Addressing Infrastructural needs in FCT for Grassroots Development




In Nigeria, most rural communities are usually without such basic amenities as road, potable water, electricity, education and primary health, a situation that makes life all the harder for the low-income workers that live in those places. But in some cases, government is making efforts to address some of these needs. In this report, BLESSING BATURE interrogates the contributions of the executive chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Adamu Candido, to community development within the council and his Next-Chapter Agenda.


The availability of basic needs in various communities have attendant economic and social benefits to the people. For instance, the rural dweller requires feeder road to get their farm produce to the markets, electricity is needed to boost petty businesses, while
primary schools should be available to cater for children in the communities. primary health care is needed at the grassroots to care for the people when they are il and portable water supply is equally
required so as to prevent illnesses and to meet household daily needs. All these are the responsibility of the local council.

Since his election in 2016, the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Adamu Candido, has taken it upon himself to provide the people of his council with basic amenities. A man who understands the terrain of local administration as well as the yearning and aspirations of his people in terms of developmental needs, his administration has recorded remarkable developmental strides in the history of the area council.

From electricity to water supply, education, health care, road construction and market development, he has touched all these sectors in a bid to transform rural communities and give them quality life within the first term of his administration.

He, ushered in his second tenure with the Next Chapter slogan This chupter is a deliberate attemp by the chairman to strongthen infrastructural developaent projects on ground to stand the test of time and also to ensure completion of the ones ongoing while projecting new capital projects to Caption Other communities and villages.

His next chapter is also vigorously pursuing the establishment of school for the gifted, ICTinnovation centre that would harness best brain pupils across the council as well as train women and youths on ICT and other innovative ventures for the purpose of empowerment.

Under his electrification projects, Candido's administration supplied of 800 KVA Generator plant at Area I Shopping Centre and rural electrification scheme at Tungan Madaki Community, Iddo Sarki, Kuchibeyidna Village, Pyakassa Community, Gyipa Village, Kpaduma, Yiyimity Village, Gwari, Karshi, Jiwa Pipeline Street as well as the donation of a 500K VA transformer to each several communities including Karonmagiji, Jiwa, Akaore Road, Karshi, Orozo and Ketti.

In education he equally did well, constructing a block of three classrooms at Wasa Community, furnishing a block of three classrooms at Iddo-Maji, completing and furnishing a block of three classroom at Azhata, etc, Candido's exploits in road infrastructure
include rehabilitating Dutse -Garki access Road, rehabilitating Jiwa access and many more.

He also constructed public conveniences with borehole in Karimo, Angwan Hausawa, Damagaza, Nyanya, VIO, and fenced the cemetery at Gwagwa Village as well as construct primary health care clinic at Mabushi and Karonmagiji and completed one primary health care centre at Damagaza.

It is also noted that amid all these projects, Candido's administration has put in so many innovative institutions such as the AMAC Marshals, Microfinance Bank, AMAC Investment, AMAC community
Radio among others and these institutions, when fully operational, will turn AMAC into an economic viable area council better enough to compete with most states of the federation.

According to the head, Public Relations, AMAC, Mrs Patience Olaloye, the next chapter is a deliberate attempt by the chairman to strengthen infrastructural development for all the wards in the
council. She said no project was cited without consideration of it's benefit to the people, the interest and needs of the community became the basis consideration of its benefit why they were carried along with their representatives.

The council has over 100 villages across the 12 wards which includes: Garki, Gui, Gwagwa, Gwanrinpa, Karu, Karshi. Kbusak, Nyanya, Wuse, Jiwa, Orozo and the City Centre ward.

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) revenue coordinator, Mr Awaje Danlami, said every administration revolved around the availability of funds and if such funds were not there, it would be difficult to meet the needs of the people. He added that in spite of the allocation and revenue collected, it was difficult to do much in the area of development.

"Sometimes, when we go to collect revenue, some people keep begging and one can see that truly the person has not made any sales."

He said the local governments, which are the ones closer to the people, are not getting adequate funding.
"It is obvious the local government has wide area of revenue generation but the fact remains that the machinery for collection and application is lacking.
"Abuja is faced with a wide range of developmental activities especially with the influx of people daily and they will require healthcare, roads, water, electricity, schools, among others," he said.

