COUNCIL DIARY:
Why people call Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo ‘Roadmaster’ November 2021
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F B . I . K . W O R L D
E N CO U N T E R :
Meet BEATRICE: Kuje’s top, finest clothing merchant
OICE ...Dependable voice in the council!
PRINT & DIGITAL MAGAZINE
5
ISSUE
011
N300
011
AROUND THE COUNCIL:
Better ways to restructure ‘Going?’ operations 10 effective ways to make government, commercial riders and passengers reap benefits How it’ll tackle residents’ safety, security concerns
Kujevoice Magazine ISSUE 04
Contents
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE I S S U E 0 5 [ N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 1 ] PA G E 0 2
Spotlight:
ADVERT RATES:
Full page: N40,000 Half page: N25,000 Quarter page: N15,000 NOTE: Promotional interview, business/ personality spotlight, photonews: N30,000 (maximum: 3 pages) NOTE: Kujevoice Print and Digital Magazine is NOT a party to transactions entered with any of our commercial clients. - Management
Like us on Facebook: Kujevoice Abuja
011
Effective ways to restructure motocycle business around the Council
011
>>> Pages 03, 04, 05
Council diary:
Encounter:
See works of Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo as ROADMASTER
Introducing Beatrice: Kuje’s top, finest clothing merchant >>> Page 06
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
H
ello and welcome to another edition of Kujevoice Magazine, a dependable voice in the council. In this edition, we spotlighted on the safety and security concerns residents have about commercial motorcycle operators around the area council. Our 10 ways highligted better ways the administration of Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo can restructure the current arrangement to meet expectations of commercial riders, passengers, other car owners and residents in various communities around Kuje Area Council. Also, in our encounter segment, we are introducing Beatrice Wonov, Kuje’s top, finest clothing merchant and reasons why you should do business with her. Enjoy every bits of this edition until we see next month.
Kimbal
>>> Page 08
ADVERTISE
products & services in any business you do as follows... Handwork business Shop business Home-based business Bars/Restaurants business Home delivery business Estate agency business Entertainment/hospitality business Health/wellness business Personal branding/campaigns, tribal, social or religious programmes, etc.
YOUR...
...through interview, feature, news photonews, opinion, advertising, etc
Call us now on 08098476250
Spotlight
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE I S S U E 0 5 [ N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 1 ] PA G E 0 3
10 Like us on Facebook: Kujevoice Abuja
Effective ways to restructure motorcycle business in Kuje
Gwagwalada and some communities around the Central Business District under AMAC have designed and now run similar structures in their areas. These ten ways comes with powerful considerations that will not only benefit government in the council, but also assist operators and their passengers. In this spotlight, we highlighted effective methods for revenue generation and usage, operators registration, membership guidelines, safety and security procedures to follow.
WRIT TEN BY:
Isaac Ballie 0803 642 3444 (sms only)
I
ntroduction of regulated unions for commercial motorcycle business operations in Kuje has always been a disastrous move and met with strong resistance from operators citing lack of freedom and ease of doing their business. With other strong issues bothering on implementation challenges by the government and other stakeholders in the council. Former Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Danladi Galadima initiated a move to introduced a union for commercial motorcycle operators but didn’t work and were later disbanded due to factional leadership crisis. Years later on February 7, 2020, the current Executive Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman
His Excellency, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, Executive Chairman, Kuje Area Council
For more updates, follow and like us on Facebook: @Kujevoice Abuja
Sabo, inaugurated Okada Riders Committee and saddled them with the responsibility of reviewing the existing structure, excesses and unruly behaviour of the riders against other road users and profer better solutions. The committee were given four weeks to submit their report, the
implementation of that report is yet be done, even after a meeting was organised to introduce identification jackets for riders following security challenges as criminal elements use motorcycles as a get away medium around Kuje. And so we went to town and spoke with people concerned in order to really understand why it is difficult to put motorcyle riders under one roof and better ways to improve their operations. Here are our 10 ways to restructure commercial motorcycle business in Kuje and beyond as suggested by some motorcycle passengers, car owners and riders around the council to help solve the issue.
