A TRAILBLAZER MANS, FCT AREA COUNCIL SERVICES SECRETARIAT: HON. BITRUS LAWRENCE GARKI’S 100 DAYS IN OFFICE
By: Our Guest Writer
Today, we stand at the precipice of this mile- stone, celebrating the first 100 working days of Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki as Mandate Secre- tary of the Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS). These days have been a whirlwind of activity, a tapestry woven with dedication, inno- vation, and a steadfast commitment to serving the heart and soul of the Federal Capital Territory – the Area Councils.
From the outset, I embraced the mantle of lead- ership with a clear vision: to empower the Area Councils, modernize their operations, and bridge the gap between residents and their local governance. This vision, fueled by an unwaver- ing belief in the potential of the communities I serve, has guided every step of my journey thus far.
This documentary is not merely a chronicle of accomplishments, but a testament to a spirit of transformation. It delves into the initiatives undertaken, the challenges surmounted, and the tangible progress made in these 100 days. We will witness the digital revolution sweeping through the ACSS, the pulse of development thrumming through infrastructure projects, and the unwavering respect accorded to traditional institutions.
1. Distribution of cars to all Third-class chiefs:
To support the administrative responsibilities of Third-class chiefs, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki on behalf of FCT Minister H.E Bar. Nyesom Wike completed the contract terms and facilitat- ed the distribution of vehicles to all the FCT Chiefs.
2. Appointment, Inauguration, and Deploy- ment of Aides and Community Engagement Team:
Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki established a robust team of Aides and a Community Engage- ment Team. This team was strategically deployed to help deliver and fulfill the Secretar- iats’ Mandate as well as foster effective commu- nication and engagement between the ACSS and its constituent communities. Their efforts aim to bridge the gap and ensure community involvement in decision-making processes.
3. Approval of Grants for the rehabilitation and renovation of the palaces:
Recognizing the importance of preserving cul- tural heritage and ensuring a conducive working environment, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki got a significant grant approval from the Honourable Minister of FCT for the rehabilitation and reno- vation of the palace. This project aims to restore the palace’s infrastructure and enhance its func- tionality for the benefit of all stakeholders.
4. Distribution of Palliatives
The achievement of improving the livelihood of FCT residents through the distribution of pallia- tives to the six (6) Area Councils during Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki’s 100 working days had a positive and lasting impact on the affected communities. It provided immediate relief to individuals and families facing economic hard- ships and contributed to enhancing their overall well-being.
5. Seventeen (17) Chiefdom Tour
Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki successfully orga- nized and conducted a 3-day tour for familiarization with and needs assessment of the Seventeen (17) chiefdoms across the six (6) Area Councils. This tour aimed to gain a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the local population in order to effectively represent them in government.
6. Partnership with SMEDAN and European Union on Climate and Green Energy Desk ACSS partnered with SMEDAN and other developmental partners to address the pressing climate problem affecting Nigeria’s vital industries, including sustainable power and agriculture.
7. Establishment of Abuja Corridor Taskforce (ACT)
FCTA through the ACSS and the Transportation Secretariat, established a joint Taskforce opera- tion of over 400 personnels called Abuja Corridor Taskforce (ACT) in synergy with Law Enforcement Agencies to curb the security menace around strategic points in FCT.
8. MOU with Oakland Centre on Rural Development
ACSS established a partnership with Oakland Center, to address the challenge of rural infra- structural development and expansion to strengthen the grassroots communities in the FCT
9. Partnership with SDS and Women Affairs on Gender-Based Violence
ACSS in partnership with the Social Develop- ment Secretariat and Women Affairs Secretariat underscored the commitment to addressing the critical issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and joining the orange walkathon held in FCT that was organized by the FCT Senator in the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against violence on women and Children in the FCT.
10. Proffering Solution to
between NUT/NULGE and Area Council ACSS facilitated constructive dialogues on fos- tering collaboration between the Area Councils and NUT & NULGE, to address the challenges with the Local government, schools and other infrastructural & administrative
concerns.
