The Kebbi State Government has flagged off the construction of the badariya-kola-wuri maliki-zuguru road covering communities in three local government areas, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza and Kalgo. The project is being executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers. Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, performed the ceremony with the Chief of Army Staff represented by Major-General Pat Akem, the Chief of Logistics on Monday the 24th of April, 2017.
The ceremony performed in Zuguru included the flag off of 30m and 60m bridges, culverts of various sizes, township roads, erosion control and other civil works, which had already commenced prior to the ceremony. Governor Bagudu emphasized the benefits of partnerships in enhancing the progressive development of Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his speech, as one of the examples of beneficial partnerships he mentioned the agricultural partnership between Kebbi and Imo States in the area of training amongst others. He said Kebbi farmers and agricultural experts were in Imo State for a month last year supporting their Imo counterparts.
A statement by Aisha Augie-Kuta, SSA New Media in the state said the Governor acknowledged that because of the commitment of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers towards excellent construction and government’s efforts to maximize costs, it was decided to award the construction projects by direct labour. This decision, he noted was fuelled by the confidence he had in the army’s ability to execute the project using global practices and standards.
Bagudu however, made a request to the army to establish sports arenas for the youth and especially for girls as part of their corporate social responsibility to promote their physical and mental well-being. He also pleaded with the people of Zuguru area to give back especially after provision of accessible roads by allowing their young to attend schools within and outside their area as a form of support towards future development.
Prior to this, the Chief of Army Staff said the projects would be executed in accordance to specifications without compromising quality and appreciated the Kebbi State Government for the show of confidence. The Commander of Army Corps of Engineers, Major General O.O. Adeleke briefed the audience on the progress of the constructions so far.
The Commissioner of Works and Transport, Atiku Bunu Jega gave the assurance that work was going on as scheduled and would be completed as promised by the Bagudu administration. Ardon Zugur, Mohammed Umar the village head, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Army and on behalf of the community conferred traditional titles of Garkuwan Zuguru to the Governor and Jagaban Zuguru to the Chief of Army Staff.
