Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi says the state is witnessing significant progress across key sectors following sustained investments and reforms introduced by his administration.
The governor made the remarks during the Jigawa North-East Strategic Development Forum held in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria, under the auspices of the Hadejia Emirate Council.
Governor Namadi commended the organisers for creating a platform to discuss developmental challenges affecting the region, noting that the forum not only identified problems but also proposed practical solutions.
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According to him, many socio-economic indicators previously associated with the state are already improving due to deliberate government interventions across critical sectors.
Speaking on population growth and human capital development, the governor said his administration was committed to transforming the state’s growing population into productive assets through education, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Power Investment
On power supply, Namadi highlighted the success of the pilot solar electrification project in Kafin Hausa, describing it as a catalyst for economic expansion in the area.
He explained that communities benefiting from the project now enjoy nearly 24-hour electricity supply, leading to the emergence of new businesses and increased commercial activities.
The governor further disclosed that the state government was expanding its renewable energy investments through plans to establish a solar panel manufacturing plant to support a proposed 100-megawatt solar power project across the three senatorial zones of the state.
According to him, the project would allocate 40 megawatts to Jigawa North-West and 30 megawatts each to Jigawa North-East and Jigawa Central, with the North-West zone prioritised because of its industrial and export-processing activities.
Agriculture
On agriculture, Governor Namadi said the state had entered into partnerships with four Indian companies in areas such as seed development, dairy production, poultry, and agribusiness.
He revealed that improved seed varieties tested in Jigawa recorded remarkable yields, with some maize varieties producing up to 10 tonnes per hectare compared to lower yields from conventional seeds.
The governor also said the administration was leveraging dairy development to reduce farmer–herder conflicts while improving livelihoods for both farmers and pastoralists.
Namadi stressed the need for value addition and local processing of agricultural produce, insisting that sustainable economic growth depends on strengthening agribusiness and processing industries within communities.
Education
On education, the governor said the administration was intensifying efforts to bridge educational gaps in disadvantaged communities through targeted interventions.
He disclosed that under the Danmodi Students Care Initiative, 131 out of 150 students from educationally disadvantaged local governments successfully secured admission into tertiary institutions after undergoing intensive coaching programmes.
The beneficiaries, according to him, would study nursing and midwifery in health institutions within the state and later return to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
Governor Namadi also highlighted efforts to integrate Islamic and conventional education systems through accelerated learning programmes for traditional Qur’anic teachers.
He said about 150 Alarammas recently underwent training under a programme implemented by the Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board in partnership with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, with most participants obtaining certificates equivalent to secondary school qualifications.
The governor added that the state government was empowering youths through agriculture, entrepreneurship, and vocational training programmes, including the Rice Millionaires Programme and skills acquisition centres focused on welding, fabrication, fashion design, and other trades.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to promote regional development and improve the living conditions of the people of Jigawa State.
Details of the engagement were contained in a press statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel.