1. Design an effective research and development In designing an effective review structure that will
change the existing model for the commercial motorcycle riders, a strong research and development exercise must be conducted. This has become necessary due to the failed attempts by previous administrations in reoganising the operations under one union. With a proper research and development, all aspects affecting operators, passengers and use of revenue generated will be identified and solutions provided before it is finally introduced.
2. Setup a supervisory body in the council
This is another important aspect of the new model as it will ensure direct supervision by the chairman and his team. The supervisory body must comprise of the Chairman as head, and other senior Continued on Page 04
Spotlight
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 04
Projected costs of members’ items (as at Nov. 2021)
Helmet: N4,000 Jacket: N15,000 per 4 pieces Stickers and ID Card: N3,400 TOTAL AMOUNT: N22,400
Continued from Page 03
staff in the council, with representatives of the riders, FRSC and the Nigerian Police as members. The roles of the body is to cordinate, monitor and report daily activities of the operators, tax collectors, taskforce, and other partners to the chairman.
3. Register all commercial motorcycle operators
The compulsory registration of all operators will make it an offense for any unregistered commercial motorcycle
rider to engage in the business. This will make it difficult for people with criminal agenda to perpetuate any crime against residents. At the point of riders registration, personal data must be collected and kept. Information gathered should include names and addresses of referees who must be business or property owners in either Kuje, Abuja or their states of origin.
4. Provide kits for all operators
Operational kits and identitication for operators will be the only physical change people will notice about the new model. These
Art & Graphic Design Consultancy Print & Digital Media Production Online Business Management
Passengers and riders will all be happy as it will help in the areas of road accidents and health emergencies management
kits will include Helmet, reflective Jacket/Vest, Number sticker and ID card. Operators must always carry or wear these identification items at all times. It will also help people to easily identify genuine operators by the numbers on their bike, helmet and jacket/vest in any event of theft, accident, harassment, etc. People can ride freely at any time of the day and to any where, knowing the operator is recognised by the government.
important parts of providing good governance. And Kuje Area Council is not an exception. It is in this regard that council will not only improve on its internal revenue generation drive, but also sanitize and standardise the commercial motorcycle business. Tax collectors should be positioned at all key junctions, so they can stop riders, collect levy and issue receipts.
Revenue generation is one of the most
funds will be distributed, what goes here, who gets what, will always cause dissentment from those who are at the begining of the monetary chain. A proper implementation plan with benefits must be provided if it must achieved the
A proper implementation plan with benefits must be provided if it 6. Develop a robust revenue must achieved usage formula the desired 5. Introduce daily Introducing any success at the revenue collection new scheme of things points without highting how end.”
RC 021406
A Multimedia Enterprise
Plot 223B, Daurama Road,Senior Staff Quarters, Near Kuje General Hospital, Kuje - Abuja
Hotlines: 0809 847 6250, 0803 642 3444
Continued on Page 05
Spotlight
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 05
will give them the neccesary understanding of road safety and regulations. This can be conducted by health, safety and security officials contracted under the new model.
Continued from Page 06
desired success at the end. There should be a way in which the revenue generated will be injected into the new model. On road repairs, revenue should be used to grade inner streets damaged by rain or broken drainages. And the most busy roads mostly used by operators should be considered first. It can also be used in providing free medical cover to riders and passengers involved in accidents using a registered medical facility of choice. This can be arranged under a new medical assistance scheme with any hospital/clinic so that victims can be attended to without delay or payments. Another critical use of the revenue will be on monthly sensitization of operators by health, safety & security officials/organisations under the new model.
7. Set rotation of roles for supervisory body members
In order not to encourage any member’s dominance and shady dealings, roles and responsibilities of members must be changed periodically. This will help in eliminating corruption and emergence of powerful individuals in the leadership. Daily reports must be submitted to the Chairman as he will
Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, Executive Chairman, Kuje Area Council
be the final approving officer-in-charge of the new model.
