Bwari:As Nigeria celebrates its 66th independence anniversary, stakeholders in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory have called on the Federal Government to address infrastructure gaps in the area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders, in separate interviews, commended the government’s interventions in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and youth empowerment, while also highlighting persistent development gaps. They evaluated these interventions against the progress recorded since 2023.
Community leader in Sabongari, Mr. Ezra Shekwogaza, noted that Federal Government interventions have brought visible changes, particularly in road infrastructure. He highlighted the impact of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, implemented through FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike, in areas like Ushafa and Kawu-Shere, contributing to development opportunities and changing perceptions of Bwari from a rural area to a more developed community. However, he stressed the need for more efforts to ensure rural communities benefit from government projects, citing ongoing issues with electricity, water, and other basic amenities.
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Tanimu, a women leader from Baran Goni, emphasized the benefits women have received from empowerment initiatives and skills acquisition programs. Despite these gains, she called for greater inclusion of women in designing and implementing empowerment programs and highlighted the need for better access to finance for women involved in farming and small businesses.
Mr. John Awoyi, President of Bwari Youths Forum, acknowledged the opportunities created for young people through skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives. However, he pointed out that youth unemployment remains a significant issue, urging the government to expand vocational training and provide start-up support for skilled youths, particularly in rural communities. He also called for improvements in healthcare facilities and stronger collaboration between various government entities and community groups.
Farmer Mr. Akuso Amos praised government support for the agricultural sector but identified high costs of farm inputs and inadequate storage facilities as major challenges for farmers in Bwari. He appealed for more accessible agricultural loans and improved market linkages to enhance production and employment opportunities for young people.
Overall, stakeholders stressed the importance of infrastructure development, particularly roads, to boost economic activities and improve access to essential services in Bwari.