From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The renowned hope-driven non-governmental organization, Kutama First Association, has commended ongoing community development efforts, including the renovation of the Kutama Government Secondary School and the rehabilitation of the Kutama–Gwarzo road, describing the initiative as a major step toward improving education and transportation in the area.
Speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting the self-help community development projects, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Zubairu Na Kutama, said members contributed funds to support critical infrastructure, with over N2 million spent so far on various interventions.
According to him, the association mobilised resources through voluntary contributions from members and well-wishers to address urgent community needs, especially the deteriorating condition of the Kutama–Gwarzo road, which he described as a “death trap” before the intervention.
“We deemed it fit to contribute, no matter how small, and we were able to raise a reasonable amount close to two million naira.
“As soon as we started filling potholes on the road, passers-by also began donating, and we received additional support from well-wishers,’ he said.
He explained that the Kutama–Gwarzo road remains a vital economic route linking Kano with Gwarzo and neighbouring communities such as Makaurachi, Dankanjiba, and Malamawa in Kano and Katsina States respectively.
Alhaji Abubakar further disclosed that the association extended its intervention to education by renovating classrooms at Government Secondary School, Kutama, which were reportedly damaged by strong winds.
He said the group purchased roofing sheets and zinc materials, and reconstruction work is currently ongoing.
“We did not stop at the road project. We also moved into the school renovation. Some classrooms were blown off by wind, so we quickly intervened and purchased roofing materials. Work is ongoing as we speak,” he added.
The association also commended the efforts of the Gwarzo Local Government Chairman and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their commitment to grassroots development, calling for more support to sustain community-driven initiatives.