In a significant step towards the creation of a new Local Government Area, the Afaka Ward Technical Working Committee for the proposed Rigasa Local Government Area of Kaduna State has formally handed over data containing 318,600 signatures of supporters to the Central Working Committee (CWC).

The handover ceremony, which took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre in Mando Sabon Garin Afaka, was witnessed by a broad coalition of Afaka ward stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth representatives.

The Chairman of the Technical Committee, Tasiu Musa, while presenting the data, clarified that the 318,600 figure represents a significant portion of public support but is not the ward's total population. He stated that the enumeration was halted due to constraints of time and finances needed to support supervisors and enumerators. He expressed profound gratitude to the Central Working Committee for its financial backing, which made the extensive data collection possible.

In his address, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Alhaji Muazu Abubakar Mohamed Ruma (Tafidan Afaka), commended the technical working Committee for its diligence in achieving the milestone. He then issued a strong appeal to the National Assembly and the Executive arm of the government, urging them to prioritize the creation of the Rigasa Local Government with its Headquarters in Sabon Garin Afaka.

“With this overwhelming number, it is clear that the people have spoken. The combined population of just Rigasa and Afaka is over five million,” Alhaji Ruma noted. “The creation of this Local Government should be a priority for all arms of government to bring governance closer to the people.”

The event featured addresses from prominent religious leaders who unanimously threw their weight behind the movement and praised the efforts of both committees.

Malam Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, the Deputy Imam of Zangon Daura Jumma’at Mosque in Mando Sabon Garin Afaka, applauded the initiative and the meticulous work of the committees. He offered prayers for the success of the proposal and for divine guidance for the government in considering the request.

Similarly, Sheik Muhammadu Salisu Musa Sudais, the Chief Imam of Sudais Jumma’at Mosque and Hayin Idi Musa Jumma’at Mosque in Mando, described the movement as a righteous struggle for development. He commended the Central and Technical Working Committees for a job well done and prayed for unity and progress.

In a show of cross faith solidarity, Reverend Job David Abubakar, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Airport Afaka, also expressed full support. He joined his voice in appreciating the committees for their dedication and service to the community. Reverend Abubakar further offered prayers, asking for divine intervention so that “those who are going against this movement may come back to their senses and join hands to move Afaka ward forward for the collective good.”

This submission from Afaka Ward follows the earlier completion and submission of data from the Rigasa ward, consolidating the widespread demand for the new local government creation. The movement now awaits the consideration of the state and national assemblies.