Promise Kept As Dr Nasir Idris Delivers on Koko/Zuru Road

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Promise Kept As Dr Nasir Idris Delivers on Koko/Zuru Road

By: Yakubu Ahmed BK

“A man who keeps his promises is mightier than he who has the strength of a hundred warriors” …Honore de Balzac

The long-anticipated contract for constructing the dilapidated Koko/Zuru road has finally been signed between the Kebbi state government and three reputable firms, effectively silencing skeptics who take delight in shouting hoaxes that the project is unattainable.

The Koko/Zuru road has been a central topic of discussion, representing a longstanding issue that previous administrations have neglected. Its completion is vital not only for the four local government areas cut off from essential services but also for the overall socioeconomic development of Kebbi state in particular and Nigeria in general.

Spanning 87 kilometers, this crucial road connects to one of Kebbi’s, nay Nigeria’s agricultural corridors, playing a significant role in the nation’s food security. The prolonged neglect of this infrastructure has raised suspicions among locals, who perceive it as a calculated move to hinder the region’s economic progress.

No Kebbi state governor has prioritized the Koko/Zuru road quite like Dr. Nasir Idris. During his electioneering campaign, he made a personal commitment to tackling the Koko/Zuru road’s reconstruction, and having known him for keeping his bonds long before he became Governor the people of Kebbi believed and trusted him, which was why he was massively voted into office. He has all his life consistently worked to fulfill his promises.

Dr. Idris’s dedication to the project’s realization cannot be overlooked. Despite being a federal responsibility, the road’s persistent state of disrepair suggests a larger obstruction to regional growth and advancing the position of Kebbi state as the nation’s hub for agricultural and rice production. This zone is also a prime target for political vote harvesting during elections and it would be foolhardy for any politician or political party worth the name to gamble with the destiny of a people as productive and as resilient as the people domiciling in that zone.

The governor’s persistence, highlighted by numerous trips to Abuja, was crucial in putting pressure on the federal government to commit to undertaking that project. His efforts and persistence led to the revocation of the contract from an incompetent firm, allowing it to be awarded to more capable contractors. However, despite persistence in negotiations it appeared to be very unlikely for federal funds to be channeled as immediately as Dr Idis would wants it.

Faced with challenges securing financing, Dr. Idris obtained federal approval to proceed with the project, with the promise of reimbursement later. This approval has set the stage for immediate work commencement.

To expedite progress, three experienced companies have been engaged, each tasked with a segment of the 87-kilometer road. These firms have pledged to deploy the necessary machinery to ensure timely delivery.

At the contract signing ceremony in Birnin Kebbi yesterday, Kebbi state Commissioner of Works, Alhaji Abdullahi Faruk Muslim, emphasized the government’s readiness to enforce strict standards and timelines, warning contractors of the consequences of any deviations.

Costing Kebbi state 64 billion Naira, this project is the most costly currently underway, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and driving state development.

This move aligns with Dr. Idris’s history of revitalizing both abandoned and new projects that significantly benefit the state’s residents. He has successfully completed the multi-billion Naira state secretariat complex and the promised roads in both Yauri and Argungu, with township roads in Zuru poised to commence. His accomplishments also include the central motor park in Birnin Kebbi, among many other initiatives.

As Robert Service wisely noted, “A promise made is a debt unpaid.” Dr. Nasir Idris has reaffirmed his promise to the people of Zuru Emirate, delivering on a vital project that every previous administration shied away from.

Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information and Culture for Kebbi State.

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