11. Facilitation of Recruitment of Indigenes into Police Academy (POLAC)
On behalf of the FCT Minister, His Excellency, Bar. Nyesom Wike, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki played a pivotal role in the screening and verification process of FCT intending carders in Kano State. This process is to facilitate an inclu- sive and fair involvement of the FCT indigenes in the Police Academy.
12. MOU on FCT Rural Electrification Plan with Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
The ACSS established an agreement with the Rural Electrification Agency in the pursuit of sustainable energy management. The agreement was sequel to the commissioning of the Inte- grated Energy Management Centre and the ground-breaking of the Solar Mini-Grid Korea Energy Projects towards a cleaner and more reliable energy for FCT grassroot communities.
13. Initiation and Facilitation of 5km+ roads in 6 Area Councils of FCT
Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki initiated a major infrastructure and facilitation of road projects aimed at improving transportation infrastructure in the FCT. As part of this project, the construc- tion of 5km+ roads across all six Area Councils of the FCT has commenced. This initiative will enhance connectivity and accessibility within the region.
14. Partnership with FCT Tourism Volunteers Network
ACSS partnered with the FCT Tourism high- lighting the role volunteerism plays in boosting tourism and fostering social and economic development within the FCT. In tandem with its mandate, the ACSS seeks more partnership to strengthen the FCT’s tourism industry by exploring the untapped potential of volunteerism in the FCT’s Tourism Sector.
15. MOU with SMEDAN on Grassroot Inter- vention Framework as related to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs)
ACSS is partnering with SMEDAN to bridge the gap for the grassroots in creating and sup- porting SME businesses to increase their livelihoods across FCT.
16. The Chiefdom Report: Technical Devel- opment Team
A newly established TDT composed of experts from diverse fields were convened with the principal objective to review the chiefdom tour report, formulate implementable strategies in order to produce a comprehensive final report. The report includes detailed information about the economic and socioeconomic conditions, infrastructure requirements, healthcare and edu- cational needs, and other key aspects that impact the chiefdoms. By compiling and pre- senting this report, Hon. Garki has demonstrat- ed his commitment to evidence-based policy- making which will guide his agenda for the period of his tenure in office.
17. 2024 Budget Statutory Coordination Within the first 100 days of the new Secretary’s leadership, the Area Council Services Secretariat achieved notable milestones in budget coordination and performance. The Secretariat facilitated an increase in the 2024 budget allocation for critical community development projects. They implemented streamlined budget prepara- tion processes that reduced processing time.Their comprehensive and transparent per- formance reports, exceeding the expectations of the Hon. Minister of State and other SDAs, highlighted a decrease in operational expenses. These commendable achievements, reflecting strong collaboration with stakeholders, demon-
strate the Secretariat’s commitment to effective budget management and resource allocation, ultimatelyleadingtoimprovedservicedelivery and impactful initiatives for residents across the FCT.
18. Participation in the National and Interna- tional Trade Fair
The Secretariat participated in a laudable National and International Trade Fair in Abuja, Niger, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia,Lagos and Kano State and sensitized the six (6) Area Councils to participate at the Trade Fair to showcase their Agricultural products to Investors for National and International recognition and Economic growth in the Area Councils.
19. Facilitation of Investment
Products through Public Private Partnership (PPP)
The Secretariat initiated a series of meetings with the six (6) Area Councils for desk officers to improve on collection of investment products for export value for documenting and product through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements which were displayed during the Abuja Investment Summit which had various FCTA-SDAs including investors, and policy- makers. This partnership will delve into the wealth of possibilities within the FCT.
20. Facilitation and Mediation of Dispute Settlement in Communities
The Secretariat in its bid to promote peace among the communities within the chiefdom, waded into the lingering crisis between the Par- amount ruler of Gwargwada and the District Head of HUNI on the leadership tussle and maintenance of traditional culture, norms, and values of the Gade-speaking people in FCT. Also, through alternative dispute resolution, the Secretariat bridged the communication gap between Bida community heads, enabling them to address simmering tensions over the leader- ship in the community.
