On the Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi States plan funding for ill-conceived projects, by Abubakar M. Kareto
The Kano State Government has allocated 2.5 billion Naira for mass weddings in 2025, while the Jigawa State Government has approved 4.8 billion Naira for this year’s Ramadan Feeding Programme, and the Kebbi State Government has awarded a subcontract for the renovation and repairs of 97 mosques across the state at an undisclosed amount.
It is advantageous to use these funds in a productive way, and I agree that these are things people want. However, it is the government’s responsibility to set the state on the right path, and that is the essence of having educated and skilled persons in charge, to think as solution providers and solvers of complex problems. Envision these sums invested in healthcare, schools, farms, or solar panels for local communities.
READ ALSO: The gains of hosting the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, by Abubakar M. Kareto
Regrettably, these three states are all located in the North-West. A recent United Nations (UN) publication estimates that 70% of the population in northwest Nigeria lives below the poverty line. The UN recommended that to address this, it is essential to encourage these states to improve access to education, basic infrastructure, and quality healthcare, increase job prospects, enhance agricultural productivity, improve disease surveillance and outbreak response, and strengthen maternal and child health services.
People look to their governments to handle tasks that they are unable to handle on their own. Why squander money on things that people can do just as well on their own when there are more pressing matters to attend to?
Abubakar M. Kareto is a Public Affairs Analyst, Development Agenda Enthusiasts and a Concerned Citizen.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
