The Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Malam Zubair Jibril, OFR, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consolidate the fragile peace in the emirate by fast-tracking critical infrastructure, security, and development projects.
In an appeal described as both heartfelt and urgent, the Emir said that while peace had returned to the once-troubled region, it would only endure if matched with visible socio-economic development.
“We reassure all prospective investors, local and foreign, that peace and security have firmly returned to Birnin Gwari,” the monarch said. “But peace alone is not enough. We must build on it quickly—while the calm still holds.”
Once notorious for banditry and kidnappings, Birnin Gwari has witnessed a dramatic turnaround over the past year, following intensified federal and state security interventions that have reportedly reduced violence by more than 90 percent.
Commending President Tinubu for his earlier visit to the area in 2022, prior to his election, the Emir reminded the President of his moral commitment to the people of Birnin Gwari.
“Your Excellency, you made a covenant with us—not a political promise, but a moral one. You kept your word by restoring security. Now we ask you to help us restore dignity,” he said.
The Emir outlined several priority projects he described as crucial to sustaining peace and fostering long-term growth, including:
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Rehabilitation of key federal roads: Funtua–Birnin Gwari Road and Birnin Gwari–Minna Road.
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Establishment of a tertiary institution to serve the educational needs of the region’s youth.
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Upgrade of the Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre.
“This hospital is not just for Birnin Gwari,” he noted. “It serves communities across Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara States. Elevating it will save lives—and anchor lasting peace.”
The monarch also called for the restoration of banking and telecommunications services suspended in 2021 due to security concerns, lamenting that their absence continues to hinder commerce and investor confidence.
“The land is open, the people are ready, and opportunity awaits. But we cannot invite investors if they cannot make calls, move money, or access roads,” he said.
While commending Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for ongoing initiatives such as the proposed cattle market and the Bagoma–Gagumi agricultural road, the Emir stressed that the scope of the region’s challenges required federal intervention.
“We need the continued hand of the Federal Government,” he said. “We also invite international partners and the private sector. Let us not miss this moment.”
As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the Emir framed Birnin Gwari’s recovery as both a story of resilience and a reminder of the nation’s unfinished work.
“Our story shows that no place is too broken to heal. But healing must be followed by growth. If not, wounds reopen,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the Emir delivered a personal appeal to President Tinubu: “You were Dakaren Birnin Gwari—the fearless one who stood with us in our darkest hour. Now we ask you to stand with us in our hour of rebuilding. Let Birnin Gwari become a model, not just of peace, but of prosperity.”
