BIRNIN GWARI NEEDS URGENT FEDERAL AND STATE INTERVENTION

By Bello Ahmadu Alkammawa

Birnin Gwari is more than a Local Government Area. It is a historic city, an Emirate, and once a commercial nerve center of Nigeria.

With 11 wards, the people of Birnin Gwari are renowned peasant farmers. They farm in both rainy and dry seasons, producing cash crops that once placed the LGA on the national trade map. Beyond farming, they are traders and professionals who have excelled in every field of human endeavor.

The election of Hon. Dr. Salisu Isah Karama as Executive Chairman brought the council back to the limelight. Despite years of insecurity, his leadership has restored hope.

Governor Uba Sani has also made tremendous efforts to return peace to the area. The situation is better than before, but the challenge is not over.

THE CRISIS NOW

Beyond insecurity, Birnin Gwari is facing two critical challenges threatening livelihoods:

1.  *Water Crisis*: The famous Birnin Gwari Dam was breached and abandoned. Today, there is an acute shortage of water for both irrigation farming and human consumption.

2.  *Power Outage*: Electricity infrastructure was vandalized by gunmen. The entire LGA has been in darkness, crippling businesses, schools, and hospitals.

Farmers cannot irrigate. Hospitals cannot function. Students cannot read at night. This must be addressed urgently.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR

Under *Governor Uba Sani*, the following projects have been initiated:

1.  *36km asphalt road* from Bagoma to Gagumi

2.  *Modern abattoir* with veterinary hospital

3.  *ICT Centre* at Bagoma Government Girls School

4.  *Renovation of General Hospital* to modern standard

5.  *Hostel* at Government Science School

Under the *People’s Chairman, Hon. Dr. Salisu Isah Karama*, the council has delivered:

1.  *Construction and renovation of primary schools* in all 11 wards

2.  *Provision of transformers* in different communities

3.  *Boreholes* across the LGA

4.  *Construction of bridges* and other critical infrastructure

OUR APPEAL

In an interview with this correspondent, Hon. Dr. Salisu Isah Karama made a passionate appeal to *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the “Dakaren Birnin Gwari”* and title holder of the Emirate, to intervene and bring a lasting end to insecurity so the people can return to their farms and businesses in peace.

He also thanked Mr. President for the recent groundbreaking of the *Mando-Birnin Gwari dual carriageway*, which will open up the area for development when completed.

The Chairman further appreciated *Governor Uba Sani* for his support and urged him to, as a matter of urgency:

1.  *Rehabilitate the Birnin Gwari Dam* to solve the water crisis

2.  *Reconnect the LGA to the national grid* and restore electricity

3.  *Provide more educational and health facilities* to complement ongoing efforts ahead of the forthcoming general elections

Birnin Gwari people are hardworking and peaceful. They only need water, light, and security to feed the nation and thrive again.

Your Excellencies, the time to act is now.

Alkammawa writes from Kaduna Nigeria

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