Danlami said the council is faced with challenges including inadequate revenue both internally generated and allocation from the federation account and the influx of people into Abuja had led to the
expenditure of the council to increase, coupled with the economic decline.

He added that in other to meet the challenges, the council is focusing on revenue generation in the next chapter such as boosting and optimising existing revenue streams, and "fosteringa culture
of transparency and accountability, and developing a data-driven IGR policy.

Expert Urges Government To Build Structure For Nollywood Industry

By Blessing Bature, Abuja

A Creative Director, Media and Communication Expert and blogger, Mr. Chika Osuya has said that government should step up and create a structure for the Nigerian film industry where upcoming actors can go in and sort for attention or consult expert information and guidance .

He said this yesterday during a book lunch in Abuja tittled " Life's Table a Facebook or online community of writers and film makers" a book that unveils the rudiments of filmmaking. Adding that in Nigerian educational curriculum we have drama or theatre art as a course in schools yet no structure of such industry is established by government to accommodate such graduates and therefore urged government to build a tangible office for Nollywood development in the country where people can walk into and submit a proposal for a very good film, an office that will groom talented youths with acting potentials into full blown actors and actresses that will contribute to the economic development of the country and reduce unemployment.

He also urged parents not to see actors and actresses as street walkers but as professionals who are educated and trained in the field of drama just as every other professionals so youths who have the zeal and talent for acting should be encouraged by their parents and given the necessary supports to grow in the field, through this programme we have been able to influence life positively , raising so many young men and women to the top.

In the same vein Japhet Prosper who is also a creative expert encouraged all youths who are interested in acting to feel free to access their platform or Whatsup group called " Life's Table Film Production, where we interact and have round table discussion on the rudiments, skills and techniques of acting, script writing, TV presentation, make-up, props and so many other departments in theatre and filmmaking .

" We have been teaching our students on how to assume roles or imitate characters in our societies, teaching how to interpret theatre and film scripts, how to finetune voice and speech awareness - we do all these to in order to prepare these groomed students for the major tasks ahead such as the planned movie project slated for January 2020", he added.

SDM Dancers Wins TALENT Hunt Contest

Blessing Bature, Abuja


SDM group of Dancers has emerged winner of this year Face of Made in Nigeria Talent Hunt; "Gwagwalada Got Talent", with an excellent awards of one hundred and fifty thousand naira in gwagwalada yesterday, Abuja.

According to the Founder of FACE OF MADE IN NIGERIA, CEO of RIKKI PRODUCTIONS LTD and Founder of RIKKI NWAJIOFOR FOUNDATION, Comr. Rikki Chinedu Nwajiofor (Akpaka Igbo), FACE OF MADE IN NIGERIA is a movement that promotes the use of the products manufactured in Nigeria. It is geared towards job creation and meaningful engagements of the Nigerian Youths which will eradicate societal crimes and terrorism in Nigeria. "It is a clear fact that when Youths are meaningfully engaged, their minds will be steered off cultism, kidnapping, illegal migrations and other societal crimes", he said.

The movement also promotes and showcases the good image of Nigeria to the world as it sensitizes the Nigerian Youths politically and in the areas of Entrepreneurship.

Rikki Nwajiofor said his production house is poised to revolutionize the movie and music productions in Nigeria. It is concerned with promoting indigent Youths talented in the different areas of Entertainment. He is embarking on a grassroot Talent Hunt intended to discover hidden talents from the grassroots, nurture them and showcase them to the world.

"We are Youth oriented, This foundation strives for Youth sensitization and empowerment, training of orphans and the indigents, dissemination of messages of Peace and National Unity, rendering of assistance to the internally displaced Youths, fighting for the just cause of the downtrodden and a lot more," he said.

In the words of Comr. Rikki Nwajiofor, "Face of Made in Nigeria, in collaboration with Rikki Nwajiofor Foundation, is set to replicate this patriotic project of Talent Hunt, across the Federation as we have a mission of projecting the good image of Nigeria to the world, especially the wonderful products manufactured here in Nigeria. Our highly Talented and ever resilient Youths will be showcased to the world, as we strive to make Nigeria Great again.

He commended the contestants for their diligence. He admonished those who didn't win any prize not to be discouraged or be demoralized as they are free to contest and win in subsequent editions. He disclosed that the Gwagwalada Got Talent was organized and executed without any Financial support from any politician or government Agencies. The resources were put together by the Team of Face of Made in Nigeria as a way of "giving back to the society", in their own little way.

