Emir of Birnin Gwari Urges Tinubu to Sustain Peace with Urgent Development Projects

In a heartfelt and urgent appeal, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Malam Zubair Jibril, OFR, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consolidate the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the emirate by accelerating key infrastructure, security, and development projects.

“We reassure all prospective investors, local and foreign, that peace and security have firmly returned to Birnin Gwari,” the Emir said. “But peace alone is not enough. We must build on it quickly—while the calm still holds.”

For nearly two decades, Birnin Gwari was one of the epicenters of insecurity in Northwest Nigeria, plagued by banditry and kidnappings. However, over the past year, renewed federal and state security efforts have reduced violent incidents by more than 90 percent, paving the way for cautious optimism.

While commending President Tinubu for his historic visit to the emirate in 2022, the Emir warned that without swift development, the newly restored peace could quickly unravel.

“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.”

The Emir outlined several priority interventions essential to sustaining the region’s stability:

• Rehabilitation of the Funtua–Birnin Gwari Road and Birnin Gwari–Minna Road.
• Establishment of a tertiary institution to serve the youth.
• Upgrade of the Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre.

“This hospital is not just for Birnin Gwari,” he stressed. “It serves communities across Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara States. Elevating it will save lives—and anchor lasting peace.”

The monarch also appealed for the restoration of banking and telecommunications services, suspended since 2021 due to insecurity, noting that their absence continues to cripple commerce and investment.

“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 commended Governor Uba Sani’s efforts, including plans for a new cattle market and Bagoma-Gagumi agricultural road, but emphasized that the scale of Birnin Gwari’s recovery requires federal support and international partnerships.

“We need the continued hand of the Federal Government. We also invite international partners and the private sector. Let us not miss this moment.”

Marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, the Emir framed Birnin Gwari’s resurgence as a symbol of hope for the entire nation.

“Our story shows that no place is too broken to heal. But healing must be followed by growth. If not, wounds reopen.”

He concluded with an emotional appeal to the president:

“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.”

Opinion Nigeria News