8. Monthly sensitization of operators
Most commercial motorcycle riders are not professionally trained to ride according to road rules and regulations. Some riders do not even routes and road signs. And so the need to engage them in monthly sensitization
9. Setup taskforce to prosecute defaulters
It’s a normal situation in life to see people go against change, and that is why it is also good to put measures in place to curtail activities of those who will operate under the radar, mostly at night. A powerful taskforce comprising of Police, FRSC, VIO, NSCDC, DSS should be constituted with powers to arrest and prosecute offenders like unregistered commercial motorcycle operators and offense levy should be introduced or seizure of defaulters’
Provide free medical cover to riders and passengers involved in accidents using a registered medical facility of choice.” motorcycle.
10. Promote new model in media, communities
To easily make people understand there is something new and better, there is the need for such idea to be promoted in the media and through outreach around the communities. With these in place, people will be aware of the importance of the idea and will be completely involved in the inplementation and its success. When all these measures are put into consideration, there will be no any reason the associations will
Helmet ID card Reflective Vest
Sticker Illustrations by B.I.K.WORLD
reject it knowing fully well that their members and customers are also part of the beneficiaries and the new model will tackle their interests, challenges and earlier complaints. Since daily levy will be part of the new model, membership registrations should be a continuous process and also made affordable for riders to pay back with ease. Payments can be stretched over long a period of time.
Encounter
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 06
Follow us on Facebook: @Kujevoice Abuja
ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
Introducing
Beatrice: Kuje’s top, finest clothing merchant
Negotiating skill is a big key factor in running any successful business, no matter what is put out for sale. Miss Beatrice Wonov uses this quality effortlessly in all her transactions when you are buying her clothings. And that makes her stand out in this business in Kuje Area Council and beyond. Beatrice runs her business from home WRIT TEN BY:
Isaac Ballie Chat me on Whatsapp @08036423444
I
t was on a Saturday afternoon some time ago when I took my rickety car for repairs at Cashew Forest in Kuje that Beatrice met me. “Good afternoon, sir!” She said. “Wow, you look tired, it must be
Senator-style clothing with accessories
heat from the Sun.” She added. I then turned to look at who was showing concern on my wellbeing and also to see if it was from someone that knew me well. There she stood, with a big bag, and smiling. “Good afternoon, dis heat no be here o. How come u no dey feel am sef, you look normal o?” I
Some colourful clothing
struggled to answer her. “And with dis big bag you carry again, you suppose dey wet all over like say you dey pour water from
your head running down o?” I enquired again while demonstrating the action. “I dey sell clothing materials for
She shows care and pay attention to details when transacting a deal.”
High quality clothing with accessories
kaftan, native wears and English styles.” She replied and also added, “...and e no cost at all,” while dragging a chair near-by. Marketing style With her comment on cost of goods, Beatrice got my attention and that is how we started a business relationship that is now beneficial, not only to me but lso to her. I have bought so many cloths for my family since then. Her approach was unique and very convincing. She shows care when approaching customers and pay attention to details when closing Continued on Page 07
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 07
High quality clothing for suits, kaftans and senator wears Continued from Page 06
a deal. That is a key business quality that will always stand you out. This, she showed again, when I saw a particular clothing combination that I liked on her status and later sent a screenshot to her to reserve for me. When we met again, she forgot to bring it so she quickly made arrangement with someone to bring it eventhough I saw another combination that looks almost the same with the one I earlier selected. Beatrice is that committed to making sure you get
Encounter
High quality and complete bedsheets/duvets with pillow cases in assorted colours
what you want. And that kind of business trait encourages patronage and loyalty no matter how good a competitor will be. Seamless dealings Beatrice understands the enormous power of mobile communications and the Internet and she uses the service to her advantage. In her Whatsapp status, you will always see photos of goods she has in stock. Anytime any one is chosen, it will be removed from the next status photos. So it is better to keep a constant
check on her status for updates. Another seamless quality Beatrice uses is noticed whenever customers call her anytime during the day and anywhere for delivery. She is never busy and adds no extra charges on customers. Always on the move Moving around Kuje and environs is another aspect of her business that is also the foundation as she does not wait for customers to come to her, but go to them. This is not an easy Continued on Page 10
Council diary
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 08
Follow us on social media: @KujevoiceAbuja
Why people call Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo
‘ROADMASTER’
Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, Executive Chairman, Kuje Area Council inspecting a road construction near A.A. Rano Filling Station
...construct good community roads with drainages Construction of Ungwan Gede community roads Photos courtesy of Sabo Media Team
Expanding and reconstruction of Hajiya Zarah road (opposite GSS Pasali, Kuje) with drainage linking a new community extension Photos by: Hassan Muhammed Kabir
Council Diary
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 09
...Ensures roads are built to last Road contruction of Kayarda/L.E.A School road by the Honourable Chairman
...rehabilitate roads based on popular demand
...strictly monitors compliance by contractors Executive Chairman, Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo inspecting the construction of Ungwan Tiv road and drainage.
