The Village Head of Jaurowal in the Pindiga Emirate of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Ambassador Ibrahim Mu’azu Hassan has lamented what he described as the neglect of communities in the area, saying residents are yet to enjoy the true dividends of democracy.
Speaking in an interview with Arewa correspondent, the traditional ruler appealed to governments at all levels, political leaders, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the people through the provision of critical infrastructure and social amenities.
“Our communities are in dire need of basic amenities such as good roads, hospitals and schools. Despite our population and contributions to the local government area, we have not benefited from meaningful development projects,” he said.
Hassan expressed concern over the deplorable condition of roads linking the communities, noting that the poor state of infrastructure had led to avoidable deaths.
“At least five women have lost their lives because they could not access medical care on time while being transported to hospitals. The bad roads have made movement extremely difficult, especially during emergencies,” he laments.
The village head specifically appealed to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje, the member representing Akko Federal Constituency, Dr Usman Kumo, and the member representing Akko West State Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, to urgently intervene.
“We are appealing to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Goje, Dr Usman Bello Kumo and Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi to look into the plight of our people and address the challenges confronting these communities,” he said.
He also decried the abandonment of the proposed Jaurowal Junior Secondary School project, revealing that work on the project had been stalled for more than seven years.
“The proposed Jaurowal Junior Secondary School has remained abandoned for over seven years. This has negatively affected access to education for our children and has denied many of them the opportunity to continue their studies,” Hassan stated.
The traditional ruler further renewed calls for the creation of a ward for Jaurowal, arguing that the move would bring governance closer to the people and enhance development.
“We are requesting the creation of a ward for Jaurowal, which will comprise about 10 villages, including Garin Jauro Jibir, Labarfito, Dongoru Karama, Felawa, Bakkiti, Pali, Lafiyawo, Ardowu and Garin Yabano. This will ensure better representation and accelerated development,” he stressed.
According to him, the communities have continued to demonstrate loyalty and contribute to the growth of the local government area despite the absence of essential services.
“Our people deserve the dividends of democracy. We urge the relevant authorities to prioritise our needs by providing infrastructure and community development projects that will improve the living conditions of residents,” he added.
Hassan also offered prayers for peace and unity in the area and across the country.
“We pray for sustained peace, unity and development in the Pindiga Emirate, Jaurowal community, Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole,” he went philosophical.