having to go to bush to change their pads was really deplorable and unthought of.

She stated, "the toilet is also socially inclusive because we did it for persons with disability and we took them into cognisance because we didn't want to leave them out. So basically it's a success story for us and we are happy that today has come to pass.

She maintained that the foundation whose thematic focus is health education, vulnerable children, programing and empowerment has been embarking on several lives touching programs around FCT and the sanitary facility project is the latest.

Ogunlana said, this year world water day with the  theme "accelerating change"  is imperative that we have to give each child opportunity to replicate the change we want to see because we believe that change begins with you.

"Before now it was open defecation that was the order of the day in the school, the kids has no place for sanitary facility where they can change even as they are in their period, so you see kids going to the bush to change,  it was really deplorable state and so we took it upon our selves through our founder, president and our partners and were able to talk to the government agencies in charge of the particular school in FCT to give us the permission to come and start something to build the facility which we are now done and today we are commissioning a 12 units, 3 block classrooms, 3 block toilet facilities, in addition to this we are also renovating a 3 block classrooms to the school".

She Urged NGOs to work hand in hand to galvanize efforts with government in order to touch lives, because government alone can not do it considering the paucity of funds and the budgetary allocation at their disposal.

Responding, the school principal, Mrs Zainab Hassan while expressing her excitement over the commissioning of the facilities, said she is  overwhelmed by the gesture and thanked the foundation for the show of love and care for humanity, adding that the students are equally overwhelmed with joy.

"You can imagine a girl child who is on her period and will not come to school maybe for the first three days of her heavy flow because she does not have a place to change, but now they can come to school conveniently and can change or do whatever thing they want to do, so we are very appreciative and we pray that God bless them more and more", she added.

IWD: AMAC Chairman Calls For Social, Political Empowerment Of Women

...Promises to reduce maternal mortality rates to zero 



By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel

The Executive of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu has called for greater socio-economic and political empowerment of women to further enhance their status as agents of sustainable development. 

Senior Special Assistant Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, said the Council Boss said this in a statement issued to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day, with the theme, “ Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality Gender equality.” adding that it is important to highlight the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.

While congratulating women on the occasion, Maikalangu assured that his administration will work towards reducing maternal mortality rates to zero by providing adequate standard health facilities in rural communities in AMAC, to cater for pregnant women and children. 

He noted that Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action BDPfA, already recognized that women’s participation in politics and decision-making are essential to achieving sustainable development. 

Maikalangu lamented that Nigeria is still lagging in many areas in terms of gender equality and balance.   

“In Nigeria, women make up a mere 3.8 per cent representation in parliament, the lowest in Africa. Yet, greater involvement of women in decision-making will enhance the goals of equality, development peace, advancement of Nigeria’s democracy and even acceleration of women participation in government,” he said.

While urging political actors across all levels to give priority to activities aimed at advancing gender inclusion, balance and equality. 

The council Boss, commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of State FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, and wife of the Senator Representing FCT at the National Assembly, Princess Hauwa Aduda and other stakeholders on their unrelenting quest to ensure empowerment of women for national development.


AMAC Chair Warns Defaulting Hoteliers To Pay Revenues or Seal Their Hotels

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has on Wednesday warned defaulting hoteliers to pay their revenues or have their hotels sealed.

Warning the hotel owners to that effect at a telephone in a statement by the Senor Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, SAMPA, to the AMAC chairman, Kingsley Madaki, said that the area council has strictly followed the law and served them 14 days demand notice. 

Madaki further informed that the Chairman of AMAC had a meeting with the association of the hoteliers known as HOFA in the area council and discussed with them on the importance of the revenue to the running of the area council and private businesses, such as hotels.

He equally informed that since they have been given 14 days demand notice which, according to him has since elapsed, the AMAC taskforce would start work on Monday to verify those that have paid and seal those that haven't.

Responding to questions on double taxations the hoteliers have been decrying, the SAMPA said that AMAC only collects liquor license, business premises permit, among others, adding that one notice is usually given and since the area council has done that according  to him, the taskforce will start work on Monday. He informed that the area council has also furnished them with its account number,  even as he warned that anybody that paid to another account number would be on his or her own.

Still justifying the planned action of the area council, he said the chairman has fulfilled his promises to provide transformers and other facilities where there were none during his campaign, even as he stated that such facilities were usually provided through revenue generated from business operators in the area council.

On the collection of taxes and other revenues by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), he informed that the FCTA or any of its agencies, like the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) lacked the jurisdiction to collect revenue from business operators, saying that they are not area council.

Madaki therefore appealed to them to cooperate with the area council,  as well as strictly follow the rules and regulations for their own interest and that of the government, adding that the government, as an agent, is for the good of the citizens.

Humanitarian Ministry Donates Food Items to Victims of Maiduguri Monday Market Fire

Blessing Bature, Abuja


The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has presented food items to victims of Maiduguri Monday Market fire incident in Borno state. 

In a statement by the SA media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze said the Minister made the presentation to the Governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Umara  Zulum on Thursday when she paid a condolence visit to the state government. 
Among the food items presented include 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spaghetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil. 

The Minister who accompanied His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to visit the ruins  left of the Maiduguri Monday Market,  expressed sadness at the complete destruction of the biggest trading hub in the North East region while briefing the President.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, I deeply sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state on this unfortunate fire incident. I have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to assess the level of damage but from what we are seeing now, it appears nothing was left by the inferno. Everything here was burnt. 

