(Jaurowal community in picture. Photo by Periscope Nigeria)
The Village Head of Jaurowal in the Pindiga Emirate of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Ambassador Ibrahim Mu’azu Hassan, has expressed concerns over what he described as the neglect of communities in the area, saying residents have yet to experience the true benefits of democracy.
Speaking during an interview with a news correspondent, the traditional ruler called on governments at all levels, political leaders, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations to assist the people through the provision of essential infrastructure and social amenities.
He said the communities were in urgent need of basic facilities such as good roads, hospitals and schools, adding that despite the population and contributions of residents to the local government area, they had not benefited from significant development initiatives.
Hassan expressed alarm over the dire state of roads connecting the communities, noting that the poor infrastructure had resulted in preventable d£aths.
He revealed that at least five women had p£rished because they were unable to access medical care promptly while being transported to hospitals, stressing that the condition of the roads had made movement extremely challenging, particularly during emergencies.
The village head specifically called on Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Senator Danjuma Goje, the federal representative for Akko, Dr Usman Kumo, and the state representative for Akko West, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, to urgently intervene in the situation.
He also lamented the abandonment of the proposed Jaurowal Junior Secondary School project, revealing that work had stalled for more than seven years.
He said the lack of progress had negatively affected children’s access to education and deprived many of the opportunity to continue their schooling.
Hassan renewed calls for the creation of a ward for Jaurowal, comprising about 10 villages including Garin Jauro Jibir, Labarfito, Dongoru Karama, Felawa, Bakkiti, Pali, Lafiyawo, Ardowu and Garin Yabano.
According to him, this move would bring governance closer to residents and accelerate development in the area.
He stressed that the communities had remained loyal and continued to contribute to the local government area’s growth despite the absence of essential services, adding that residents deserved the benefits of democracy.
He urged relevant authorities to prioritise their needs by providing infrastructure and community development projects that would improve living conditions.
Hassan concluded by offering prayers for peace, unity and development in the Pindiga Emirate, Jaurowal community, Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.