Dakingari and the task of grassroots development

Kebbi is essentially a rural state where majority of the poplation reside in rural areas practicing one form of agriculture or another. Agriculture in all its ramifications serve as the main stay of the economy, accounting for the daily sustainance of most families. The state is abundantly endowed with immense human capital, diverse mineral resources, […]

Kebbi is essentially a rural state where majority of the poplation reside in rural areas practicing one form of agriculture or another. Agriculture in all its ramifications serve as the main stay of the economy, accounting for the daily sustainance of most families. The state is abundantly endowed with immense human capital, diverse mineral resources, that are yet to be tapped and harnessed for economic benefits.

Indeed, these were the essential attributes responsible for the decision in 1991 to create the state to pave way for development in this part of the country in order to correct some perceived structural imbalance in development. However in spite of the ever increasing yearnings and aspiration of our people for improved living conditions the state still wallows in need of development.

Consequently, by May 1999 when the current democratic dispensation commenced operation on the three tiers of government, high premium was placed on the local government councils as formidable institutions for effective management of existing resources and opportunities in the transformation process of the grassroots areas.

In the last ten years of democratic rule in Nigeria a number of measures have been taken, across the country ostensibly to address the problem of under development in the grassroots, but the performance indices show that not much has been achieved during the period.

Ever since the advent of the current administration in Kebbi State under the able leadership of Governor Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakingari there were significant changes in the scheme of things, heralding a new approach to development.

To begin with, the unpopular practice of meddling with local government statutory allocation from the joint account by state governments which, hitherto was regarded as the greatest impediment in the inability of the local government councils to operate effectively in the handling of their own affairs was jettison, thereby putting an end to any further undue interference with local government councils allocations.

The government therefore introduced regular meetings of the state and local government joint allocation committee for the disbursement of funds of Local Government Councils as enshrined in the constitution. Indeed, this was a strategy intended to facilitate free-flow of funds to the local government as a guarantee for access to enough resources for the executive meaningful development projects.

Another step forward was the introduction of a new Community Development Programme named, WARD PROJECT. It is a popular initiative which allows for joint-project financing and implementation by the state and local government councils.

Indeed, Governor Dakingari’s initiatives in this regard is gaining grounds by day in the transformation process to give the grassroots a facelift. Various projects are springing up with some being financed jointly, with the state government and others by individual local governments. For instance, each local government council has successfully implemented various project in the areas of Water Supply, Agriculture, Health, Education etc.

The new initiatives by the government shows clear departure from the old tradition of business as usual, and adoption of the new spirit of conducting official matters in strict conformity with due process exhibiting high level of transparency, prudence and judicious management of resources. This unique approach to development has brought about flurry of development activities to the satisfaction and admiration of the people.

Notable strides in terms of project became manifest in the areas of schools rehabilitation, construction of clinics and poverty eradication. In addition to the numerous roads project being carried out by the state government, each local government council was facilitated to construct 5 kilometres of road project in their respective areas. About 47 motorized water pumps were provided to Maiyama, Suru, B/Kebbi, Argungu and Koko Besse local government areas.

To buttress this view, during my discussion with the Honourable Commissioner in charge of local governments and chieftaincy affairs Alhaji Abubakar Kardi, he revealed that his Ministry has been empowered and provided with necessary facilities for proper coordination, supervision and regular inspection in order to ensure efficiency and perfect execution of projects. The commissioner also mentioned that, due process has now been given precedence in order to ensure effective control and prudent management of resources. Every monetary transaction from the local government account is subject to strict compliance with existing laws and regulations and with expressed mandate of the local government council.

Thus, from the management prowess and administrative proficiency of Governor Saidu Dakingari, local governments in Kebbi State now enjoy greater autonomy interms of decision and implementation of projects and the conduct of all administrative affairs in their localities. With the free flow of funds, every local government council is capable of running its operations including paying workers salaries for three months, with or without the monthly cash allocation.

The government should Endeavour to open up new frontiers, especially in the fight against poverty among our youth. The scourge of poverty has reached a very alarming proportion desirous of programmes for its total eradication. The economy takes precedence over all other matters. This is so because the economy remains the guiding principle upon which all other things revolve and must therefore be placed upon all other pedestals.

The administration’s effort in providing accessibility to various nooks and crannies of the state is a great foresight. The new approach which should be taken seriously will focus solidly on employment generation to improve the economic capacity of the youth. Moreso, removing abject poverty will serve as a strong motivator against political surgery among the youth.

Muhammad Haruna Wako, Youth Leader Bagudo Local Government, Kebbi State.