The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Maigwari II, has commended President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his promise to reconstruct the Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road, describing the project as a major milestone for the people of the area.
The monarch spoke on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Federal Highway.
According to him, the commencement of the project marks the fulfilment of long-standing prayers of the people and offers renewed hope for improved security, economic recovery and sustainable development.
He recalled that during a visit to Birnin Gwari on December 2, 2022, Tinubu assessed the deplorable condition of the road and pledged 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,” the emir said.
Maigwari noted that security had improved significantly in the emirate, allowing farmers to return to their farms, markets to reopen and residents to go about their daily activities with renewed confidence.
He also praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for supporting security improvements and facilitating the implementation of the road project.
The traditional ruler, however, appealed to the Federal Government to begin construction from the Birnin Gwari-Udawa section, which he described as the most deteriorated part of the highway.
He further urged the government to prioritise the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna, Birnin Gwari-Tuwa and Birnin Gwari-Funtua roads, describing them as strategic routes critical to 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 maintain peace in the area.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the project as another milestone under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the 122-kilometre highway is a strategic economic corridor linking northern and southern Nigeria and would boost trade, investment and security upon completion.
Goronyo added that the reconstruction fulfils a campaign promise made by President Tinubu to the people of Birnin Gwari, while urging the contractor to ensure quality work and timely completion.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of J. Patel and Sons Ltd., Urmil Patel, said the company had fully mobilised to site and would complete the project within the 24-month contract period.
He disclosed that the project includes a nine-kilometre dual carriageway from Mando Roundabout to Airport Roundabout, rehabilitation of nine bridges and 93 culverts, as well as the construction of reinforced concrete shoulders to improve durability.
Patel added that the company would employ hundreds of youths from host communities and provide training in modern road construction technologies.
NAN
