Tinubu, Sani have written new chapter in Birnin Gwari – LGA boss

The Executive Chairman of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Dr Salisu Isah, has described the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Mando-Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road as a historic intervention capable of opening a new chapter of development in the area.

Isah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for what he described as their sustained commitment to the security, infrastructure and socio-economic development of Birnin Gwari.

In a statement following the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the strategic highway, valued at ₦177 billion, the LGA boss said the project had fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of residents who had endured years of poor road connectivity.

“This is a day of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah and a day of celebration for every son and daughter of Birnin Gwari,” he said.

According to him, the road is more than an infrastructure project, as thousands of farmers, traders, students, civil servants, and transporters depend on the route for their daily activities.

He said its completion would improve security, boost agriculture and commerce, create employment, and strengthen the movement of people and goods between Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.

“This road is more than a physical infrastructure project. It is an investment in human development, national unity, and economic prosperity,” Isah said, adding that the intervention would “restore confidence to our people and unlock enormous opportunities” for communities that had suffered years of hardship.

The chairman recalled that President Tinubu had previously visited Birnin Gwari and personally witnessed the poor condition of the road and the challenges confronting residents. He described the commencement of the reconstruction as evidence that the administration was translating commitments into action.

“Mr President has once again shown that responsible leadership is measured by action,” Isah said. “The people of Birnin Gwari deeply appreciate this historic intervention.”

He also commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for their role in the commencement of the project.

Isah equally praised Governor Uba Sani for his attention to Birnin Gwari, citing the ongoing reconstruction of the 36-kilometre Bagoma-Gagumi Road, the renovation of Jibril Mai Gwari Memorial Hospital I, and the construction of a modern abattoir and veterinary clinic.

He said the Bagoma-Gagumi project had reached an advanced stage and was being executed to a standard capable of delivering lasting economic benefits.

While expressing appreciation for the interventions, the chairman appealed to the federal and Kaduna state governments to address other development needs in the local government.

He called for the completion of the abandoned Gwargwaje-Zaria Road through Farin Ruwa to Saulawa, which he said commenced in 2011, as well as the reconnection of communities in nine of Birnin Gwari’s 11 wards to the national electricity grid.

He further appealed for increased investment in education and healthcare, the establishment of higher institutions of learning, a JAMB examination centre and functional skills acquisition centres.

“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.

Isah also acknowledged the role of the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Malam Zubair Jibril, Maigwari II, in promoting peace, security, and development in the emirate.

He described the traditional ruler as a vital bridge between the people and government and urged residents to protect the ongoing projects and cooperate with contractors.

“We receive these interventions with gratitude, but also with renewed responsibility,” the chairman said, expressing optimism that sustained government commitment and development partnerships would make Birnin Gwari “far more prosperous than the Birnin Gwari of yesterday.”

The statement added that the local government remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, development, and prosperity across the area.