Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Maikalangu

EID- EL- MAULUD: Maikalangu enjoins AMAC residents to embrace peace, sacrifice, tolerance
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu in his message to felicitate with Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of the Eid- el- Maulud has enjoined them to embrace the teachings of peace upon which the religion of Islam is built on.
The Council Boss equally enjoined all Muslims faithful and other residents of the Council to join Nigerians from across the country to reflect deeply on the role they can play individually and collectively to build a nation of which they can be proud.
He said “We must eschew people to shun violence no matter their political, religious and tribal affiliations which is counter productive but rather apply dialogue in settling differences.”
According to the Chairman, the Federal Capital Territory was built on a foundation of unity and tolerance for all Nigerians.
Maikalangu used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of the Council’s administration to provide adequate security during the Eid-El- Maulud celebrations as he appealed to residents to always cooperate with the security agencies at all times by providing useful information that will assist them in the discharge of their responsibilities.
September 27, 2023
AMAC Chairman takes project inspection to Jiwa, Karmo, Gwa Gwa, Dei Dei communities
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu on Thursday visited more communities including Jiwa , Karmo, Gwa Gwa, and Dei Dei communities for on the spot inspection of more community projects delivery and campaign promises.
Maikalangu who was accompanied by some members of his cabinet, journalists, and security agents during the second leg of his projects’ inspection tour under his administration visited the AMAC visited the AMAC Skills Acquisition Centre in Jiwa community, where over 50 students are presently being taught on woodwork and metal fabrication.
The Chairman advised students of the AMAC Skills Acquisition Centre to be dedicated to their studies because they will, we be required to construct and supply desks for LEA primary schools in AMAC.
He also inspected the construction of a solar-powered borehole in Jiwa community, including the installation of 3 solar streetlights in Gwagwa-Jiwa Bypass.
At Jiyita community, under Jiwa ward, Maikalangu also inspected the construction of a 500kva by 33 lines transformer at Damgbma community.
Maikalangu extended his visits to Zaudna and Bagusa communities to inspect solar boreholes constructed in the two communities.
The ongoing construction of a comprehensive water supply project at Kagini by Baptist Church was also inspected.
Speaking at Kagini by Baptist Church, the Head of Works and Housing, Arch. Andrew Gaza, said that the water supply project from Lower Usman Dam will be supplied to the entire community through different fetching points once completed.
Maikalangu’s visit to Karmo community was dramatic as over 2000 residents trooped out to welcome the Chairman, singing praises and songs to appreciate him for including them in his numerous projects in line with his campaign promises.
September 23, 2023
Farming season: Maikalangu distributes fertilizer in Takalafiya, Burum, Saburi communities, others
…Donates 7.5 KVA generator to power community borehole
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, today distributed agricultural relief materials such as over 200 NPK fertilizer to farmers
at Takalafiya.1,2 , Burum and Saburi communities to enhance their agricultural produce.
Maikalagu on Friday, during the distribution of farming urged the farmers to take advantage of his administration’s policies on agric to expand their activities.
Among items donated were 50kg of 200 NPK fertilizers, and farming implements like spraying machines, holes, shovels, rakes, wheel-barrows, cutlasses, pairs of crutches and grinding machine to members of the communities.
He advised the farmers and village heads not to compromise with the donated items, adding that he personally brought items to guard against middlemen hijacking the fertilizers for their selfish interests.
The Chairman said that the bags of fertilizer and other farming inputs provided for farmers by the council will greatly improve agriculture in AMAC, and called on farmers to make best use of gesture.
Meanwhile, Maikalangu has promised to finance the local vigilante groups with monthly stipends, as he called the village heads to organize the entire community vigilante groups.
He said, “As you all know, I am a man of few words. I believe in action more than words. Last week, Saturday, we distributed agricultural inputs to the 12 wards of AMAC. I was asked by journalists my plans for those in rural areas, and I replied that we will take the agricultural inputs to them very soon. That’s why I, personally, brought these items to you so that you will know that you will never be forgotten by my administration.”
“These items are not for sale, but for use in growing your farms to ensure food security. To the glory of God, we will continue to do our best to ensure that the dividends of democracy are brought to your communities in different ways. This is your government. You overwhelmingly voted for me, and I will always make sure you get the best from this administration.”
The village Head of Takalafiya, Moses Alayabayaro, commended the council boss for extending the gesture of fertilizer and other agricultural items to rural communities.
“I commend the Executive of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, for always doing the right thing at the right time. I once again congratulate the people of AMAC for having Maikalangu as their Chairman.”
Infact , most of the things this Chairman is doing make me to share tears of joy, and we pray for him to aspire for a second term in office,” he said.
The Executive Chairman also announced a cash donation to rural women in the communities and a donation of a 7.5 KVA generator to power their borehole.
