By: Ojay Matthew
The Abuja Environmental Waste, Scrap and Scavengers Association has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his inclusive leadership style and his visionary initiative in establishing the APC Progressive Institute (TPI).
The commendation was delivered during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the chairman of the association, Muntari Mohammed, said the creation of the Progressive Institute was timely and essential in educating the public about the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that many members of the association are loyal APC members who supported President Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
Mohammed, however, expressed concern that despite their loyalty, members continue to face harassment from various FCT enforcement agencies, including Development Control, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the Task Force, and the Police. He appealed to the Institute to intervene by helping government agencies understand that his members are patriotic Nigerians engaged in legitimate business activities.
Responding, the Director-General of the APC Progressive Institute, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, thanked the association for the visit and encouraged them to develop a formal code of operation for their members. He said such a framework would enable the Institute to organize training sessions where relevant FCT enforcement bodies could interact with the waste management operators.
Adebayo cited an example from Lagos, where Chinese expatriates support local scrap and waste dealers in transforming recyclable materials into profitable ventures. He expressed confidence that similar partnerships could thrive in the FCT with proper structure and capacity-building.
He commended the association for its steadfast support of the Tinubu administration and urged them to remain committed to the ideals of the APC.
Members of the association’s delegation included Lawal Aliyu, chairman of the UTC chapter; Sarki Abbas; Muhammad Abdul Fata; and Sani Katsina.
Speaking during the visit, Aliyu reiterated the chapter’s loyalty to the party, declaring that members “eat and drink APC” because it remains the platform through which their rights are protected. He lamented that despite their membership, their trading rights were still being violated by some FCT enforcement agencies.
Dr. Adebayo concluded by stressing the importance of self-reliance and assured the association that the Institute would partner with them to enhance members’ skills through structured training and seminars.
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