By Adamu Yusuf
The Chairman of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Dr. Salisu Isah, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their sustained commitment to the security, infrastructure and socio-economic development of the area.
Dr. Isah made the commendation in a statement following the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Mando-Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, valued at 177 billion naira.
He described the project as a landmark intervention and a defining moment in the history of Birnin Gwari, saying it would restore economic connectivity and create new development opportunities for the people.
According to him, the road is a strategic transport corridor linking communities in Northern Nigeria and facilitating the movement of farmers, traders, students, civil servants and other road users.
The Chairman said completion of the project would improve security, boost agricultural production and trade, create employment opportunities, ease the movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic integration.
He recalled that President Tinubu had previously visited Birnin Gwari and personally witnessed the poor condition of the road and the challenges confronting residents.
Dr. Isah said the commencement of the reconstruction demonstrated the President’s commitment to translating promises into concrete development projects.
The Chairman also commended Governor Uba Sani for his attention to the development needs of Birnin Gwari, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of the 36-kilometre Bagoma-Gagumi Road.
He said the project had reached an advanced stage and expressed confidence that its completion would provide lasting economic benefits to communities along the route.
Dr. Isah further appreciated the Governor for the renovation of the Jibril Mai Gwari Memorial Hospital in Birnin Gwari, as well as the construction of a modern abattoir and veterinary clinic.
He said the interventions would contribute significantly to healthcare delivery, public health, livestock management and economic development in the Local Government Area.
While appreciating the interventions, the Chairman appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to complete the road linking Gwargwaje-Zaria Road through Farin Ruwa to Saulawa, which he said was initiated in 2011 but later abandoned.
He also called for the reconnection of communities in the eastern and western parts of Birnin Gwari to the national electricity grid.
According to him, nine of the eleven wards in the Local Government currently remain without access to the national grid due to years of insecurity and damage to electricity infrastructure.
He stressed that restoring electricity would improve education, healthcare, agriculture, small businesses, communication and other economic activities.
The Chairman also appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State Governments, development partners and international organisations to intensify efforts to rehabilitate educational and healthcare facilities in the area.
He called for the establishment of higher institutions of learning, a JAMB examination centre and functional skills acquisition centres in Birnin Gwari to expand educational and economic opportunities for young people.
Dr. Isah also commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works for their commitment to the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
He urged residents and road users to cooperate with contractors and protect the project as a strategic national asset.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Malam Zubair Jibril, Maigwari for his leadership and continued efforts towards peace, security and development in the Emirate.
He said the Emir’s engagement with both the Federal and Kaduna State Governments had helped to strengthen the relationship between the people and government.
Dr. Isah prayed for continued wisdom, good health and strength for President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, the Emir and all those contributing to the development of Birnin Gwari.
He said the people of the Local Government remained committed to supporting genuine efforts aimed at promoting peace, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and economic prosperity.