He explained that three winners emerged in different categories of the Talent Hunt, saying that the idea is to cover as much grounds in talent discovery that would promote the cognitive engagement of the youth and make them have confident in asserting themselves in positive endeavours.

He urged the Federal government to look into Film productions and invest more in Entertainment industry, adding that the industry is a great industry that will channel its strength to abate unemployment if Government backs it up with grants, cinemas, initiate and implement policies against piracy. "Imagine you produced a film and before you know it, it will be pirated and sold on CDs by another person as some others will upload it on internet. It means that you have laboured for the Pirates and it is discouraging".

"Government should create a channel on how to market Films, establish cinemas, viewing centers, etc. It will help producers and eradicate unemployment in Nigeria".

Winners are: 1st position: SDM Dancers with a Prize of 150,000 naira and roles in a movie. 2nd position: Mr. Olaolu Sanya (a.k.a. Laudy Eamz), a Musician, with a prize of 100,000 naira and a musical video production. 3rd position; Ms. Cindy Collins (a.k.a. Voice), a Rapper, with a prize of 50,000 naira and a musical video production.

Xenophobic Attacks: Committee urges Nigerian students to avoid reprisal attacks
August 13, 2019 Admin2 SundiataPost 0
Whatapp News


By Kingsley Okoye



Abuja, – The Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) on Tuesday appealed to youths and students’ organisations in Nigeria to refrain from further planned picketing of South African businesses in Nigeria over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in their country.

The committee’s Director-General, Mr Obinna Nwaka, who made the appeal in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, however, condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had on Aug. 8, picketed three South African companies, including MTN, in Abeokuta, Ogun, to protest the frequent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The other companies picketed were MultiChoice DSTV and Stanbic IBTC in Abeokuta.

The protesters had carried placards with different inscriptions such as “Nigerian students can no longer keep quiet while South Africans kill Nigerians.

“All South African business interests must leave Nigeria.”

No fewer than 127 Nigerians have been reportedly killed in various dimensions of xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the years.

NANS had also on July 26, embarked on a protest in Markurdi, Benue, against the inhuman treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, as they picketed some establishments affiliated to South Africa operating in Makurdi.

The students, who had decried the killing of Nigerians in South Africa, noted that they would not allow South African businesses to run in Nigeria

Nwaka described South African xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans as unpleasant and did not represent the Pan-African philosophy of late Nelson Mandela.

“While appreciating Nigerians for their concerns over the attacks, we call on youths and students’ organisations to stop taking laws into their hands by picketing South African businesses like MTN, DSTV and other organisations,” he said.

Nwaka warned about the consequences of any attempted reprisal attacks, saying such would increase violence, crime and worsen the unemployment situation in Nigeria.

He, however, implored the South African government to adopt proactive measures to end the killing of Nigerians and ensure peaceful coexistence between citizens of both countries.

On “#RevolutionNow” protest, Nwaka, noted that CYMS condemned the act in its entirety.

He urged groups, students and youths bodies to desist from supporting undemocratic and unpatriotic activities.

He appealed to the Federal Government to temper justice with mercy and release the arrested protesters along with their leader, Mr Omoyele Sowore.

Nwaka said, “ the demands of Sowore for a better governance is good but his approach would have resulted to a national embarrassment and distraction to governance.”

Nwaka used the forum to felicitate with Muslim faithful on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and congratulated Nigerian youths on the occasion of the International Youth Day celebration with the theme “Transforming Education”.

He said CYMS was a body charged with the responsibility of mobilising the support of young people for government policies and programmes.

He urged government at all levels to reciprocate patriotic disposition of Nigerian youths by providing then with secured environment, basic standard education and inclusion in governance as promised during the 2019 electioneering.

Nwaka said it was important for governments to allow young people to be part of decision making process that concerned them, saying this approach if implemented, would help reduce unnecessary protests, crime and restiveness in the country.

Group cautions youths against violent protests

Comrade Obinna Nwaka, Chairman and Director General of Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), a non-governmental Organisation has cautions youths and youth groups to desist from engaging in violent protests.

The Chairman in a statement issued on Thursday, warned that such violent protests constitute threats to National Security.

