Ben Adaji Jalingo
Communities across Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State have applauded the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. John Kizito Bonzina, for attracting development projects that have significantly improved living conditions, access to education and basic infrastructure in rural areas.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the long-standing challenge of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members rejecting postings to rural communities due to lack of accommodation has been largely addressed. Newly constructed and well-equipped corps members’ lodges have been provided in Yakoko, Monkin and other communities, making rural postings more attractive and reducing hardship for corps members.
Some corps members who spoke to our correspondent confirmed that the availability of the new facilities has reversed the earlier trend where many avoided postings outside the local government headquarters. They said they were informed that the lodges were facilitated through the personal efforts of the Speaker, although many had not met him directly.
In the education sector, the establishment of new examination centres in Dindin and other communities has eased the burden on secondary school students who previously trekked long distances to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Community leaders noted that the intervention has enabled students to write examinations in safer and more convenient locations.
Bonzina’s interventions have also extended to rural electrification, with transformers provided in several communities. Residents said access to electricity has reduced the need to travel long distances to the council headquarters for basic services such as grinding corn and millet.
Community members further recalled the hardship experienced when floods washed away major bridges linking several communities to the Zing administrative headquarters. A third-class chief in the area, Mr. Bitrus Adama, said many communities were cut off until the Speaker intervened to restore access.
“The Speaker of the State House of Assembly came to our rescue,” Adama said, adding that the establishment of examination centres has made it possible for students to write WAEC examinations comfortably without trekking several kilometres. He assured that the communities would continue to support the Speaker in appreciation of his efforts.
Another community leader, Mr. Hamawa Yohana Musa, listed the benefits of the new clinics, examination centres, transformers and bridges, and called on National Assembly members and other elected and appointed officials from the area to collaborate with the Speaker to further accelerate development.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Vice Chairman of Zing Local Government Council, Mr. Cletus Yohana, pledged that the council would work to protect the new structures and electrical installations from vandalism to ensure their sustainability for the benefit of residents.
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