Governor Uba Sani, who opened a 35.6-kilometer road connecting 62 rural communities in Birnin-Gwari to the market, noted that security measures in the problematic local government area are having excellent results.
The governor, who praised the various agencies maintaining security in the bandit-infested Birnin-Gwari and surrounding areas, stated that the area has been stable in the last six months, particularly along the highway.
It was reported that many communities along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route have returned to relative quiet, with farmers working in their fields.
Governor Sani, on the other hand, expressed optimism that if security efforts in the area continue, Birnin-Gwari’s economy will recover in the near future.
Governor Sani spoke about the 35.6-kilometer road, which is planned to go from Bagoma to Gagumi via Ungwan Fari, Idi Labo, Awaro, Tashan Keji, and Sabon Layi. He noted that when completed, the route will connect 62 rural settlements to markets.
He stated that his administration has prioritised rural transformation to strengthen rural areas’ economies while reducing rural-urban migration.
What they’re saying
He stated, “My presence here to kick off the re-construction of this 35.6-kilometer route from Bagoma to Gagumi via Ungwan Fari, Idi Labo, Awaro, Tashan Keji, and Sabon Layi signals the beginning of the restoration of peace and stability to this long-suffering and troubled Local Government.
“The Birnin Gwari local government serves as a significant gateway to many parts of Nigeria. It’s a resource-rich municipal government. It has extensive mineral reserves and arable ground for cultivation. It also contains a big forest, which has caused problems for residents and presented a difficulty to security forces.
“Still, we are making headway in trying to get the issue under control. Our goal is to make it easier for this local government to resume operations. We want the folks to start putting their broken lives back together.
“Our administration’s Rural Transformation Drive is quickly gaining traction. We are tackling our infrastructure shortfalls, bridging the urban-rural divide, revitalising local economies, promoting agriculture, and making rural living more enjoyable. We are also addressing the urban poor. They have endured years of complete neglect.We are devoted to building infrastructure in places where they live.
“Our administration’s Rural Transformation Drive is rapidly gaining momentum. We are addressing infrastructure gaps, bridging the urban-rural divide, revitalising local economies, supporting agriculture, and making rural life more attractive. We’re also addressing the urban poor. They have suffered years of total neglect. We are committed to developing infrastructure in communities where they live.
“Our administration prioritises infrastructure development, particularly road infrastructure. Good roads promote economic development and allow security authorities to respond quickly to emergencies. Since taking office in 2023, we have broken ground on 62 roads in Kaduna State, totalling 817 km. Some of the roads have been built and commissioned, while others are in the last stages of construction.
“Once completed, this road will considerably improve the people’s social and economic conditions. It will improve the transportation of people and agricultural produce from farms to markets, lowering post-harvest losses. It will also improve the security of communities.
The Governor stated that both direct and indirect jobs will be produced during the construction period.
Earlier, the Emir of BirninGwari, Malam Subair Jibril Maigwari II, thanked the Governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for keeping their pledges to bring development projects to the underserved Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area.
He was especially thrilled to learn that President Tinubu had issued an order for the rebuilding of the long-disused Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway.
In Essence
Improved road infrastructure will likely enhance the movement of goods and people, reducing post-harvest losses and boosting local trade. This can help to kickstart economic activities in areas that have been neglected or underdeveloped due to insecurity.
Better roads facilitate quicker and more effective responses by security agencies, which can help to further consolidate the gains made in stabilizing the region. This is crucial in a place like Birnin Gwari, where difficult terrain has historically hindered security operations.
