By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Gumel Emirate Foundation has called on the Jigawa State Government to upgrade the Maigatari-Gumel Road into a dual carriageway to accommodate the anticipated increase in commercial activities arising from the revitalisation of the Maigatari Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Ahmed, Dan-Amar of Gumel, in a statement issued on Saturday.
He described Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s successful revival of the Maigatari EPZ project as a landmark achievement that would significantly boost economic development in Jigawa State.
According to him, the EPZ, which remained dormant for over two decades, represents a major milestone in the state’s industrialisation drive and marks the beginning of a new era of investment, economic growth and prosperity for the people of the region.
“The revitalisation of the Export Processing Zone demonstrates Governor Umar Namadi’s visionary leadership and commitment to economic transformation. Through strategic infrastructure development and the creation of a business-friendly environment, the administration has positioned Maigatari and surrounding communities as emerging centres for trade, commerce and industrial activities,” he said.
Ahmed noted that the involvement of foreign investors, including a consortium of Chinese-backed companies, would attract substantial investments, stimulate industrial production, expand export opportunities and create thousands of jobs for residents.
He added that the project is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, increase commercial activities, enhance revenue generation, promote skills acquisition and improve the standard of living of the people.
The Foundation pledged its full support and cooperation to the state government, investors and other stakeholders to ensure the security, sustainability and long-term success of the project.
“We remain committed to fostering a peaceful, stable and conducive environment where businesses can thrive and investments can flourish,” Ahmed stated.
The Foundation further expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi for what it described as a bold and transformative intervention capable of bringing lasting prosperity to Gumel Emirate, Jigawa State and the wider region.
In a related development, the Gumel Emirate Foundation commended the Jigawa State Government for establishing a free dialysis centre at the General Hospital, Gumel, describing the initiative as a major step toward improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Ahmed said the facility reflects Governor Namadi’s people-centred approach to governance and his commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable and low-income citizens.
He observed that kidney disease remains one of the most expensive and difficult medical conditions to manage, with dialysis treatment often beyond the financial reach of many patients.
“By providing dialysis services free of charge, the government has eased the financial burden on affected families while restoring hope and dignity to patients battling chronic kidney ailments,” he said.
The Foundation noted that since commencing operations in January 2026, the centre has recorded remarkable achievements, with 53 patients benefiting from the facility and a total of 383 dialysis sessions successfully conducted.
Ahmed described the centre as a life-saving investment that demonstrates the administration’s commitment to human capital development and social welfare.
He, however, appealed to the state government to install a solar power system at the facility to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery and reduce operational costs.
According to him, the proposed solar installation would strengthen the centre’s capacity to provide continuous and efficient healthcare services to patients across the state.
