By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
The Executive Chairman of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Dr Salisu Isah, has described the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Mando-Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road as a historic intervention that would open a new chapter in the development of the area.
Isah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their sustained commitment to improving security, infrastructure and socio-economic conditions in the local government.
The chairman, in a statement issued after the official flag-off of the ₦177 billion road reconstruction project, said the development was the realisation of a long-standing aspiration of the people of Birnin Gwari.
According to him, the strategic highway, which connects communities in Kaduna with other parts of Northern Nigeria, is critical to farmers, traders, students, civil servants, transporters and other residents whose livelihoods depend on the route.
He said the completion of the road would improve security, boost agricultural production, stimulate commerce, create employment and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
“This road is more than a physical infrastructure project. It is an investment in human development, national unity and economic prosperity. It will restore confidence to our people and unlock enormous opportunities for communities that have endured years of hardship,” he said.
Isah recalled that President Tinubu had previously visited Birnin Gwari and personally witnessed the deplorable condition of the road and the difficulties confronting residents, adding that the commencement of the reconstruction demonstrated that responsible leadership was ultimately measured by action.
“The people of Birnin Gwari deeply appreciate this historic intervention. Your concern for our people and your commitment to addressing challenges that have confronted our communities for many years will remain in our collective memory,” he said.
Uba Sani’s interventions
The chairman also praised Governor Uba Sani for his attention to Birnin Gwari, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of the 36-kilometre Bagoma-Gagumi Road.
He said the project had reached an advanced stage and was being executed to a standard capable of delivering lasting economic benefits to communities along the route.
Isah also commended the governor for the renovation of Jibril Mai Gwari Memorial Hospital I in Birnin Gwari, as well as the construction of a modern abattoir and veterinary clinic.
He said the projects would improve healthcare delivery, public health, livestock management and economic activities in the local government.
Chairman seeks more interventions
While expressing appreciation for the projects already underway, Isah appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State governments to revisit the abandoned road project linking Gwargwaje-Zaria Road through Farin Ruwa to Saulawa.
He said the project, which commenced in 2011 before being abandoned, would reconnect communities, facilitate commerce and further unlock the economic potential of the area if completed.
The chairman also called for the reconnection of villages in the eastern and western parts of Birnin Gwari to the national electricity grid.
According to him, communities in nine of the local government’s 11 wards remain without electricity from the national grid following years of insecurity and damage to infrastructure.
He said restoring electricity would have significant impact on education, healthcare, agriculture, small businesses, communication and local economic development.
Isah further appealed to the Federal and State governments, development partners and international organisations to rehabilitate and upgrade educational and healthcare facilities in the area, which he said had suffered years of deterioration and disruption.
He also advocated the establishment of tertiary institutions, a JAMB examination centre and functional skills acquisition centres in Birnin Gwari to expand educational and economic opportunities for young people.
“The future of Birnin Gwari must not be defined only by the challenges we have survived. It must increasingly be defined by the opportunities we create for our children and young people,” he said.
The chairman commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works for their role in the commencement of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road reconstruction.
He urged residents and road users to cooperate with the contractors and protect the project as a strategic national asset.
Tribute to Emir
Isah also expressed appreciation to the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Malam Zubair Jibril, OFR, Maigwari II, for his leadership and commitment to peace, security and development in the emirate.
He said the Emir’s engagement with the Federal and Kaduna State governments, advocacy for the needs of his people and efforts to sustain peace had contributed significantly to the progress being recorded in Birnin Gwari.
He described the traditional ruler as a vital bridge between the people and government and prayed for continued wisdom, good health and strength for him to lead the emirate.
The chairman concluded by expressing optimism that sustained government intervention, improved security and greater investment in human capital would transform Birnin Gwari into a more prosperous and economically connected community.
“We receive these interventions with gratitude, but also with renewed responsibility. Birnin Gwari is ready to support every genuine effort towards peace, connectivity, education, healthcare and economic development,” he said.
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