21. Facilitation of Service Providers’ Training in Collaboration with SDS
The Area Council Services Secretariat, in collaboration with the Social Development Secretariat, facilitated the training of 100 community health workers and nurses on essential aspects of maternal-infant and child nutrition. Organized by the FCT Committee on Food and Nutrition, the training informed a subsequent Advocacy Dialogue on multi-sectoral priorities, enabling service providers to share their insights and contribute to developing strategies for improving access to quality nutrition services in underserved communities within the FCT.
22. Mobilization of FCT Councils of Graded Chiefs wives to the 12th National Mega-Summit of Traditional Rulers
In recognition of their crucial role in the com- munity and in promoting traditional culture in the Country, and family well-being, the Area Council Services Secretariat mobilized a dele- gation of seventeen (17) Graded Chiefs to participate in the 12th National Mega-Summit of Traditional Rulers in the FCT. Focused on strengthening traditional governance and addressing social challenges impacting families, the summit provided the chiefs’ with a platform to share their perspectives, network with other stakeholders, and gain valuable insights on topics like education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
23. Mobilization of Community Heads to Combat Gender-Based Violence using Data and Technology
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Area Council Services Secretariat mobilized the wives of traditional rulers and the council chairmen to champion the use of data and technology to combat violence against women and girls in the FCT. Through comprehensive surveys conduct- ed via mobile apps and a dedicated hotline powered by AI technology, they aim to gather
first-hand data on various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and harmful traditional practices. This data, coupled with targeted awareness campaigns and advoca- cy efforts by these influential figures, will inform policy changes and community initia- tives to ultimately eliminate violence and empower women and girls within the FCT.
24. Monitoring of Environmental Sanitation across the Area Councils
The Secretariat embarked on the supervision of monitoring of environmental sanitation activi- ties in (6) Area Councils to ensure Environmen- tal hygiene and proper sanitation.
The department embarked on a comprehensive supervision and monitoring campaign of envi- ronmental sanitation activities in six area coun- cils, covering over 50 communities and reach- ing an estimated 200,000 residents.
25. Participation in the Ministerial Department Task Team
The Area Council Services Secretariat played a crucial role in the Ministerial Department Task Team tasked with revitalizing and addressing challenges within the Sauri, Deidei, Interven- tion market, Film Dabo, Zandan, Pazeri and Sabon Gari markets. The participation focused on identifying unauthorized land allocations (“overlay plots”) within these markets, poten- tially hindering planned infrastructure improve- ments and fair market operations. The task team successfully identified several overlay plots and recommended various solutions, including land reallocation measures and improved market management strategies.
26. Approval to Kick-start the Administrative Process of the selection of chiefs for Karu, Yaba, and Kwali Chiefdoms: Recognizing the significance of traditional lead- ership, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki facilitated the administrative process for the approval and installation of chiefs for the Karu, Yaba, and Kwali Chiefdoms. These installations contrib- ute to the preservation of cultural heritage and effective governance within the respective Chiefdoms.
27. Partnership with other Govt Agencies to support FCT Grassroot Intervention Frame- work (FCT GIF):
This partnership signifies Hon. Garki’s dedica- tion to bringing holistic development to his con- stituency by leveraging the resources and exper- tise available from various government entities. The collaborations involve working together to address infrastructure gaps, provide better access to healthcare and education, promote economic empowerment through skill-building programs, or implement environmental sustain- ability initiatives. By joining forces with other agencies, Hon. Garki is able to magnify his impact and effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by the grassroots population in the FCT.
28. Development and completion of ACSS Website:
Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki prioritized the development of the ACSS Website, which serves as an effective platform for disseminat- ing information and engaging with the public. The website was successfully developed and completed, providing a user-friendly interface for accessing information and services related to the ACSS. This will be launched post 100 days in the office.
29. Development of Information Management System:
Recognizing the importance of an efficient information management system, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki led the development of a com- prehensive Information Management System for the ACSS. This system enables seamless storage, retrieval, and analysis of data, enhanc- ing decision-making processes within the organization. This initiative is geared towards trans- parency and accountability in service delivery.
Through these achievements, Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki has demonstrated his commitment to the development and progress of the ACSS. His efforts in infrastructure development, com- munity engagement, and preserving cultural heritage have contributed significantly to the welfare and advancement of the FCT community.
