CITIZENS ENGAGEMENT: GOVERNOR NAMADI VISITS KIRIKASAMMA, FLAGS OFF ROAD CONSTRUCTION, COMMISSIONS POWER PROJECT LINKING NINE VILLAGES
In continuation of the Citizens Engagement Programme (Gwamnati Da Jama’a), Governor Malam Umar Namadi, on Sunday, led top government officials and elected representatives to Kirikasamma Local Government Area for the 22nd edition of the initiative.
The governor’s convoy was warmly received by an enthusiastic crowd that lined the streets of towns and villages along the route, jubilantly welcoming him and his entourage.
The main objective of the Citizens Engagement programme is to foster transparency and accountability, as it ensures that government officials communicate openly with the citizens, presenting scorecards that outline achievements and challenges faced in their respective offices.
Before proceeding to the main engagement venue, Governor Namadi performed two key events—the flag-off of the construction of the Tarabu–Matarar Alhazai–Malanta–Sawo-Iyo–Gishinawo–Gafta Road and the commissioning of a power project executed by the state government to connect rural communities to the national grid.
The 23.4-kilometer road project, awarded to Messrs Mothercat Nigeria Limited at the cost of ₦17.28 billion, is one of the critical regional road projects aimed at improving access to rural and farming communities.
Governor Namadi stated that the road passes through hard-to-reach areas of Kirikasamma and will significantly enhance agricultural activities, facilitate the transportation of produce, and strengthen the link between farmers and markets.
“We can not overemphasize the significance of this road. It will improve agricultural activities, ease the transportation of goods, and strengthen the link between government and local communities,” he said.
“We will continue to build roads across every corner of Jigawa State to ensure access for our people, especially our farmers.”
The governor disclosed that this project is part of the 12 regional road projects—out of 48 awarded in September 2024—valued at ₦150 billion, all designed to open up rural areas, boost agricultural productivity, and promote economic growth.
“We are determined to ensure that every part of the state has access roads that support agricultural growth and connect people to opportunity.”
He further said that the Tarabu–Matarar Alhazai–Malanta–Sawo-Iyo–Gishinawo–Gafta Road is scheduled for completion within three months, with 20% of the work already completed.
“From the report I received today, the work is already about 20% completed. I therefore urge the contractor to speed up the pace to ensure that the work is finished on schedule. I am confident that the contractor has no outstanding certificate with the Jigawa State Government, and I expect continuous, quality work.”
In addition to the road project, the governor commissioned a power project linking nine villages—Tage, Ilallah, Siga, Garin Wakili, Fandunan, Gafta, Baturiya, Una, and Barmaguwa — to the national electricity grid, describing it as another milestone in his administration’s commitment to improving the living standards of rural dwellers through access to power and essential infrastructure.
Speaking at the Citizens Engagement venue, Governor Namadi reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue providing people-oriented projects across all local governments in the state, emphasizing that the Citizens Engagement Programme remains a vital platform for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
“This programme is designed to ensure that government remains close to the people. It allows us to listen, assess our performance, and plan better in line with citizens’ priorities,” the governor stated.
A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of a compendium of priority needs by community leaders for government consideration and implementation.
