By Malam Kabiru Zubairu Birnin Kudu
In the aftermath of the catastrophic tanker explosion, which resulted in the loss of nearly 200 youth in Majia, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, the alarming inadequacy of the town’s infrastructure has become glaringly evident. The persistent neglect by governmental authorities has rendered the community vulnerable, thereby compelling the youth to navigate dangerous circumstances in their quest for survival.
For over a decade, the residents of Majia have endured an absence of electricity, despite numerous appeals directed towards governmental bodies advocating for the restoration of the town’s power supply. The youth, predominantly under the age of 20, have never benefited from the advantages that electricity affords. In this era characterized by rapid technological advancement, such deprivation necessitates the exploration of alternative energy sources. Accordingly, petrol has emerged as an indispensable resource for the daily endeavours and commercial activities of Majia’s youth, thereby engendering a perception that petrol possesses greater intrinsic value than may be acknowledged by governmental authorities.
Majia is recognized for its educated and enterprising populace, having historically aspired towards self-sufficiency and development. Despite being perceived by some as a remote rural locality, the inhabitants of Majia have consistently resisted being defined by the persistent governmental neglect they have faced over the years.
A prominent illustration of the tenacity exhibited by the people of Majia is Alhaji Musa Adamu Majia, a local resident who, despite limited access to formal education, has made substantial contributions to his community. His initiatives have culminated in the establishment of the first private university in Jigawa State, alongside a boarding school, both of which serve as educational cornerstones for the region. Alhaji Musa’s commitment to sponsoring the education of underprivileged individuals is unparalleled within the state, exemplifying the forward-thinking ethos that characterises the residents of Majia.
Nonetheless, notwithstanding these individual initiatives, governmental negligence has subjected Majia’s youth to adverse conditions, ultimately resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 200 lives. During the electoral campaigns of 2023, it was reported that the youth of Majia had pledged to abstain from voting unless the government addressed the electricity crisis affecting their town. In response, political leaders offered assurances, initiating repairs merely as a stratagem to secure votes. Once the elections concluded, however, the repair efforts ceased abruptly, perpetuating the darkness in Majia.
The recent tragic event underscores the urgent requirement for electricity in Majia and its surrounding communities. The community’s reliance on petrol as an energy alternative has manifested itself as perilous, culminating in the disaster that has inflicted profound suffering upon the community.
In the wake of this calamity, government officials have tended to issue superficial promises and expressions of sympathy. The adage, “a dog will only believe a feast is taking place if it sees the food on the ground,” aptly illustrates the scepticism surrounding these assurances. The Jigawa State Government must honour its longstanding commitment to restore electricity to Majia and its neighbouring areas prior to the conclusion of the designated mourning period of 40 days.
Furthermore, it is essential that the widows and families impacted by this tragedy receive appropriate support. Provision of business training and startup capital is necessary to empower these women to reconstruct their lives. Similarly, the youth of Majia, whose futures have been irrevocably altered by this tragedy, warrant financial and professional assistance. The government must also assume responsibility for the education of children orphaned by this disaster, ensuring comprehensive funding for their schooling from primary education through to tertiary studies.
Lastly, in light of the proclivities exhibited by self-serving politicians, the establishment of a collaborative partnership between the government and the Malam Adamu Foundation is recommended to facilitate the implementation of these vital recovery initiatives. Failure to enact these measures would epitomize a situation wherein the resources for well-being are available, yet the mechanisms to access them are deficient. Majia deserves better, and it is high time the government delivers on its promises.
Malam Kabiru Zubairu Birnin Kudu wrote from Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State
