Writing By Usman MZ; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and rural development as he led the 22nd edition of the Citizens Engagement Programme, Gwamnati da Jama’a, to Kirikasamma Local Government Area on Sunday.
The governor, accompanied by top government officials and elected representatives, was warmly received by an enthusiastic crowd that lined the streets of towns and villages along the route, welcoming his entourage with chants and jubilation.
The Citizens Engagement Programme is an ongoing initiative designed to strengthen communication between government and citizens by providing an avenue for officials to present their scorecards, achievements, and challenges in office.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, reveals that before the main citizens’ engagement, Namadi performed the flag-off of the Tarabu–Matarar Alhazai–Malanta–Sawo-Iyo–Gishinawo–Gafta Road construction and commissioned a power project linking nine rural communities to the national grid.
The 23.4-kilometre road, awarded to Messrs Mothercat Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦17.28 billion, is one of several regional road projects aimed at enhancing rural access and supporting the agricultural economy.
Governor Namadi explained that the project will significantly boost agricultural activities by easing the transportation of farm produce and linking rural communities to major markets.
He emphasized that the road, which traverses hard-to-reach areas of Kirikasamma, reflects his administration’s vision of inclusive infrastructure development.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of this road,” Namadi said. “It will improve agricultural productivity, ease movement of goods, and connect our people to opportunities.”
The governor disclosed that the project is among 12 regional roads out of 48 awarded in September 2024, valued at ₦150 billion, as part of efforts to open up rural areas and spur economic growth.
He assured that the contractor had already completed 20 percent of the work and urged them to speed up progress to meet the three-month completion target.
In addition, Governor Namadi commissioned ₦246m electricity project linking Tage, Ilallah, Siga, Garin Wakili, Fandunan, Gafta, Baturiya, Una, and Barmaguwa to the national grid, describing it as a milestone in improving rural living standards.
According to him, the project underscores his government’s commitment to equitable development and providing essential infrastructure to underserved communities.
Addressing the gathering at the Citizens Engagement venue, Governor Namadi reiterated that the programme remains a vital platform for feedback, transparency, and participatory governance.
He concluded by assuring that the administration would continue to deliver people-oriented projects across all local governments in line with citizens’ needs and priorities, as reflected in the compendium of requests presented by community leaders during the event.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
