AAPW Branch Office in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State
By Simon Iya

AAPW Office Karu, Nasarawa State.

When Derin Asuni (AAPW) asked me to write this article, I had no idea how difficult it was going to be. In fact, I did not even know how and where to start. This is because AAPW has gone beyond explanation not only in Karu town but in what comprises the Karu geographical entity.

I must not forget my experience with the Karu Local Government Council as a Community Development officer prior to the coming of AAPW. Community Development is supposed to be the most vital department to receive attention from the LGC because of the section’s primary assignment to deal directly with the community, but the reverse is the case. The department is relegated to the background.

A clear example is the frustration of the opening of Reflect classes by AAPW in all the five districts and villages of the local government in which the council pays just a monthly motivation fee of N500 to the twenty seven facilitators. Well, at last, I think the problem will soon be taken care of and the classes to resume fully. The present LGC Chairman, Hon Elisha Dachor Jarami is a professional in the adult literacy field. In order to resolve the situation, he asked Kaneng Ja AAPW to submit a vivid record request of what is supposed to be paid to the 27 facilitators and any other matter that needs addressing.

AAPW in its effort to see that communication reaches the grass roots level always holds monthly meetings with the five district heads and other village chiefs in the Karu Local Government Council Chambers. An office has been opened in the Local Government to bridge the communication gap. This office is to focus as a communication link by passing information between the Executive Council, Peace and Development Committee, and the Central Working Committee. The office is headed by one of our AAPW staff in the person of Ms. Linda Abur
(09 - 671 6292).

AAPW aims at embarking upon a proactive approach to building bridges of interdependence among various groups and ethnicities through adult literacy, HIV awareness, CBO and NGO capacity building, peace education, conflict management training, technical skills assessment, etc. All these activities have peacefully brought together the many different ethnic groups under one umbrella.

Kudos to the Executive Director of AAPW, Dr. Judith Burdin Asuni; entire staff; Local Government chairman and council members; the paramount Chief of Karu, HRH Dr. Ishaku Bulus Chetubo; district and village heads; the ExCo/PDC and central working committee members.