The residents of Dadabiyi, a community with a history spanning more than two centuries in Dobi Ward of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the lack of fundamental social amenities crucial for improving their living conditions.
During an inspection by Abuja Metro on Saturday, community members voiced their frustration over the absence of clean drinking water, functional healthcare centres, well-maintained road infrastructure, and accessible educational opportunities.
They pointed out that while nearby communities have benefited from government interventions and the provision of such services, Dadabiyi has remained largely overlooked, with only a primary school block from the Local Education Authority (LEA) to show for any government presence.
An elder from the community, Mr. Dangana Baba, highlighted the lack of government attention as the most significant challenge faced by Dadabiyi.
He identified the scarcity of potable water as the most pressing concern, explaining that women and children are compelled to travel considerable distances to collect water from ponds and streams.
"Our people only experience some relief during the rainy season when families manage to collect rainwater. As soon as the dry season begins, women embark on long journeys to find water in ponds and fadama areas," he stated.
Baba further mentioned that the sole well within the community, which was dug over a hundred years ago, has become dry despite the inhabitants' persistent efforts to restore it.
He also lamented the absence of a health facility, emphasizing that pregnant women and other patients must travel to adjacent communities like Dobi or even the General Hospital in Izom, located in the neighbouring Niger State, often navigating substandard roads.
Another resident, Mr. Habakkuk Moses Yakubu, drew attention to the poor condition of access roads, describing it as a major impediment, particularly for farmers who make up approximately 97 per cent of the community's population.
He explained that the dilapidated roads make it difficult to transport agricultural produce to markets in Dobi and Gwagwalada, leading many farmers to seek markets in Izom and Lambata in Niger State.
Yakubu also expressed dismay over the lack of secondary schools in the community, noting that young people have to walk long distances or use motorcycles to attend schools in nearby Dobi.
"Our community is only remembered when elections approach. Politicians make promises, but they vanish after the elections without fulfilling any of them," he commented.
He made an appeal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and their representative, Hon. Kasim Ikwa, to address the long-standing issues plaguing the community.
The village head, Etsu Ibrahim Auta Jezhi, echoed the concerns about the residents' hardships, particularly the deficit in clean water and healthcare services.
"Our people, especially expectant mothers, are transported by motorcycle to the General Hospital in Izom for antenatal care, despite the challenging road conditions. This is a serious problem," he said.
He added that during the dry season, residents are forced to share water sources with livestock due to the absence of boreholes.
"There isn't a single borehole in this community, not even a hand pump. The water our people use is also consumed by animals," he lamented.
The traditional ruler urged the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the community receives its fair share of democratic dividends.
Responding to the situation, a senior official from the Gwagwalada council's Works Department, who requested anonymity, revealed that the community has been included in the budget for a borehole drilling project.
"Regarding water, I can confirm that Dadabiyi is among the communities slated for borehole drilling. The other issues raised will be submitted to the council authorities for consideration," the official stated.
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