By Godwin Tyonongu
Jankawa community in Karu local government area of the neighbouring Nasarawa state has cried out over what it described as government neglect, especially in the area of school.
Speaking to Blueprint recently, the Jankawa community head, David Baba Tabakaji, said the only school in the area was brought to the community through the interpersonal relationship of their son, now deceased, with the government of Venezuela.
Tabakaji, who said their hard work was what kept them going without depending on government in developing their area, however, lamented that they had never had the finger of the local government or state government pointing their way in terms of welfare.
He observed that after donating the school buildings to them, the lack of teachers and sitting facilities had remained the bane of the pupils, saying that it would affect their smooth learning.
He said: “At present, we are on our own. If it were the way government is supposed to run, we ought to have a health centre here; the one we have is the old one that was built in the olden days by the community.
“We know that government can’t do it all at once, but if they can do it gradually then, we are in dire need of a befitting health centre and a good road leading to Jankawa.
“The bridge you saw was constructed by a good Nigerian, but it is on the brink of collapse; therefore, if it is speculated that they want to construct a road for us, fine. That is what we have been yearning for.”
He stated that the administration of Governor Tanko Umar Al-Makura had tried its best in some parts of the state, considering the merger subvention from the federation account.
He, however, prayed to God to “touch his heart so that in the second tenure of his administration, he would fulfill his campaign promises.”
“We had a son in the Council’s seat, but during his time he concentrated on payment of salaries; you can’t use workers’ sweat to build road for Jankawa. So, the little he had, he paid salaries with; that is why he was rated as the best in terms of salary payment.”
Jankawa, originally “Zhinkowa” is a Gbagyi settlement, fast expanding both in population and development. It plays host to diverse tribes and businesses.