Reacting to recent protests by Islamic group, Shi’ites which resulted in violent clashes with security operatives, Nwaka cautioned youths not to allow themselves to be used for such protests.

According to the statement signed by the group’s Director Media and publicity, Otobong Gabriel, CYMS expressed grave worry that the security situation would negatively affect the economy of the nation.

He noted with displeasure that many Nigerians were now increasingly more scared about going about the legitimate businesses within the FCT and the neighbouring states for fear of being harassed or killed the shiites group.

“Violent protest is a heinous crime against the state that can only be carried out by unpatriotic citizens.

“It therefore behooves on all young Nigerians not to take part in or support any gathering or protest that is inimical to the growth and development of the country,” it said.

The group therefore commiserated with the families of Deputy Commissioner of Police FCT, DCP Usman Umar and a Youth Corps Member Precious Owolabi who were killed during one of the violent protests.

The group also used the opportunity to condemn recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, calling on the governments of both countries to find a lasting solution.

CYMS Congratulates Abba Kyari and Boss Mustapha Over Re-appointments

By Blessing Bature, Abuja

The Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) under the leadership of Comrade Obinna Nwaka the Director General has congratulated Abba Kyari the Chief of Staff to Mr President and Boss Mustapha the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF over their re-appointments describing it as a confirmation of the President's confidence on them.

In a statement issued by its Director Media and publicity, Otobong Gabriel yesterday said that their contributions to the political and economic stability of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is highly commendable and must be encouraged by all who mean well for Nigeria.

The Committee Of Youth On Mobilization and Sensitization is a registered body constituted by youth leaders to promote and supports the policies and programmes of the federal government with structures all across the federation. The CYMS while felicitated with the duo said their reappointments by President Muhammadu Buhari is a reward for hard work and diligence to duty, "the reappointments of the two principal officers was testamentary of the President’s approval for their work in his first term and his believe in their ability to contribute meaningfully toward the “Next Level” agenda he promised Nigerians."

Gabriel said that Abba Kyari had been a dedicated and reliable chief of staff to Mr. President in discharging his duties and urged him to continue to effectively steer the Presidency’s affairs toward productive governance that will bring hope to the common Nigerians.

He however called on the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha to remain a dogged and relentless administrator in the affairs of the Nigerian state which he creditably demonstrated during his first coming and wished them good health and the wisdom to fulfill their duties and to take Nigeria to the Next Level of economic prosperity.

CYMS Hails Lawan, Gbajabiamila On Their Emergence


The Committee Of Youth On Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has congratulated Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila over their victory in the just concluded National Assembly Leadership election of the Upper and Lower Chambers yesterday in Abuja.

In a statement issued by the Director General of CYMS Mr. Obinna Nwaka said that their victory is a well deserved one owing to their experiences in legislative matters, adding that the two presiding officers who will be piloting the affairs of the upper and Lower Legislative chambers all have tested capacities to lead the ninth assembly in a way that will shape the polity of Nigeria and promote economic transformation.

He however advised them to work together with the executive to facilitate speedy passage of bills that will enhance peace and unity of the country, support viable policies that will stabilise the polity and encourage investors to promote economic investment that will take the youths out of unemployment saga.

Nwaka encouraged the legislators to work together with their leaders irrespective of political affiliations, religion or ethnic differences and put the interest of the country first so that together we can move to the next level of economic prosperity which is the vision and agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari. [url][/url]

CYMS Hails Lawan, Gbajabiamila On Their Emergence


The Committee Of Youth On Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has congratulated Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila over their victory in the just concluded National Assembly Leadership election of the Upper and Lower Chambers yesterday in Abuja.

In a statement issued by the Director General of CYMS Mr. Obinna Nwaka said that their victory is a well deserved one owing to their experiences in legislative matters, adding that the two presiding officers who will be piloting the affairs of the upper and Lower Legislative chambers all have tested capacities to lead the ninth assembly in a way that will shape the polity of Nigeria and promote economic transformation.

He however advised them to work together with the executive to facilitate speedy passage of bills that will enhance peace and unity of the country, support viable policies that will stabilise the polity and encourage investors to promote economic investment that will take the youths out of unemployment saga.

Nwaka encouraged the legislators to work together with their leaders irrespective of political affiliations, religion or ethnic differences and put the interest of the country first so that together we can move to the next level of economic prosperity which is the vision and agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.