|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
For the people of Rafin Zurfi, development is not an abstract idea. It is a school where children can learn safely, a road that connects them to other communities, and a government that listens when they ask for change.
These concerns brought representatives of Rafin Zurfi community, alongside the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), to the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Comrade Muhammad Kasimu, for an advocacy engagement on key development priorities.
The discussion focused on three major concerns: the proposed renovation of Government Rafin Zurfi Primary School, the poor condition of the community road, and the proposed establishment of the Local Government Accountability Forum (LOGAF).
On education, the Chairman welcomed the proposed renovation of the primary school and expressed his willingness to support efforts to improve the learning environment for children in the community.
The condition of the Rafin Zurfi road also received attention. The Chairman disclosed that plans were underway to address the road and said he was following up with the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to advance the intervention.
Beyond roads and classrooms, the engagement explored how citizens and government could maintain a stronger and more regular dialogue on community development. CITAD presented LOGAF as a platform for citizens and local government officials to discuss public services, community needs and accountability.
The Chairman welcomed the initiative and committed to participating in LOGAF meetings when invited.
He also recalled his participation in the commissioning of the Kaida Sabo Community ICT Centre, established through the partnership between CITAD and ActionAid Nigeria, and commended both organisations for their interventions in Gwagwalada. He further expressed his willingness to explore partnerships and counterpart funding on development initiatives that benefit residents of the Area Council.
For Rafin Zurfi, the engagement provided an opportunity to take community concerns directly to local government leadership and seek responses.
For CITAD, it reinforces a simple principle: development is more meaningful when communities are empowered to identify their needs, engage decision-makers and participate in shaping solutions.