While assuring that the State Government has put all modalities in place to provide adequate fertilizer and all farming implements to meet the growing demands by farmers in the council, Maikalangu said that over 200 NPK fertilizer has been distributed to AMAC communities in this farming season.
He pleaded with residents to support his administration to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
July 15, 2023
Maikalangu distributes empowerment items, encourages youths to be hardworking
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, at the flag- off of the 2023 Empowerment Scheme at Apo Resettlement on Thursday distributed empowerment materials to youths at the AMAC Town Hall at Apo Resettlement.
Maikalangu said that the empowerment scheme and materials is part of the AMAC administration’s commitment to enhance productive to encourage hardworking among the youths.
He said”I want to use this medium to encourage our youth to engage in meaningful venture in order to earn legitimate wealth that will stand the test of time.”
” It is better for us to work very hard, have good name and earn respect than spending our time on wasteful ventures.”
According to the AMAC Chairman, the empowerment is part of the Council’s strategy the last one year to encourage youths who are willing to put in extra effort in legitimate ventures”
Meanwhile, the Council had distributed other empowerment items to residents that will help them create wealth, and discourage laziness.
Maikalangu recalled, “Recently, the council distributed fertilizer and other agricultural input to our farmers in order to boost their farm production.”
” Today, we are distributing sewing machines, shovels, rakes, clippers, exercise books for the LEA Primary Schools, wheel chair tricycles, crouches, air pressure machines, footballs, jerseys and table tennis boards.”
The Chairman however warned the beneficiaries not to divert or sell the empowerment materials.
They must serve the purpose it is meant for in order to engage our youths in meaningful ventures, he warned.
To further support and encourage the youths, Maikalangu said that although the FCT urban renewed policy does not make provisions for recreational centres, he hinted that his administration will continue making passionate appeal to the FCTA on the expedient need for recreational centers.
July 13, 2023
Maikalangu Frowns At Implementation of FCT-IRS Proposed Revenue Harmonization
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has frowned at the implementation of the proposed tax harmonization problem with the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT IRS)’s proposed harmonisation of revenue in the FCT.
Maikalangu made this known at a panel discussion, during a townhall meeting on harmonization of revenue on Monday in Abuja.
The AMAC decried the fact that the FCT- IRS was not included in the panel, but instead left after the acting executive secretary had presented his speech.
He said, ” In fact, I align with the position of the Royal Highness, the Onah of Abaji, that FCT IRS should start the revenue harmonisation with DOAS, AEPC, VIO, Water Board and others.”
“I sincerely wonder why FCT IRS is not here on this panel. There should be a stakeholders meeting where we will ask questions and get answers. What is worth doing is worth doing well.”
” Also, I don’t want to be misunderstood or misquoted as being against revenue harmonisation. I support revenue harmonisation, but things should be done the right way.”
“Many have been alleging that I was bought over by FCTA to support the harmonisation of revenue issue, but that is not true. I didn’t collect a dime from anybody to support the idea. However, I repeat that FCTA should do the thing with regards to the implementation of the idea.”
He lamented, “There are burning issues over tax collection and control in the FCT, including needless clashes over defined and legitimate rights between the FCT Internal Revenue Service and the Abuja Municipal Area Council, which more often than not, has created bad blood between AMAC and FCTA.”
“As we are all aware, government works better with the payment of taxes by citizens. However, here at AMAC, we have been battling the issue of payment of taxes by business owners and residents. Though the Council has every right to hire consultants to collect revenues on our behalf, we are also worried that most of the revenue agents/ technical partners are not consistent and faithful to agreements reached.”
He noted that AMAC has gone on study tour of selected local councils in Lagos and Rivers, adding that the Council had consultations with revenue experts and stakeholders and decided to follow the overriding path of upholding a more friendly approach of a harmonised approach to economic recovery.
“However, we are not unmindful of the fact that no arm of government is allowed by law to assign another arm of government to do its constitutional duties.”
‘ I wish to highlight that what we maintain that the new arrangement involves our staff, revenue monitoring team with a view to avoiding duplications and loggerheads and the fact that it is in the superior interest of the masses to accept the harmonization revenue proposal.”
“It is projected to bring about a billion Naira to AMAC account on a monthly basis, against the epileptic and most times, the non-remittance of revenues by the contractors as agreed.”
“There are so many revenue diversions going on in the system and we need revenue to deliver the democratic dividends we have in mind for the good people of AMAC. So after due consultations with revenue experts and stakeholders, we as a council may decide to follow the path of other revenue benefiting states of the federation to harmonize our revenue streams.”
“There should not be any cash payment to anyone who claims to be representing AMAC. Our taskforce have been doing well in apprehending illegal revenue collectors and will continue to aid the FCT FIRS in apprehending illegal revenue collectors and invaders. Above all, we need your support for this administration to succeed.”
