A Celebration of Peace, Progress, Resilience and Transformative Leadership
The Management and Editorial Team of Weekenders Media Commercial Limited, Publishers of Weekenders Magazine, heartily congratulates His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, the Government and the good people of Jigawa State as the State celebrates 35 years of creation.
From its creation on 27th August 1991, Jigawa has journeyed through three and a half decades of resilience, growth and development. Today, the State stands as a testament to what can be achieved when peace, purposeful leadership, responsible citizenship and a commitment to human development are placed at the centre of governance.
As Jigawa marks this historic anniversary, we particularly celebrate the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi and the developmental strides recorded under his administration.
A LEGACY OF DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Governor Namadi’s administration has placed considerable emphasis on education and human capital development, recognising that the greatest investment any government can make is an investment in its people.
Among the recent interventions is the approval of ₦12.68 billion for the construction, supply and renovation of more than 50 senior secondary schools across the State. The administration has also approved additional infrastructure for Integrated Education Board schools and Islamiya and Tahfizul Qur’an institutions.
The administration has equally continued to support Jigawa students pursuing professional and specialised education outside the country. In August 2026, the State Executive Council approved ₦891.66 million for tuition, accommodation, welfare and related expenses for 193 Jigawa indigenes studying Medical and Applied Medical Sciences at Near East University, Cyprus.
These initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to preparing the young people of Jigawa for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY
Infrastructure remains another major area of emphasis.
The administration reported the completion of 26 inherited road projects and the commencement of 48 new road projects covering about 976 kilometres, improving connectivity between communities and facilitating the movement of farmers, traders and residents.
The administration has also pursued improved air connectivity through the planned Dutse–Abuja commercial flight route, an initiative designed to strengthen business, investment, tourism and economic activities in the State.
WATER, HEALTHCARE AND BASIC SERVICES
The welfare of the people remains central to development.
In August 2026, the State Executive Council approved more than ₦1.9 billion for water projects, including 63 solar-powered boreholes, conversion of 37 existing boreholes to solar systems and construction of 182 additional hand-pump boreholes. The State also approved more than ₦932 million for solar streetlights in 42 semi-urban towns.
In the health sector, the administration approved the creation of standalone Health Departments in all 27 Local Government Areas, alongside restructuring of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene departments to strengthen grassroots service delivery.
Four major hospitals — Birnin Kudu General Hospital, Ringim General Hospital, Kazaure Specialist Hospital and Bulangu Cottage Hospital — are also to benefit from solar-powered electrification under a project valued at more than ₦2.13 billion.
AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND EMPOWERMENT
For a State whose economy is deeply connected to agriculture, Governor Namadi’s focus on agricultural development is particularly significant.
The administration has supported irrigation development, including interventions around the Hadejia Barrage and Warwade Dam, while continuing to invest in agricultural production and value chains.
In August 2026, the State approved the purchase of 18,000 bags of NPK fertiliser for distribution to women, youths and Persons with Disabilities engaged in farming, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development and improved livelihoods.
The State has also approved more than ₦3.34 billion for the Jigawa State Dairy Production Programme, aimed at increasing dairy productivity, strengthening the livestock value chain and creating employment opportunities.
WELFARE AND SOCIAL PROTECTION
The administration has also demonstrated attention to the welfare of retirees and vulnerable citizens.
In July 2026, the State Executive Council approved an increase in the minimum pension under the State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme from ₦12,000 to ₦20,000 monthly, alongside an additional annual expenditure of more than ₦2.06 billion to support the revised pension structure.
These measures speak to the importance of social protection in ensuring that development translates into improved quality of life.
35 YEARS OF PEACE AND UNITY
Beyond roads, schools, hospitals and economic programmes, one of Jigawa’s greatest assets remains its peaceful coexistence.
As the State celebrates 35 years, Weekenders Magazine commends the traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, women, youths, civil servants, farmers, entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens whose collective efforts have sustained peace and unity across the State.
We also acknowledge the contributions of successive administrations and the founding fathers who laid the foundation upon which today’s Jigawa continues to build.
A MESSAGE TO GOVERNOR NAMADI
Your Excellency, as you lead Jigawa at this historic moment, we encourage your administration to continue building on the gains already recorded, particularly in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, employment creation and poverty reduction.
The journey of development is never complete. There will always be challenges to overcome and new opportunities to pursue. But the story of Jigawa at 35 is undoubtedly a story of resilience, determination and hope.
We commend your administration for maintaining a development agenda centred on human capital, infrastructure and inclusive economic growth, while urging continued accountability, transparency and equitable distribution of development across the State’s 27 Local Government Areas.
CONGRATULATIONS, JIGAWA!
To His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi, the Deputy Governor, members of the State Executive Council, the National Assembly members from Jigawa, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil servants and, most importantly, the wonderful people of Jigawa State:
Congratulations on 35 years of statehood!
May the next 35 years bring greater prosperity, peace, innovation, economic opportunities and improved living standards for every citizen.
May Jigawa continue to rise as a State where peace reigns, agriculture flourishes, education thrives, businesses prosper and every citizen has the opportunity to fulfil his or her potential.
Happy 35th Anniversary, Jigawa State!
JIGAWA @ 35 — CELEBRATING THE PAST, CONSOLIDATING THE PRESENT AND BUILDING A GREATER FUTURE.
Signed:
Princess Joy Omagha Idam
Executive Director
Weekenders Media Commercial Limited
Publishers of Weekenders Magazine
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