By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kasim Mohammed, has intensified efforts to accelerate infrastructural development, promote inclusive governance and strengthen security across the Area Council.
The development was contained in separate statements issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Muhammad Isah Hassan, on the activities of the administration.
The Chairman’s commitment to project delivery was recently demonstrated when he defied heavy rainfall to undertake an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing Gwagwalada Town Hall project.
During the inspection, Hon. Kasim assessed the level of work and reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure the timely completion of the project, which is among the projects targeted for commissioning within his first 100 days in office.
He stressed the importance of completing projects that have direct impact on the people, noting that his administration would continue to monitor ongoing projects to ensure that they are delivered for the benefit of residents.
The administration has also continued to engage communities and stakeholders as part of its inclusive approach to governance.
This was further demonstrated when the Igala Development Association, Tungan Maje, paid a congratulatory visit to the Chairman, commending his administration for the developmental strides recorded within a short period in office and pledging its continued support.
Responding, Hon. Kasim Mohammed appreciated the association for its confidence and encouragement, describing the visit as a morale booster to his administration.
The Chairman noted that although he was unable to personally visit the Igala community during the campaign period, representatives had engaged with the community on his behalf. He stressed that the election was now over and that the priority of his administration was governance and development.
He assured the Igala community and other residents that every community would be carried along in the affairs of the Council and would have a sense of belonging under his administration.
In another development, the Nigeria Forest Security Service paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman, highlighting its role in intelligence gathering and sharing with conventional security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
The delegation appealed for support to enhance its operations, citing inadequate vehicles, motorcycles, personnel and communication gadgets as major challenges affecting its effectiveness.
Responding to the security concerns, Hon. Kasim said security work goes beyond uniforms and appearances, stressing that the true measure of any security organisation is its ability to make a meaningful impact in protecting lives and property.
He acknowledged the challenges raised by the delegation but urged them not to allow inadequate resources to become an excuse for failing to make progress.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of the Forest Security Service, particularly in view of security challenges associated with farmer-herder conflicts, and urged the organisation to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
He also disclosed that the Council was considering the establishment of a joint task force to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve security operations across Gwagwalada.
Hon. Kasim Mohammed assured the delegation that the Council would consider its requests and engage relevant stakeholders on possible areas of support, while charging the personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities.
The Chairman maintained that security and development were collective responsibilities requiring the cooperation of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.
The series of engagements reflect the administration’s focus on infrastructure delivery, community inclusion, stakeholder partnership and coordinated security efforts as it works towards transforming Gwagwalada Area Council and improving the wellbeing of its people.
