Zing Residents, Corps Members Applaud Taraba Assembly Speaker, Bonzena for Transformative Rural Development 

Ben Adaji 

Residents of Zing Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, alongside National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the area, have commended the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, for what they described as an unprecedented rural infrastructure revolution across the local government.

The commendations were made on Friday during an interactive session with journalists who were on a development assessment tour of various communities in Zing LGA.

During the tour, Journalists witnessed that the Speaker facilitated the execution of over 20 critical rural infrastructure projects spread across the local government. 

These include, the construction of maternity health centres, NYSC corps members’ lodges, boreholes, installation of electricity transformers, erection of classroom blocks and examination halls, as well as the construction of key bridges linking rural communities.

The Parrot News reports that Rt. Hon. Bonzena has also played a major role in expanding employment opportunities for indigenes of the area, securing jobs for between 150 and 200 youths. In addition, the installation of 350KVA transformers in several communities has significantly improved electricity supply, while over 1,000 young people are currently benefiting from educational sponsorships and skills acquisition programmes aimed at enhancing human capital development and boosting the local economy of Zing LGA.

Traditional rulers and  other stakeholders from Zing where not left out of the praises as the Kpanti Lonyuon, Bitrus Adamu Sajo, alongside the Head of Lamma Community, Alhaji Usman Tanko, commended the Speaker for prioritising road and bridge construction in hard-to-reach areas.

They specifically highlighted the construction of the Saliti Bridge in Diding village, the Lamma Bridge in Lamma community, and the Tavingwa Bridge in Monkin, noting that these projects have significantly eased the transportation of agricultural produce from rural settlements to Zing town and neighbouring markets.

According to the elders, the bridges have removed long-standing barriers to economic growth, as traders and buyers previously avoided the communities due to poor road access.

“This development has liberated our people from years of isolation,” they said. “Farmers can now move their produce easily, and marketers can access our communities without difficulty.”

NYSC members serving in the area also expressed satisfaction with the Speaker’s interventions. Mr. Jubril Abdullahi, a corps member from Katsina State, and Miss Halilu Taibat from Niger State, praised Rt. Hon. Bonzena for prioritising the welfare and comfort of corps members posted to Zing LGA.

The Parrot News indicate that the Speaker has constructed and completed modern, well-equipped NYSC lodges in Zing town, Bitako, and Yakoko. Each lodge reportedly accommodates over 100 corps members and is provided with 24-hour security and steady water supply.

At the Tunapo Maternity Health Centre, residents expressed appreciation for the facility but appealed for the deployment of additional health workers to cope with the increasing number of patients. They explained that the centre currently serves more than five neighbouring communities.

Meanwhile, residents of Diding community appealed for the provision of computer systems for the newly constructed, world-class examination hall to enable students from surrounding communities to sit for computer-based tests (CBT).

Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Dimas Voviko and Mr. Dasuela Ezekiel said:

“We sincerely appreciate Rt. Hon. Bonzena for building this maternity centre in Tunapo. Our major challenge now is the shortage of health workers, as people from many neighbouring communities come here for treatment. We appeal for more health personnel and additional equipment to ease the pressure on the existing staff.”

Political leaders across party lines also lauded the Speaker’s development initiatives. Hon. Justin A. Yarip, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zing LGA, and Mr. Odoji Teyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described Bonzena’s infrastructural drive as a turning point in the history of the local government.

They called on residents to support the Speaker’s re-election bid in 2027, stressing that continuity would ensure sustained development.

“Rt. Hon. Bonzena’s projects are rapidly transforming Zing LGA into one of the most developed areas in Taraba State. We appeal to citizens to cooperate and ensure his re-election so that this progress can continue,” they said.

They also reiterated the request for the Dinding examination hall to be fully equipped with modern computers, noting that students from at least five neighbouring communities rely on the facility for CBT examinations and other academic activities.

The Chairman of Zing Local Government Council, Hon. Davoro Titus, also prayed for God’s blessings upon the Speaker, describing his contributions as selfless and impactful.

In his response, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena stated that his commitment to infrastructural development in Zing constituency was a fulfilment of the mandate given to him by the people.

He reaffirmed his resolve to work closely with the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to further transform the local government in line with the aspirations of its people.

“My responsibility is to serve the people who elected me,” Bonzena said. “With the support of the state government and the cooperation of the people, we will continue to deliver projects that improve lives and drive sustainable development in Zing Local Government Area”.