Jigawa's Citizen Engagement - A Remarkable Journey

On February 9, 2025, the Jigawa State administration introduced a project called "Citizens Engagement" (Gwamnatin Da Jama'a). ...

On February 9, 2025, the Jigawa State administration introduced a project called "Citizens Engagement" (Gwamnatin Da Jama'a). A year on, the initiative is showing good progress, having highlighted various public issues and closing the distance between voters and their representatives.

In the past, following election periods, voters typically disconnect from their leaders until the next electoral round, which occurs every four years. There were limited chances for citizens to ask about campaign pledges, let alone express their demands as outlined in democratic values.

To close this gap, the administration of Governor Malam Umar Namadi launched this initiative to increase public involvement in governance and strengthen democracy by offering a space for all individuals to express their input, present their needs, and share their issues.

At the launch of the initiative in Auyo, Governor Namadi stated that through this program, the government would visit all 27 local government areas to present its management performance and hear the people's requests.

The underlying idea of the initiative is to make the government more accessible to citizens, keep them updated on the advancements made toward campaign commitments, and encourage public participation in shaping policies and budgets that better reflect the needs of the people, aligned with the government's 12-point plan.

To date, the governor has effectively toured 25 local government areas. During these visits, all commissioners, state assembly members, local government chairmen, House of Representatives members, and senators have come together directly with their constituents to share their performance reports.

In every local administration, the governor has initiated or launched new projects, gathered requests from citizens via community leaders, and assured them of greater benefits from democracy.

The governor recently visited two local governments, Miga and Malam Madori. The programs took place without any issues, with participants clearly enthusiastic about the unique chance provided by the "Gwamnatin Da Jama'a" project.

In Miga, the local government area where the Speaker of the State House of Assembly resides, the governor initiated his visit by launching the construction of a 30-kilometre Tsakuwa-Koya-Kafin Hausa connecting road. The project, contracted for N7 billion, is set to be finished in 12 months.

With Governor Namadi in charge, N30 billion has been authorized for three distinct road initiatives within Miga Local Government, each at different phases of development.

As a vital agricultural region for the state, ensuring well-connected roads for moving agricultural products is essential for boosting social and economic activities and promoting long-term development.

The leader also initiated an electrical development project in Koya Village.

During the same event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullah Kainuwa, emphasized initiatives carried out in the region during the past two years. These consist of the restoration of Miga General Hospital, the hiring of medical personnel, and the registration of more than 7,000 at-risk individuals in the state's Social Health Insurance Scheme.

Additionally, the State Commissioner for Education stated that more than N5 billion was allocated for the renovation and building of classrooms, along with the supply of furniture and other educational resources in the region.

The head of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, listed several initiatives he supported for the constituency and introduced an empowerment scheme for 100 young people, with each participant receiving N100,000.

The Spokesperson, appointed by UNICEF as a Advocate for enrolling children who are not in school and reside in camps, also described how he helped register hundreds of these children in his area.

The head of the Miga Local Government highlighted various health initiatives, water infrastructure, school upgrades, agricultural support, empowerment schemes, electricity projects, and additional infrastructure developed by the council to support Governor Namadi's endeavors.

Similar to other local governments, the community, under the leadership of the District Head of Miga and other tribal leaders, submitted their list of requests to the governor for review in the upcoming budget.

In the Malam Madori Local Government area, the governor started by reviewing two active projects and then launched the Mallam Madori-Gari Uku-Kanya Babba-Malorin Kasim-Abori-Sumburtu-Diginsa Road (34.5 km).

The governor mentioned that the communities benefiting from the initiative have been difficult to access because of the absence of proper roads. He showed hope that the new road would alleviate years of challenges and create fresh prospects for social and economic development.

The governor urged the public and all affected communities to assume responsibility for the public infrastructure located in their regions, aiming for long-term advantages. "It belongs to you. Please take charge of it," Namadi said.

The senator who represents Jigawa Northeast, Senator Abdul Hamid Malam Madori, outlined various initiatives and projects he has introduced to the local administration, such as the provision of motor vehicles.

The atmosphere in Malam Madori was as inspiring as during earlier local administrations, with the governor and his group receiving large crowds who appreciated his work in improving their lives.

Certainly, the initiative has proven successful thus far, with the two remaining local authorities looking forward to their opportunity to welcome their friendly and beloved governor.

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