๐ฑ๐ข ๐ธ๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐
In the bustling heart of Zaria, one name has become synonymous with tireless serviceโEngr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad Jaga, Chairman of the Zaria Local Government Council. Described by many as a workaholic, Jaga has transformed the image of local governance through an uncommon devotion to duty and a hands-on leadership style.
From dawn to dusk, the Council Chairman is seen in one community or another, listening to residents, inspecting projects, or engaging with stakeholders. Unlike leaders who sit behind desks, Jaga is often on the field, ensuring that projects are not only completed but meet the highest standards. Whether it is the rehabilitation of local roads, drainage construction, or school renovations, he personally supervises progress, setting a benchmark of accountability rarely seen at grassroots level.
Education has perhaps been one of his strongest points. In the past year alone, Jaga has overseen the payment of JAMB registration for over 1,000 students, sponsored NECO exams for 500 candidates, and extended need-based scholarships to 500 students in tertiary institutions. Beyond these large-scale interventions, he introduced a special recognition scheme for excellence by awarding the best 10 JAMB scorers from Zaria with laptop computers and cash giftsโa move that not only celebrated academic achievement but also motivated other students to aim higher. For many families, these interventions have turned dreams of education into reality.
Health and community service are equally central to his record. Under his leadership, the Council has embarked on the comprehensive renovation of Primary Health Centre Jakara in Kusfa Limancin Kona Ward, and the revitalization of PHC Kwaba in Dutsen Abba Ward, both of which serve large populations in Zaria. In addition, the Chairman has overseen the rehabilitation of the Orphanage Home hostels and other facilities in Tukur-Tukur, Tukur-Tukur Ward, providing better care and dignity for vulnerable children. These interventions, alongside continuous support to immunization drives, underline his commitment to accessible healthcare and social welfare.
A hallmark of his social intervention is his daily financial assistance program. Residents in dire needโparticularly those seeking urgent medical attention, school fees, or other pressing family needsโreceive direct support from the Chairmanโs office. This has provided a lifeline for countless indigent families and further cemented his reputation as a grassroots leader who feels the pulse of his people.
He has also consistently shown deep sympathy for orphanages across the local government area, always willing to extend a helping hand to support their welfare and growth.
Infrastructure development remains a defining feature of his tenure. The Council, under his supervision, is currently executing several key road and drainage projects, including the Gidan Magajin Gari Road in Kwarbai โAโ Ward, Kakaki Road in Kwarbai โBโ Ward, and Gangare Road in Tudun-Wada Ward. These projects are aimed at easing mobility, improving local commerce, and addressing long-standing flooding challenges in affected communities. His regular site visits ensure that contractors deliver quality work in line with specifications.
But perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the way he engages with people. From traditional leaders to youth groups, womenโs associations to religious bodies, Jaga maintains open communication channels, ensuring inclusiveness in governance. His style has earned him both respect and trust across divides.
And as the Hausa adage wisely puts it: โBaka iyawa baka gamawa, baโa yaba ma sai bayan bakaโโmeaning, true appreciation of a leaderโs impact often comes only after he has left office.
For Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad Jaga, this suggests that his lasting legacy will not only be felt in the present but even more profoundly when he is no longer in office.
Observers say Jagaโs workaholic pace is reshaping expectations of what local government leadership can deliver. In a climate where public office often struggles with credibility, his name stands out for action, visibility, and impact. For the people of Zaria, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad Jaga is not just a chairmanโhe is a tireless servant of the people.