...also create jobs for youths in same communities Construction of Kuchiako main road with good drainage system
Encounter
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 10
Combination cloth in assorted colours
Continued from Page 07
task because she is always moving around with a bag of cloths. According to her, she covers nothing less than 10 kilometres anytime she is out marketing her goods. And that includes moving around Kuje and Gwagwalada communities. Admirable personality Beatrice is always calm and her simplicity is second to none. She is good at holding a conversation in a manner that will not only keep you entartained but also
enlightened. Henry from Kayarda community in Kuje metropolis and one of her regular customers, confirms this essential quality when she came around in one of her marketing drive around Pasali. He believes she is dependable, very organised, friendly and polite. Affordable and high quality goods Variety of goods is what you will get whenever you are dealing with Beatrice. She believes in buying affordable and high quality clothings as she takes all day in checking and selecting all her goods during purchase as it’s time consuming because she must get what she wants. According to her, she cannot sell low quality goods to anybody and then go home happy. It’s
RC 1499171
Medical and Wellness Centre Ltd.
Beatrice also sells trendy Boxers for her male and female customers
she is dependable, very organised, friendly and polite.”
a business style that she promises never to do because she has a lot of plans in the future for the business. Connect you to good tailors Beatrice believes that good tailors makes any clothing material beautiful. So she takes time in suggesting good ones and connect customers with. And she has done this with many of her customers over time because the tailors
she knows are efficient and highly affordable. She also introduce one to me and he was really good, honest and understands balancing designs. Social and jovial in nature Beatrice obviously has a high sense of control over her appearance. She is professional and carry her relationship with customers very important. As a social and jovial person, she does not show discrimination based on environment or social status of her customers. She handles her business dealings in any community and with any one. Beatrice stays around Pasali and can be reached on: 0703 0357749 for all your clothing requirements.
Clinic
Medical Consultation & Treatment Health Screening Ambulance Services Pain Clinic Family Planning
0808 7770767, 0706 0937631
Viewpoint
KUJEVOICE MAGAZINE Issue 05. [November 2021] PAGE 11
Transformation of De Arena
BEFORE
When a business is built on management’s determination and commitment, the result is always amazing over time. The above photo is the popular DeArena Complex in Kuje when they started operations. Photo taken by Isaac Ballie on the 27th of November, 2016
AFTER
Inside the ultra-modern Night Club of De Arena Complex
Another section with beauty salon, pharmacy and restaurant of De Arena Complex
A section of the De Arena complex now with underground Night Club and well-furnished rooms with the attached VIP Bar (right) Photos courtesy: De Arena
t r i h s TTired of
wearing
sizes:4 A5, A & A3
with designs
you see everywhere?
...It’s time you wear your style! We design and print for:
Personal, corporate & ceremonial uses
Multiple colour printing styles Thousands of ready-to-use images Personalised logo/name/crest designs High quality and artistic printing Professional & creative colour mixing Sharp attention to design details
Hotlines: 0809 847 6250,0803 642 3444
A B.I.K.WORLD SERVICES
Follow us on:
Ballie Kimbal
@kimbalism
@kimbalism