From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
There was jubilation among the residents and people of Zuru Emirate as the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris flagged off the long-awaited reconstruction of the 87-kilometre Koko-Dabai road.
It could be recalled that the state has officially taken over the reconstruction of the road from Federal Government after the contract was terminated due to the delayed of the execution by the construction firm handling the project for a long time.
Emir Zuru,Major-General (rtd) Muhammad Sani Sami,Sami Gomo II,and residents of the Emirate expressed their appreciation during the flag off ceremony of the project which took place at Dabai town,few kilometres away from Zuru town.
In his remark, the Emir of Zuru, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor, describing the occasion as emotional and historic and he prayed for divine guidance and protection for Governor Idris.
He said: “I’m too emotional today to be alive to witness the flag off of the construction of this Koko -Mahuta Zuru road. It is long awaited project all of us have been waiting for. We are grateful to the Governor for fulfilling his promises to us. We are grateful your Excellency”.
The Emir appealed to the three contractors handling the project to do professional work by executing the project with best materials to make it last for the motorists and people of the area.
Many people of the Emirates who besieged the venue shown appreciation to the Governor and State Government for flagging off the long awaited project.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Idris described the event as historic and a fulfillment of his campaign promise.
According to him, “today, with the commencement of this project, every son and daughter of Zuru Emirate is proud. I promised to construct this road, even though it is a federal road, and we will seek reimbursement from the Federal Government later. This is a significant step for Zuru Emirate,” he said.
The Governor directed the Ministry of Works to strictly monitor the project to ensure compliance with specifications. He also warned truck drivers against overloading, announcing plans to set up a committee to enforce compliance.
Idris emphasized the importance of the road to Kebbi State’s agrarian economy, particularly in Zuru Emirate, which is a major agricultural hub.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free education and the free distribution of fertilizers throughout his tenure.
The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Muslim, described the event as a landmark for Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State. He commended Governor Idris for his determination to secure the project, which had eluded previous administrations.
According to the Commissioner, the 87-kilometre road, costing ₦64 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months.
To ensure quality and speed, three construction firms—Habib Engineering, ZBCC, and GNIC—will handle the project. A 40% mobilization payment has already been made.
‘ ZBCC will handle the 25-kilometre stretch from Dabai to GGC Mahuta.Habib Engineering will cover 25 kilometres from GGC Mahuta to Marafa.GNIC will handle 37 kilometres from GGC Mahuta to Koko,’ he explained.
Earlier, the governor held a political gathering where he appreciated the people of Zuru Emirate for their support during the elections. He also welcomed prominent members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, introduced the defectors, including Alhaji Bello Doya, Alhaji Aliyu Dan Ladi, Alhaji Kabiru Yakaji, Hajiya Hadiza Roza, and others.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Alhaji Bello Doya attributed their decision to Governor Idris’ developmental strides, compassion, humility, and kindness.