By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
The people of Galdimari, a community within the Gombe metropolis but administratively under Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised serious concerns over the deplorable state of education and lack of basic social amenities in their area.
Community leaders have called on the government and well-meaning individuals to intervene, as children are forced to learn under trees, in a mosque, and at the palace of the village head due to the absence of structured classrooms.
Our Correspondent reports that as the sun shines mercilessly over Galdimari, dozens of children sit on the bare ground under the shade of trees, receiving their lessons while others gather inside the mosque and the palace of the village head, using whatever space they can find to continue their education.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Chairman of Galdimari Community Development Association, Alhaji Hamisu Abdullahi, lamented the government’s neglect of the area.
He explained that at the time government speaks of meaningful development, it is truly disheartening that Galdimari Community has no properly built primary school, no healthcare facility, no roads, and no clean drinking water.
Hamisu who described education as not a privilege but a right of every child, noted that in line with their commitment to the education and welfare of people, the community has recently purchased a piece of land designated for the construction of a primary school but lack the resources to commence building the classrooms.
In the same vein, the Chairman of Galdimari Youth Development Forum, Hamza Danladi, made an emotional appeal to government authorities and stakeholders.
He said, “Right now, as we speak, children are learning in inhumane conditions. Imagine the future doctors, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow sitting on the ground, struggling to concentrate in the scorching sun. How can they compete with their peers in well-equipped schools?”
He called on the Local Government, the Gombe State Government, and their elected representatives particularly Senator Danjuma Goje and Hon. Usman Bello Kumo to take immediate action as democracy is about providing for the people.
The Galdimari community, known for its unity and self-reliance, has carried out several community development projects, including the entrance bridge without government support. However, the leaders insist that education should not be left solely in the hands of the people.
They are also calling on philanthropists, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international donors to step in and support their cause.
Reacting, via a chat with our correspondent on government’s efforts, Gombe State Commissioner for Education Dr Aisha Maigari, said the school will be improved in due course.
“Thanks a lot. We are looking into all these issues but we will address this along with the others we have identified and capture it in our present workplan. Thank you for being worthy partners in progress,” she wrote.
