By Hassan Ibrahim
The Executive Chairman of Zaria Local Government Council, Engineer Jameel Ahmad Muhammad, has marked his one year in office with an impressive record of achievements cutting across education, health, security, infrastructure, and community empowerment.
The celebration, held at the Zaria Local Government Secretariat, brought together government officials, political leaders, community representatives, and beneficiaries who described the chairman’s first year as a “true reflection of leadership with purpose.”
In his anniversary speech, Engr. Jameel Ahmad Muhammad expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for His blessings and guidance throughout his administration, while extending appreciation to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen (Iyan Zazzau) for their continuous support and partnership.
“So far, we have done a lot in education — paying scholarships to students in tertiary and secondary institutions, and supporting our primary schools with instructional materials and teaching aids,” he said.
He highlighted progress in the health sector, noting the rehabilitation and upgrading of several primary healthcare centers across the local government.
“We have renovated and upgraded our health facilities, ensuring that our people can access healthcare services easily and affordably,” he added.
In terms of security, the chairman revealed that proactive measures have been taken to safeguard communities, including the strengthening of local vigilance groups, closure of porous border routes, and improved collaboration with security agencies.
“The security situation in Zaria has improved drastically. Today, our people sleep peacefully without fear,” he said.
The chairman also listed key projects under infrastructure development, including ongoing road constructions in Kargi, Gangari, and Kaura, as well as the installation of new transformers to boost electricity supply in several communities.
One of the most celebrated aspects of his tenure is empowerment and social welfare, which has directly impacted thousands of residents.
“We empowered 250 widows with ₦100,000 each, trained 100 people with special needs in POS operations, and gave them ₦50,000 as startup capital,” Engr. Jameel explained. “We have also supported over 4,000 women with business grants after training them in various skills.”
Adding that, the Speaker empowered 80 additional women with ₦100,000 each and sponsored five students on full international scholarships to Malaysia, each receiving an extra $1,000 pocket allowance
In recognition of the Speaker’s enduring support for youth and women empowerment, Chairman Jaga presented permanent and pensionable employment letters to 34 beneficiaries at NARICT, describing the gesture as a “tangible reflection of leadership that inspires hope and transforms lives.”
Hon. Iliyasu Balarabe, Deputy Chief of Staff, National Assembly, described the chairman’s initiative as “unprecedented in Zaria’s history.”
“This kind of inclusive program targeting widows, orphans, and people with disabilities is commendable. It shows genuine concern for human development,” he said, while commending Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for his mentorship and continued support to local leadership.
Also speaking, Zinariyar Zazzau, Barr. Aisha Muhammad, Secretary/Legal Adviser, KADiRS, praised the chairman’s vision and commitment to uplifting the less privileged.
“This program has put smiles on many faces — widows, orphans, and people with disabilities. It’s been over a decade since Zaria witnessed this level of mass empowerment,” she remarked.
Adding his voice, Hon. Engr. Mohammed Ihamo, Member representing Zaria Kewaye Constituency, described the progress in Zaria as a clear sign of good governance and effective collaboration among leaders.
“What we are seeing in Zaria is the true dividend of democracy — from the chairman to the governor, the Right Honorable Speaker, and even the President,” he said. “There’s hardly any sector left untouched — education, health, empowerment, and infrastructure are all receiving attention.”
In his remarks, Hon. Mahmoud Lawal Ismail, Member representing Zaria Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Education at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, commended the initiative, describing it as “a milestone in the political history of Zaria.”
“Today is another great day in the history of Zaria politics. We witnessed the empowerment of 250 indigenous people under the leadership of Hon. Engr. Jameel Ahmad Muhammad. It’s a rare and commendable initiative that focuses largely on people with special needs,” Hon. Ismail said.
He further applauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, for supporting the empowerment of additional beneficiaries with ₦100,000 each, noting that such interventions foster self-reliance and economic growth within the community.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the chairman for his kind gesture and pledged to use the funds judiciously to improve their livelihoods and become self-reliant.
0 Comments