Meanwhile, Maikalangu urged that the success of proposed harmonization the AMAC taskforce on revenue monitoring and collection be collapsed into the FCT-IRS to ensure more transparency, accountability and trust, so that the taskforce can continue aiding the FCT-IRS in apprehending illegal revenue collectors and invaders.”
The Acting Executive Chairman FCT IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, pleaded for the cooperation of the six area councils and stakeholders, to ensure the harmonization is for the interest of all FCT residents.
The immediate past Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, urged all parties involved in the revenue harmonization, especially area council chairmen, to adhere to the framework.
The Onah of Abaji, HRH Yunusa Adamu, who was represented by Saraji Gabas, Asamu Shuaibu Kamai, urged the FCT IRS to ensure that taxation of FCT residents has human face.
“It is no longer news that many businesses are being overtaxed. Instead of residents having the willingness to pay tax, they are demoralized because of multiple taxes.
It could be recalled that revenue collection has been a major issue between FCTA and AMAC, often leading to litigations between the two government entities., the Onah emphasized.
July 11, 2023
Children’s Day: Maikalangu says education remains top priority in AMAC
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the 2023 Children’s day is being observed in the territory, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has said that the education of youths, children remains a top priority agenda for his administration.
Maikalangu who spoke during the celebration of the 2023 Children’s Day at LEA Primary School, Durumi 2, noted i
the importance of stakeholders in education – parents and the citizens to collaborate by teaching their children and wards the virtues of patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to nation-building as a way of fostering love and national unity .
Maikalangu who was represented by the Council Secretary, Hon. Jafaru Gwagwa said, “The children day celebration is a national day to celebrate all children. They are the future and they hold the key to our society.”
“On our part as a Council. We are providing interventions in the educational and social welfare sub-sectors. We have identified and begun the rehabilitation of primary schools as well as providing instructional materials some of which are going to be distributed to some in our first phase of interventions.”
‘ Children’s day is one special event set aside to promote awareness on issues relating to this special class in our communities in a platform that further addresses issues that border on the education, welfare and wellbeing of youths and children.”
“Through this forum, we are able to confront challenging scenarios that militate against their overall existence as leaders of future Nigeria with a view to providing safety nets afterwards.”
“In addition, it is the duty of all of us to desist from exposing children to foreign and counterproductive cultures. Here, church leaders, guardians and the school have greater roles to play.”
“The state of the nation as it concerns youth and children is not only distrubing, but unacceptable. The spate of out-of-school, child labour, street trading and begging is on the rise due to societys lack of commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the children.
“However, given the posture of this year’s theme, I advocate that the only solution is for us to have collective action in solving those and many other problems that has threatened the children, value-orientation, national concensus and other interconnected malaise in the society.
The LEA Secretary, Hajiya Maryam Baba Karshi, discussed that many teachers have been teaching in the school for years as PTA teachers, urging the Chairman to consider offering them permanent employment.
She said, “As children, everyday is your day. I want you to be good children. Good children are blessings to their parents. To the teachers, kindly take these children as your biological children if you want to succeed in life. ”
Hajiya Karshi however complained to the Chairman that although they hardworking and dedicated PTA teachers, but they are being paid peanuts.
According to her, most of the teachers have being teaching in this school for more than 12 years as PTA teachers as non staff and she requested that they should be employed as permanent teachers. Kindly use your good office to look into this request as we will be grateful, she pleaded.
Speaker of AMAC, Hon Matthew Danjuma, said that the council will make effort to provide seats for the pupils within the year in order to ensure good learning condition.
Danjuma said, “We will appropriate seats for you because they’re important. We did not sit on the floor during our time, so we will not allow you to sit on the floor.”
The Head of Education Department, Dr Ibrahim Aminu, said that the Chairman had approved screening of teachers which will commence next week.
He informed that screening of teachers is another way of sanitizing the educational system in the Communities, adding that teachers are not qualified they will not be able to teach well.
He also advised youths to stay away from drugs and friends who would influence them negatively.
Highlight of the day was the presentation of gifts to schools that participated in the March past exercise, with LEA Primary School Durumi 2 which won the first position.
May 28, 2023
Maikalangu votes in Garki village, express shock over death of PDP Chairman
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Honourable Christopher Maikalangu, today casted his vote in the 2023.general elections at 1:50 pm.at the Garki village Polling Unit 004 at Nsukka street.
Immediately after casting his vote, the AMAC Chairman told newsmen that the process as impressive especially with the turn out of voters and the peaceful atmosphere , adding that this is a plus to INECt in the 2023 elections.
“I am happy by the turnout of voters. In every election, there must be winners and losers. I am impressed by the credibility and hope PDP will win all positions,” he said
Also, Maikalangu expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden death of the chairman Peoples Democratic party FCT, Sunday Zakka.
He lamented that the deceased until his death was with him, when they parted, only for him to learn about his death later on.
February 25, 2023