From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, a tale of two regions is emerging: Lafia Central, flourishing with modern infrastructure and well-paved roads, and Lafia North, where residents feel left behind amid unfulfilled promises and eroding infrastructure.
In neighborhoods such as Bukan Sidi, Ombi 1, and Ombi 2, residents are speaking out about the neglect of their communities and the lack of basic amenities, especially road infrastructure. They argue that, despite their contributions to the state economy and community life, their pleas for improved infrastructure have gone unanswered.
“It’s frustrating. Our community contributes to the state like any other, and yet our basic needs are overlooked,” remarked Abubakar Bala, a local business owner in Bukan Sidi. “The government should not be selective. Development should be for all.”
Bukan Sidi, a predominantly Eggon community, is an area rich in culture and heritage, yet it remains disconnected from the rest of Lafia. Roads stop just short of its border with Millionaires Quarters, an affluent neighborhood with seamless access to Lafia’s commercial and administrative hubs. Residents feel cut off, with dilapidated streets leading to essential locations such as Government Secondary School (GSS) Bukan Sidi remaining in disrepair.
Hauwa Usman, a mother of three, expressed her frustration with the government’s seeming lack of concern. “It’s tiring to feel like we’re begging for something as basic as good roads when Lafia Central gets hundreds of kilometers of paved streets,” she said. “We’re asking for roads, not luxury—just something to connect us and make us feel like we’re part of Lafia’s growth story.”
The discontent is more than just about inconvenience. Some residents wonder if the neglect may be political, subtly punishing the area due to the Eggon people’s growing political aspirations in the state. This sentiment has fostered speculation that the community’s calls for equitable infrastructure investment may be ignored as a result of their strong political stance, particularly their aspiration to see an Eggon native become governor.
For many, the story of unmet promises is nothing new. According to some community commentators who are of the opinion that during his tenure, former Governor Tanko Al-Makura made strides toward infrastructure development in Bukan Sidi, implementing a robust drainage system that spared residents from seasonal flooding. The project, though limited, left a lasting impression, giving the community a rare sense of inclusion.
“Governor Al-Makura’s intervention saved many homes from flooding and gave us some hope,” said Martha Ewuga, a longtime resident of Bukan Sidi. “But beyond that, there hasn’t been much in terms of meaningful infrastructure. We’re still waiting on those promises to be fulfilled.”
Ewuga’s sentiment is the same with a community leader Adams Adamu, who recalls Al-Makura’s ambitious road plans for Bukan Sidi. These proposed projects included linking major areas like Massalacin Jumma’a mosque, Omgbolo Hotel, and Meseda Hotel, with roads that would stretch into Bukan Sidi and enhance connectivity. “There was so much promise. Al-Makura’s vision gave us a glimpse of what we could become,” Adamu shared. “But those dreams seem to have been abandoned by the present administration.”
Despite the hardships and unfulfilled promises, many residents remain hopeful that their plight will be addressed. Bala, the business owner, believes that with sustained advocacy, the government may eventually respond. “We see roads being built in other areas, so why not here?” he asked. “Bukan Sidi deserves development too.”
The neglect extends beyond Bukan Sidi, affecting residents of Ombi 1 and Ombi 2. In Ombi 1, a stretch known as Transformer Street was once anticipated to become a vital road connecting Kwandere International Market to Lafia’s northern neighborhoods. However, the construction never began, stifling the area’s potential for economic growth.
“Transformer Street could open up business opportunities for us and attract investors, but for now, we’re left watching other areas grow while we remain stagnant,” said Emmanuel Adams, a local entrepreneur.
Ombi 2 faces its own challenges, especially with worsening erosion issues that have deteriorated existing roads. Apart from a single road near the Special School that was constructed under Al-Makura’s administration, there has been little improvement. As a result, residents must take longer, roundabout routes to reach their homes, making what could be a one-minute walk a 10-minute detour.
“Our roads are eroding right in front of us,” complained Mary John, a resident of Ombi 2. “Each rainy season makes things worse. At this point, we feel completely abandoned.”
The residents of Lafia North aren’t just holding the Abdullahi Sule administration accountable; they are also calling on other political representatives to intervene. Hon. Ogoshi Onawo, senator representing Nasarawa South, has been urged to advocate for infrastructure development in the area.
Similarly, residents hope the House member representing the zone will address these concerns and ensure Lafia North receives its fair share of investment.
Political observers note that the disparity in infrastructure between Lafia Central and Lafia North may reflect broader issues of resource allocation in Nasarawa State. “Development should not be a matter of favoritism; it should serve the whole community,” argued political analyst Ahmed Yakubu.
“Neglecting areas like Lafia North while developing central districts could have serious social and economic consequences.”
In a recent interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Peter Ahember, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, addressed concerns about perceived neglect in Lafia North, particularly regarding road infrastructure.
Responding to questions on the disparities in infrastructure development between Lafia Central and areas such as Bukan Sidi, Ombi 1, and Ombi 2, Ahember reassured residents that the current administration remains committed to equitable development across Nasarawa State.
“Government is a continuous process, and everything is part of the budgeting cycle. I can assure the people that Governor Abdullahi Sule is considering road projects that will connect all parts of the city, irrespective of any political undertones,” Ahember stated.
In response to claims that political considerations may have affected development in Lafia North—a predominantly Eggon area—Ahember refuted any notion of bias. “It is completely untrue that there is any neglect based on ethnicity,” he said. “Governor Sule is a man of integrity and will stop at nothing to develop all areas in terms of infrastructure. Development should and will serve all residents equally.”
Ahember highlighted that the governor is committed to inclusivity in infrastructural planning, reinforcing the government’s responsibility to meet the needs of all Nasarawa State citizens.
Acknowledging the community’s frustrations, Ahember appealed for patience, emphasizing that the governor is aware of residents’ concerns and is working toward addressing them. “His Excellency is aware of the plights of Lafia North residents, and I urge them to be patient. He is dedicated to improving infrastructure in every part of the state,” Ahember noted.
Ahember pointed to significant initiatives like the Lafia flyover and underpass as examples of Governor Sule’s dedication to infrastructure development. “The flyover underpass is a legacy project driven by the governor’s vision for a connected, modern Lafia,” he said, highlighting it as part of a broader plan to upgrade and integrate the state’s road network.
Our Correspondent gatherrd that Lafia Central’s infrastructure continues to expand, the residents of Lafia North hope that their calls for attention will not go unheard, and that they, too, can become part of the city’s growth story. For now, Bukan Sidi, Ombi 1, and Ombi 2 stand as neighborhoods waiting in anticipation, their residents advocating for the same roads, bridges, and opportunities enjoyed just a few kilometers away.
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