By Mustapha Muhammad
Limited access and terrible roads in rural areas unleash untold hardships to rural dwellers that are largely farmers, their farm produce could not easily get to markets, access to health, education and social connections are all worst hit due to bad roads in most of the rural areas of the States across the most populous African nation.
Several villages and towns had suffered neglect in terms of roads networking for decades.
Many roads that once connected communities had fallen into disrepair, cutting people off from markets, hindering the transport of their farm produce, and stripping them of vital economic opportunities, and left them high and dry.
In Kano state, the rural roads suffered neglect in the past, but now the situation is being reversed with aggressive and massive construction of roads in rural areas, by the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Bearing in mind that networking roads across the rural communities in the state will add value to economic opportunities, access to health, education and above all social connections, His Excellency Abba K. Yusuf, just swung into action through the Ministry of Rural and Community Development and waste no time in awarding contracts of roads construction across the rural areas in the State.
So far, no fewer than 53 road projects have been initiated across rural areas of the state, most of which have been nearly completed reconnecting communities, revitalizing livelihoods, restoring hope, and fostering more inclusive and sustainable rural development.
This is the vision of His Excellency Abba K. Yusuf, to ensure Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations are being championed in the State.
I am privy to the efforts of the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to unveil 5 Years Master Plan for rural and Community Development soon; that would include nearly 10 agenda of SDG’s. This is brilliant and in line with the vision and mission of his Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Let me Xray the roads under construction in rural areas in Kano state, that would allow the readers to carefully understand the major game changing drive of His Excellency the people’s Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
To begin with, the Kura–Kubarachi Road linking Kura and Madobi Local Government Areas holds immense economic significance. The surrounding lands are remarkably fertile and ideal for cultivation, yet for years, poor road conditions isolated the people, especially during the rainy season when access was completely cut off until the floods receded. Today, that long wait is finally ending, as the road is undergoing reconstruction, promising to reconnect communities and unlock their agricultural potential.
Secondly, the bridge and access road that connected Wudil to Zumbulolo village was in shamble state, but now is under construction.
Similarly, the roads network of Panda-Hamdullahi-Albasu-Sakwayan Dutse, Rogo-Bari-Mahangi in Rogo Local government, Kwankwaso-Ningowo-Duku villages, Goro-Chinkoso-Madobi road, Gwarzo-Tsaure-Tsanyawa road, all these were terrible roads that disconnected people due the nature of the dilapidation, but now are all under construction by this administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
To cap it all, the Kubarachi Bridge, from Madobi to Kura, was in a state of despair, but now is being receiving attention of the government, the work has reached an advance stage.
The governor brought succour to the millions of people residing in rural areas through rural and Community roads.
Furthermore, Madobi-Yako-Kiru-Kwanar Dangora road and Gwale-Tofa-Kabo-Karaye-Rogo roads are very critical roads that connected major routes to neighbouring states of Kaduna and Katsina respectively, with huge potentials to economic growth, were deteriorated and abandoned before the advent of this administration, but governor Yusuf out of his compassion has awarded these two major roads project, and the work is under construction and in progress.
All the 53 rural road projects under construction across the state are strategically chosen, each one vital to the heartbeat of its community. Once completed, these roads will boost agricultural activities, ease the movement of goods and people, and open access to hospitals, schools, and markets. Beyond improving daily life, they will expand economic opportunities by enabling farmers and traders to reach larger markets, attract investors, and stimulate job creation — transforming once-isolated communities into vibrant hubs of growth and development.
No doubt, Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment on rural roads is second to none in Nigeria, added on to that, the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Honourable, Abdulkadir Abdussalam is very keen and committed as well on these projects that touch the lives of people.
The Commissioner, Abdussalam who has been up and doing on this and other projects in rural and community development, quoted to have said in an interview with journalists in his office recently, that the government is very committed to these roads which will bring succour to the people around.
It is indeed a game changer for local economies.
Moreover, emergency health services can respond faster with good and smooth roads, and patients get to hospital quicker. That means lives would be saved and bring healthier communities.
Education would be improved as students and pupils can attend schools far away in shortest possible time, and teachers can easily commute to schools. Better roads network better education.
Indeed, Governor Abba’s Rural Roads Initiative is a true game changer — connecting villages, bridging communities, and driving inclusive development
Muhammad is the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