“After the assessment, the Ministry will submit a full report to Mr President to seek special intervention for the victims.

“We are handing over 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spagetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable oil. Your Excellency, this is an emergency relief intervention but we will collaborate  with the Borno State Government to  provide building materials to rebuild the market”.

The Chairman of the Market Association, Awaji Bukar expressed deep appreciation to the President for the visit and appealed for more support from the Federal Government to assuage the colossal loss incurred by the traders.

Borno Fire: Minister expresses sadness, Sympathizes With Market Traders


Blessing Bature, Abuja 

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has expressed sadness over the fire incident which gutted the Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno state early Sunday. 

SA media Nneka Ikem Anibeze, in a statement said the raging inferno which was said to have started at about 2 am spread to different parts of the market, destroying many shops and property worth billions of Naira.

Farouq described the incident as unfortunate and a great loss to the nation’s economy.
“We received the sad news early this morning of the fire disaster which engulfed the biggest market in Maiduguri. We understand that goods and shops worth billions of naira have been destroyed by the raging fire. 

“This is a great loss to the country’s economy, especially Borno state which is just beginning to recover from the destruction and losses as a result of insurgency and banditry. We sympathize with the state government and people of Borno state, especially the traders whose livelihoods have gone up in flames following the fire incident.

“I  have directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to help with Search and Rescue operations of property to see what can be salvaged and to ascertain the level of damage and loss at the Monday Market”.

The 35 year old Monday Market is the largest trading hub in the North East . Hundreds of shops and warehouses were said to be affected by the inferno.

AMAC Taskforce Raid Wuse market garden, Arrests10 Fraudsters




AMAC Taskforce Raid Wuse Market Garden, Arrests10 Fraudsters 

Blessing Bature, Abuja 

The combined security Joint Task force of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC on Friday, raided Wuse market garden use as hideout for illicit drugs dealers and den of fake AMAC task collectors within the area and arrested 10 suspected fraudsters.

The Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to AMAC Chairman and the Coordinator of the AMAC Taskforce  on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement in charge of the team, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf after the arrest, said the suspects were apprehended following the tireless efforts of the Task force in combing black spots illegal task collectors who specialize in using the name of AMAC and fake receipt to swindle the general public within the Council, especially in area of Mobile Advert revenue of AMAC.

He explained that the suspects mostly male had turned the garden directly opposite the popular Wuse market main entrance gate into their haven for criminal activities.

Yusuf said the team would stop at nothing in riding the entire Council of criminal elements that threaten revenue and the peace of the Abuja Municipal Area Council and its residents.

He disclosed that items recovered from them include fake AMAC jackets with inscriptions of AMAC Taskforce on it, fake AMAC receipts, AMAC ID cards, illicit drugs and charms.

According to him, the 10 suspects would be profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions.

Yusuf said: “We have arrested about 10 suspected fraudsters faking AMAC recipients and operational permit, and they have mentioned name of their bosses which includes one Mr Ebere Nwaokocha, Onyeka Cletus Odama, Reuben Emuraishe Christhian and being supported by the Babagana Adam. Director Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signages.

“We are going to take many of them to court, they operate as an unauthorised  AMAC technical partners, we did not engage any of them to collect revenue in mobile Advert and places in AMAC which is an offence. They want to hide within that garden, some places in area 11, Utako, Jabi and black spots in order to commit havoc in AMAC.

“We will do thorough profiling because we are suspecting that there could be Agbero  from some garages around the FCT and escapes Kuje Correctional Centre.

“We are starting from Wuse axis, and we will expand it to other areas, the exercise will reach all the revenue area of the Council because the Council Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu has made it clear that his administration will have zero tolerance on revenue Leakages of the Council. And has maintained that he will go all out to apprehend perpetrators of illegality in AMAC as it concerns revenue collection in AMAC.

“We have told them to find where they will go or find another job because they can’t fight an elected government. We have not ask DOAS or any other names mentioned above to help us or collect revenue in AMAC on our behalf. We have agreed that if you fight us, we will fight you.

“This operation is one that the security agencies have started since, we are about to start the  operation mass with inclusion of DSS and the military because this illegality must stop. We voted this government into power and we must use the revenue generated and work for them at the rural communities. we want to clear the city centre off of criminals and fraudsters.

“We have agreed as a government to do it together. I’m the Cordinator of this joint taskforce that comprises of the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , Immigration Service, DSS and other sister agencies. And all of us combined, you can see the result. We start major operation next week and by the time we are done with them the entire Council will be sanitized,” he said.





Group appeals to FG to convert proposed Fed. Poly Adikpo to Skill acquisition centre


Ruth Oketunde, Abuja 


The Kwande United People Organisation (KWUPO), a socio-cultural group, has appealed to the Federal Government to convert the proposed  Federal Polytechnic Adikpo, in Kwande LGA of Benue State to a mega skill acquisition centre.

Mr Samuel Agah, the leader of the Abuja Chapter of the group, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Agah said that the bill for the defunct federal polytechnic had been passed, but was awaiting accent by the President.

He said that the Kwande people had been supportive of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, as such, they deserve a fair share to show for it.

According to him, a good number of structures were erected and equipment such as computers, furniture and many others were already procured and installed for the take off of the polytechnic.

He however, noted that for the huge investment not to be wasted, the people of Kwande would love to feel the presence of the federal government in their community, as the center would serve as a training ground for its teeming youths.

He added that the people on their part had already employed security to safeguard the facility and equipment already installed, to avoid damage and vandalism.