The Impact of Rabiu Suleiman Bichi’s Appointment For Kano State —-A Rejoinder To Arewa Updates
By Binta Spikin
In the past few days, the newspaper Arewa Updates, which is an online media outlet, asked a question with the caption: “What has the people of Kano State gained from the position of Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi?” This is a fundamental question that should always be asked of those who hold positions of authority, especially those we elect. It is what Westerners call a “scorecard.” Through this method, the public can assess individuals based on the development they have brought, considering the office they hold.
When the question was asked, I promised that I would present evidence that would convince the public that Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi is doing his utmost to use the position God has given him to bring development to the community.
Before discussing the projects he has executed, we will first look at the agency he leads — the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority — and its mandate, that is, the purpose for which it was established. Then we will examine the promises Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi made when he assumed office. This will allow us to understand whether he has fulfilled his duties or not.
First, the main responsibility of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority is to utilize the dams and reservoirs available to increase agricultural yield and to provide strategies that enable our farmers to use these dams for both dry-season and rainy-season farming. Therefore, when Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi was appointed Managing Director, he made several promises, all of which were related to the responsibilities of the Authority. Among these promises were:
1. To use his position to create job opportunities for youths and women.
2. To dredge rivers and reservoirs in order to provide water for dry-season farming.
3. To introduce mechanized farming — modern farming — which differs from subsistence farming. This type of farming uses machinery rather than simple hand tools, thereby increasing productivity.
4. To assist farmers with hand tools such as sprayers, irrigation machines, and related equipment.
These are just a few of the promises he made.
In less than one year, under the leadership of Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, a 300-kilometer stretch from Tiga to Kaban was dredged. This project enabled farmers to access water for dry-season farming, and the work is still ongoing.
Typha grass (kachalla) was cleared from all irrigation channels through which dry-season farming water flows. This work has helped prevent flooding, which has greatly benefited farmers and the wider community, considering the destruction floods can cause.
The water transmission route (known as TRC) was rehabilitated. This project is highly significant because it led to improvements in power generation. The electricity generated is now supplied to companies such as Angel Spinning and some rice processing mills.
New irrigation technologies were introduced, such as the Centre Pivot Irrigation Scheme implemented in Chiromawa, covering 50 hectares, as well as drip irrigation systems.
Women and youths were trained in modern farming techniques such as drip irrigation, greenhouse farming, and centre pivot irrigation, among others. So far, 500 people have graduated from the program in Bichi, with others in Jahun, Hadejia, and Galala in Bauchi State. It is expected that more than 6,000 women and youths will be trained under this scheme alone. The overall goal is job creation and lifting people out of poverty.
Furthermore, the Hadejia Jama’are Authority entered into an arrangement with L & Z Farm. The farm owner had been importing a type of grass fed to cattle that significantly increases milk production. The grass is supplied to pastoralists to feed their cattle, and in return, they sell the milk to the farm owner — essentially a form of barter trade. Now, the Authority has provided farmland and irrigation water for cultivating this grass, while L & Z operates the site since irrigation requires machinery and related infrastructure. Ultimately, the supply of grass to pastoralists will increase, milk production will rise, and the income of Fulani milk suppliers will also grow. Interestingly, many of the Fulani who supply milk have stopped hawking fresh milk in town. The initiative has a value chain whose benefits will become increasingly visible over time.
A total of 126 solar-powered boreholes have been constructed in different locations.
Additionally, 1,000 solar street lights have been installed across 40 local governments.
These are just some of the developmental achievements Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi has accomplished in less than one year.
I hope Arewa Updates will publish this write-up publicly, just as they publicly asked the question.
Let us move forward in peace.