The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Maigwari II, has commended President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his pledge to reconstruct the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road.
The traditional ruler gave the commendations on Tuesday at the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Federal Highway.
Mr Maigwari described the project as a historic milestone for his people.
He said the start of the project marked the fulfilment of long-standing prayers of the people and represented renewed hope for economic recovery, improved security and sustainable development.
He recalled that during a visit to Birnin Gwari on Dec. 2, 2022, Tinubu personally assessed the deplorable condition of the road and made two commitments to restore security and reconstruct the highway.
“Today, by the grace of Allah, those commitments have become reality. A promise fulfilled is more valuable than a promise made.
“We sincerely thank Mr President for standing with the people of Birnin Gwari during our difficult times,” he said.
The emir noted that security had improved significantly across the emirate, enabling farmers to return to their farms, markets to resume activities and residents to regain confidence.
He also commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in improving security, infrastructure development and ensuring that the road project moved from aspiration to implementation.
The traditional ruler further acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Works for advancing the project, describing the highway as an economic lifeline connecting northern and southern Nigeria.
According to him, the road serves thousands of farmers, traders, transporters, students and travellers daily, making it critical to national commerce and agricultural productivity.
The emir, however, appealed to the Federal Government to begin construction from the Birnin Gwari-Udawa section, which he described as the most deteriorated stretch of the highway.
He also urged government to give attention to the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road, Birnin Gwari-Tuwa Road and the Birnin Gwari-Funtua Road.
He described them as strategic national corridors essential for agriculture, commerce and national integration.
Maigwari assured the government of the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities to protect the project, cooperate with contractors and sustain peace in the area.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the project as another milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure development drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bello said the 122-kilometre road was a strategic economic corridor linking northern and southern Nigeria and would enhance trade, commerce and investment upon completion.
Goronyo said the project would improve movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and strengthen security operations through improved accessibility.
He added that the reconstruction fulfilled a campaign promise made by President Tinubu to the people of Birnin Gwari.
The minister commended the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for introducing durable road construction technologies and Governor Uba Sani for strengthening collaboration between the state and Federal Government.
