The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, has raised alarm over the poor condition of some public primary schools in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, calling for urgent intervention.
Bamalli expressed the concern on Monday in Zaria while speaking at the unveiling of the Sabon Gari Local Government Development Association (SALDA).
He said the condition of some schools was particularly troubling amid rising concerns over the growing number of out-of-school children in the emirate, partly driven by the influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Katsina and Zamfara states.
The emir commended SALDA for bringing stakeholders together but criticized residents of the local government for failing to do more to support development in the area.
“Sabon Gari people seated here have disappointed me. Sabon Gari has a high caliber of people with pedigrees in public service, the private sector, entrepreneurship, and other fields,” he said.
Bamalli recalled his visit to a public primary school in the area, describing it as “a disaster”.
“The situation is embarrassing, considering the caliber of the people in the area, many of whom are sitting in this hall,” he said.
The emir urged residents to complement government efforts, stressing that government could not single-handedly meet every development need.
He said citizens must take collective responsibility for improving their communities and supporting initiatives that enhance people’s welfare.
Bamalli also criticized residents in Zaria and Sabon Gari for erecting structures on major drainage channels.
He singled out the Kubanni area, warning that structures built around the drainage system could trigger serious environmental consequences.
“It is a disaster waiting to happen,” the emir said, citing increasing climate-related and environmental risks.
He urged SALDA to work with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to tackle challenges in education, environmental management and social development across the local government.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Sule Buba, described SALDA as a non-partisan organization established to unite residents and stakeholders committed to the development of Sabon Gari.
Buba said the association would complement government efforts to reduce poverty, improve education, and tackle social vices across the local government.
He said SALDA would prioritize education and the fight against social vices while mobilizing support for sustainable community development projects.
The guest speaker, Prof. Abdulhamid Abdullahi of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, urged SALDA to shift the conversation from “unity to utility” by turning social cohesion into measurable development outcomes.
Abdullahi called for effective resource mobilization, strategic partnerships and structured governance to drive development in the local government.
He also urged SALDA to tap into the knowledge, experience and networks of Sabon Gari indigenes in the diaspora and professional communities.
The professor said the association could channel their goodwill into mentorship programs, scholarships, healthcare outreach, investments and development partnerships.
He further urged traditional rulers to encourage religious leaders to promote peace and understanding, while calling on political leaders to support development initiatives beyond political interests.
