Muhammad Alabira Nabordo
Rural communities in Jigawa State have expressed gratitude to Baba Azumi Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization based in Dutse, for transforming their lives through various initiatives and projects.
The communities, located in Miga, Kaugama, and Guiwa Local Government Areas, praised the Partnership and Local Rights Program being implemented by Baba Azumi Foundation, funded by the ActionAid Nigeria, for providing clean drinking water, building and repairing schools, and improving healthcare.
Recently during a quarterly meeting organized by the Inclusive Forum for Accountability Society (IFAS) held at the Ministry of Women Affairs, the communities’ representatives highlighted the impact of the program on their lives.
They cited the construction of wells for dry season farming activities, provision of clean drinking water, and improvement in healthcare as significant benefits to be reconned with.
In an interview with the Coordinator of the Partnership and Local Rights Program, Barrister Aisha Suleiman Jahun, explained that the program aim is to empower rural communities by promoting consciousness and access to modern life.
She said the Organization has provided projects that have direct bearings on the communities such as ten wells for the communities to use for their dry season farming activities in Guiwa Local government area.
According to her that Guiwa Local government has also partnered with them to built additional two wells for the communities.
However the quarterly meeting was attended by all stakeholders, including institutions, Civil Society Organizations, government’s departments and agencies.
The discussions during the meeting centred on issues affecting the communities, including lack of adequate teaching materials, clean water, and healthcare facilities among others.
Jahun noted that some of the issues discussed in the 2024 meeting have been included in the 2025 budget, and the organization is working to ensure that the communities can mobilize and advocate for their rights.
She highlighted that Baba Azumi Foundation’s initiatives have brought about positive change in the lives of rural communities in the State, and the organization remains committed to empowering these communities to voice out their problems and advocate for their rights.
The Baba Azumi Foundation has initiated a program to empower communities in Jigawa State by forming self-help associations.
However, in a separate interview with the communities’ representatives during the meeting expressed their opinions positively.
Aisha Abba from Rokoto Sale, said the foundation encouraged communities to establish associations to mobilize resources and support one another and used the money to assist individuals in times of need.
“The associations provide financial assistance for health problems, marriages, naming ceremonies, and urgent journeys.
“Members can take loans from the collective funds, promoting financial stability and cooperation within the community.
“This initiative has fostered a sense of self-reliance and mutual support among our community members,” she added.
She said by empowering communities to take charge of their financial well-being, the Baba Azumi Foundation is promoting sustainable development and social cohesion.
She further explained that the self-help associations are a testament to the foundation’s commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals in Jigawa State.
Also Libabatu Muyi a resident of Rokoto Ado village in Kaugama Local government Area said they have to praised the Baba Azumi Foundation for transforming their community.
Libabatu noted that before the foundation’s intervention, the village lacked basic amenities, including healthcare facilities. Pregnant women had to travel long distances to access medical care, but the foundation has brought much-needed development to the area.
“The foundation’s initiatives have improved healthcare in the community, providing a much-needed lifeline to residents.
“The impact of the foundation’s work is evident in the smiles of the residents, who are grateful for the positive change.
“The Baba Azumi Foundation has brought hope and relief to the people of Rokoto Ado, and they look forward to continued support and development,” she stressed.
A resident of Aigwa Iro community in Miga Local Government Area of Jigawa State have also expressed gratitude to the Baba Azumi Foundation for transforming their lives.
Hadi Muhammad, a community member, acknowledged the positive impact of the foundation’s initiatives, which have improved their living conditions.
However, he appealed for further support, requesting additional teachers for their school and more personnel for their healthcare facility to enhance service delivery.
