The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Haruna Musa, FSI, has commended the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) for its commitment to improving the welfare of surrounding communities through the construction of a pedestrian bridge, borehole and access road network at Dambare, a suburb of the University's New Campus.
Speaking during the commissioning of the projects on Wednesday, Professor Musa described the interventions as a milestone in community development, noting that they would significantly improve the quality of life of residents while enhancing safety and accessibility for students, commuters and other road users.
He observed that the pedestrian bridge would reduce the risks associated with crossing the busy Gwarzo Road, while the borehole would provide residents with reliable access to clean water and the newly constructed access roads would improve movement within the community.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated WOFAN on the landmark achievement and urged members of the benefiting communities to safeguard and make judicious use of the facilities. He also encouraged students of WOFAN Secondary School to remain focused on their studies, assuring them that outstanding graduates would have the opportunity to pursue higher education at Bayero University.
The projects, commissioned by the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), form part of the organisation's broader commitment to improving livelihoods through community-based infrastructure and social development initiatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director and International Global Advocate of WOFAN, Hajiya Dr. Salamatu Garba, explained that the pedestrian bridge was constructed to provide a safe crossing for students, commuters and residents in view of the heavy traffic and speeding vehicles along the Gwarzo Road corridor.
She noted that the projects were designed to address pressing community needs by improving access, enhancing public safety and providing a sustainable source of clean water for residents. She also appreciated the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and the Kano State Ministry of Works for their support during the execution of the projects.
In his remarks, the District Head of Kumbotso and Barden Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Lamido Sanusi, described the projects as life-changing interventions, commending WOFAN for investing in initiatives that directly improve the wellbeing of ordinary citizens. He said only Almighty Allah could adequately reward Hajiya Dr. Salamatu Garba for her selfless service to humanity.
Representing the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Alhaji Nasir Isa Dikko, said the state government recognised WOFAN's enormous socio-economic contributions and would continue to support initiatives that promote community development and improve the lives of citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the WOFAN Board, Professor Sani Miko, immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Muhammad Auwal Hussaini, and WOFAN Board member, Professor Mahmud Daneji, applauded the organisation for delivering impactful community projects and urged residents to protect and maintain the facilities for future generations.
Similarly, the Acting Managing Director of KNUPDA, Alhaji Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, the Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association of WOFAN Secondary School, Alhaji Musa Kalla, and community representative Alhaji Abdullahi Tukur expressed appreciation for the interventions, describing them as timely projects that would address long-standing challenges faced by the communities.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Iman Nasiru Ilu expressed gratitude for the projects, noting that the pedestrian bridge, access road and borehole would create a safer and more conducive learning environment. He said the interventions had inspired the students to strive for academic excellence and prayed for Almighty Allah to continue to bless Hajiya Dr. Salamatu Garba with good health, strength and wisdom to sustain her humanitarian efforts.
Many beneficiaries interviewed at the event said the projects would have a lasting impact on their daily lives by improving safety, access to clean water and ease of movement within the community.
Many people interviewed said they could not thank Hajiya enough because of the intervention. They showered praises on her effort to improve their lives.