SPECIAL FOCUS

JISALO OF AMAC: SERVING WITH COMMITMENT AND HUMILITY

He works tediously towards satisfying the mandate of his office and the yearning of his people that you hardly hear his name in frivolities. With his open door policy that provides easy access for the high and lowly class to interact with him on equal basis, the humble aura surrounding him is a lesson in leadership. Wearing a charming and harmless smile, you could notice him responding attentively and positively to the people’s needs. He is the Chairman of one of the most sensitive local government councils in Nigeria. If he may be called the land of landlords, it may not be out of place. His council hosts Presidential Villa, National Assembly, federal ministries, embassies, big hotels, financial institutions…in fact headquarters of various private and public institutions in Nigeria. He is Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, the unassuming and amiable Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC who receives inspirations from the energetic and principled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mal. Nasir El-rufai, the architect of durable reforms and constructive transformation in the Nigeria’s capital city.

Hon. Jisalo was recently unanimously endorsed and returned to re-contest for the chairmanship by members of his political party, the People’s Democratic Party for his exemplary leadership qualities, service to humanity and for successfully completing a large number of credible projects he initiated within a short span of about three years. When he was inaugurated as the elected Chairman of the AMAC on April 30, 2004, critics thought he would hardly perform to the expectation considering his youthful age. To their surprise and amazement, not only does he sustain the goodwill of his patrons and supporters, he has used his position and enviable services to attract large admirers even amongst the opposition to his style of governance.

Born to the family of Bitrus Kusa Jisalo of Garki Village in the federal capital city, Hon. Jisalo who had his elementary school at the Garki Village Primary School from 1977 to 1983 attended Government Secondary School Karu before moving to Institute of Mass Communication and Technology, Jos for diploma programme from where he specializes in Public Relations and Print Journalism. He was also at prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism for an additional qualification. To have diverse experiences and broader perspective on human nature and administration, he enrolled for Diploma programme in Criminal Justice and Administration; an Advanced Diploma in Applied Psychology and undergraduate programme of Guidance and Counseling of the University of Jos. He has also attended several workshops, seminars and conferences at home and abroad to broaden his scope of knowledge on management and governance.

To prepare himself for the task ahead, apart from his experience in journalism and public relations, he was at FCT Independent National Electoral Commission, Abuja for more than ten years before his voluntary resignation to contest for the position of Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council in 2004.

Some of the projects he initiated and executed within a short span of his administration may sound like folklores at the quality standards and the speed of their completion within stipulated period. From construction of rural feeder roads, he has successfully undertaken buildings and renovations of classrooms, health care centres, markets, shopping mall, rural electrification projects, water system, scholarship scheme, development of the agricultural sector, provision of relief packages, donations to worthy causes and distribution of vehicle to relevant agencies and institutions.

With dedicated members of his executive team, loyal and patriotic legislative arm and the commitment of hardworking staffs in the council, Jisalo has succeeded, not only in providing viable projects and programmes that would stand the test of time, but also in ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst the residents of the municipality. This he was able to achieve by extending hands of followership to social organizations, religious institutions and cultural groups through mutual interactions, consultations and collaborations in service delivery.

A man who is not fond on self glorification, his achievements are louder and obvious as he has received several local and international awards for making positive impact within few years of his administration in Abuja Municipal Area council.

They say “pictures don’t lie,” this special focus provides the readers with pictures of very few of his numerous achievements and the development in Abuja Municipal Area Council. The project cut across the wards and districts within his constituency.

a.                   Minister of FCT, Mal. Nasir El-rufai inspects some books purchased by AMAC for free distribution to schools

b.                  One of the sets of classrooms constructed by AMAC at Galadima

c.                   Distribution of security vehicles to police

d.                  A completed Legislative Chamber constructed by AMAC under Jisalo

e.                   One of the Comprehensive Water Schemes in Orozo

f.                    At distribution of fertilizer to farmers in Karu

g.                   One of the Health Care Centres at Kobi Madaki, Garki Ward

h.                   Even schools are not left out, a water project was constructed at one of the schools, GJSS, Wuse

i.                     An ultra Modern Shopping Complex at Area 1 Garki to be completed soon