(OPINION) Why APC Needs Maigari To Win Kajuru In Kaduna Council Polls

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 By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
As the countdown to the 2018 Kaduna State Local Council Polls continues, one politician to watch is a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kajuru Local Government Area.
He may not be a money bag or your every day politician, but one thing he would be taking into his bid is years of experience in human relations and grassroots mobilisation, which the local council would be needing to be successful.
The surprise candidate is Mr. Benjamin Yunana Maigari.
Born on 11th of August 1974, he has within his four decades on earth impacted greatly on those he has come across.
He started his educational pursuit at Command Children School Bauchi, from 1979 to 1984, where he obtained his first school leaving certificate.
From there, he proceeded to Government Science Secondary School, Toro from 1984 to 1991 for his secondary education, before gaining admission into the prestigious Bayero University Kano, frim 1994 to 1999 where he graduated with a B SC Chemistry.
In 2002, Maigari enrolled into the Word of Faith Bible Institute Kaduna, to enrich his spiritual knowledge. Same year, he was again admitted into the Bayero University Kano where he was till 2006 and was awarded MSC Chemistry on graduation.
In his quest for knowledge, the young Maigari was a student of the CaRE- NGO Computer Institutute in 2006, where he sharpened his computer skills.
With a vast working experience, the last employer he was known to have served is WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT (WAYE) FOUNDATION, where he served as a Worker/ Project Director, responsible for the overall development and coordination of the WAYE Foundation in the areas of health, education, environment, income generation, women and youth development, governance & leadership, human rights, ICT4D, gender and research & development.
While at  WAYE, he coordinated the activities of the Foundation by creating new initiatives/projects to support exchange of experience and practice, among others.
He cut his teeth in the professional world in the year 2000, as a Project Manager at Cadence Global Network in Abuja.
He then from 2003 to 2008 serve as the Project Manager Care and Action Research Non- Governmental Organization in Kaduna.
From 2009 till date, he served as National Secretary Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN).
Similarly, as a result of his knowledge, he has been Vice Chairperson (Tech) Maternal and Child Heath –Civil Society from 2010- till date.
He was Secretary,  Association of Better health Kaduna from 2009  till 2011.
He was also the Programme Officer, Mother care forum in 2009, and the Programme Officer, (HIV/AIDS) Global Fund against Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
He worked with Bauchi State Action aid from 2010 to 2012 and served as Personal Assistant to Apostle E.N Kure (Vision Coordinator) Throneroom
Trust Ministry Kafanchan Kaduna State from 2011 to 2013.
Maigari’s rich working experience was also registered as Programme Officer, ARFH Links for Children Project Bauchi State from 2013 to 2014.
In terms of field experience, the APC candidate has garnered Complex Project Management, Community Initiatives, Conflict Management, Dealing with minority/neglected groups/populations eg. People Living with HIV and AIDS, people with special needs etc.,
In an interview recently, when asked on his unique selling point, he said:  “I have gained knowledge and skills relevant to public health and development in the cause of my work. Research and Development; Program Design, Community Mobilization, Demand Creation, Budget Tracking, Corporate Planning / Strategic Planning; Corporate Promotions – media relations. Marketing and Sales – Public Sector (Utilities’ providers, Ministries, Parastatals, etc);
” On professionalism,  I have knowledge and understanding  of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Television Production and public sector administration; practical experience in programme and project management, and administration thereof.
” I have acquired the ability to identify issues of concern, and participate in their resolution as well as good familiarity with and experience in various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Identifying the needs of the people, defining and analyzing a problem.
“On commitment to continuous learning: I have the ability to initiate and the willingness to learn new skills, and the ability to work in any environment
and terrain with a motivation to bring about positive change.
” On communications, I have good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style.
“I am fully proficient in computer skills and the use of software and applications such as word processing software (PageMaker, Words), graphics (CorelDraw, Photoshop, PowerPoint), spreadsheets and other statistical applications, Internet, etc.
“I have good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi- cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. I have the ability to identify and address relevant gender perspectives in substantive work.,” he told reporters.
Maigari added that he has an added advantage of being able to communicate effectively in key three languages spoken in Kajuru Local Government Area; English, Hausa and Adara, which will make administration easier if he becomes chairman.
It was also gathered from people close to the APC candidate that he has a network of high level contacts in the private, governmental and especially within the Civil Society Sectors, which will translate to attracting of projects that would have impact on communities in the local government area.
As the stage is set for the primaries, APC delegates from the local government area would be doing not just themselves, but their people a favour by voting Mr. Maigari and making him emerge their candidate at the polls.
As a grassroots mobilizer, with his emergence, the party stands a very good chance of emerging victorious in the local government, which for now is a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Opinion articles published by New Nigerian Online do not necessarily reflect the views of its management or staff, but remain solely those of the writers. You can reach our Online Editor on 08028332521 or newnigeriannews@gmail.com

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