The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the infrastructural neglect and lack of federal representation affecting the people of Birnin Gwari.
Dr. Isah Muhammad issued this call in a press release on behalf of the Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU).
The union stressed that while insecurity has been cited as a justification for inaction, it is precisely this challenge that necessitates greater government presence and intervention.
BEPU emphasized that security, development, and fair representation must go hand in hand to restore stability and economic prosperity in Birnin Gwari and Kaduna State at large.
Federal Appointments and Fair Representation
According to BEPU, Birnin Gwari is home to a highly educated and resourceful population, including distinguished scholars who have attained the rank of professor. However, the people of the region remain largely excluded from federal appointments, a situation the group described as a violation of the principles of fairness, national integration, and inclusive governance.
The union appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that Birnin Gwari receives its rightful share of federal appointments. It emphasized that the people of the region have consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to peace, urging the government not to mistake their patience for complacency. The group demanded inclusion, recognition, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Highway: A Critical Infrastructure in Urgent Need of Rehabilitation
BEPU expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Highway, a major economic corridor linking Northern and Southern Nigeria. Despite multiple promises, including the reported award of the road rehabilitation contract to the Dangote Group under a tax-credit arrangement, no tangible progress has been made.
The road remains in a deplorable state, riddled with potholes, making it a death trap for travelers. BEPU pointed out that industries such as Dangote and BUA, whose heavy trucks contribute to the road’s deterioration, should take responsibility by supporting its rehabilitation as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The group warned that the continued neglect of this critical infrastructure has resulted in numerous deaths, financial hardships for commuters, and increased security risks. It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to rehabilitate the highway and ensure safe and efficient transportation.
Higher Education: A Path to Security and Economic Growth
Education, BEPU argued, is a fundamental pillar of national development and a key tool in addressing insecurity. The union lamented that Birnin Gwari has long suffered from a lack of tertiary institutions despite its strategic location and the pressing need for educational opportunities to uplift the youth.
As part of efforts to bridge this gap, BEPU strongly appealed to President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to consider locating the proposed Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Birnin Gwari. The group noted that such an institution would not only provide much-needed healthcare training and services but also stimulate economic activities, generate employment, and contribute to long-term peace in the region.
Additionally, BEPU advocated for the establishment of a University of Forestry and Environmental Sciences in Birnin Gwari, citing the region’s vast natural resources as an opportunity for research and sustainable environmental management. The group urged all relevant stakeholders to support these initiatives for the collective benefit of the nation.
Restoring Essential Services: Banking, Telecommunications, and Education
For nearly a decade, Birnin Gwari has been deprived of essential services, deepening economic hardships and exacerbating insecurity. The union highlighted the absence of banking facilities, which has forced residents to travel long distances for financial transactions, exposing them to security risks.
Similarly, major telecommunications providers have suspended operations in the region for over four years, cutting off communities from communication networks and hindering business activities. BEPU urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to take urgent measures to restore banking and telecommunication services in Birnin Gwari.
The group also called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to establish a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) center in the area to ensure that students can conveniently access higher education opportunities.
Another pressing concern raised by BEPU was the acute shortage of teachers in primary and secondary schools across Birnin Gwari. The group noted that many schools lack instructors for core subjects, worsening the already dire state of education in the region.
In response, BEPU appealed to the Kaduna State Government, the Teachers Service Board (TSB), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to urgently recruit and deploy teachers to address this deficiency and ensure quality education for the next generation.
Road Infrastructure and Electricity: The Need for State and Federal Intervention
BEPU further stressed the importance of rehabilitating key road networks to enhance security and economic activities in the region. The union called on Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State to expedite the completion of the Birnin Gwari–Randagi Road and engage with the Federal Ministry of Works for the swift rehabilitation of other major routes, including:
•Kaduna–Birnin Gwari (120 km)
•Birnin Gwari–Funtua (167 km)
•Birnin Gwari–Tegina (100 km)
The group emphasized that while these roads have historically been hotspots for security threats, their rehabilitation would facilitate agricultural trade, boost state revenue, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Additionally, BEPU raised concerns over the lack of electricity supply in Western and Eastern Birnin Gwari, where communities such as Awaro, Randagi, Dogon Dawa, and Layin Mahuta have remained in darkness for over eight years. The union pointed out that these areas contribute significantly to Kaduna State’s agricultural and livestock economy, yet the absence of electricity has hindered productivity and economic growth.
BEPU urged the Kaduna State Government to prioritize the restoration of power to these communities, as electricity is essential for economic activities, security, and overall development.
Concluding its statement, BEPU reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the people of Birnin Gwari to peace and national unity. However, the union warned that continued neglect threatens to undermine these efforts.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and the Kaduna State Government to recognize the urgency of the challenges facing Birnin Gwari and to take decisive steps toward resolving them.
BEPU stressed that insecurity should not be used as an excuse for underdevelopment but rather as a motivation for increased investment in infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities. It urged all stakeholders to work towards ensuring lasting peace and prosperity in Birnin Gwari and Kaduna State at large.
“The time for action is now,” BEPU declared, expressing hope that the voices of the people would be heard and that necessary interventions would be implemented without further delay.