Jubilation as Gulani LGA connects to national grid 28 years after creation
By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
The Gulani Local Government Area in Yobe has been connected to the national grid, 28 years after it was created.
The just concluded project involved installation of electric poles and cables from Damaturu to Gulani, about 78 km journey.
Speaking on the development, the council’s Chairman, Alhaji Dayyabu Ilu Njibulwa, noted that the project was executed by the council, in collaboration with the state government through its rural electrification scheme.
He said the project was completed within five months and had brought to an end decades-old blackout in the area, which hampered socio-economic activities.
“ During his electioneering campaign, the governor promised to connect us to the national grid. I am glad to tell you that he has kept his word,” Njibulwa said.
The council’s Information Officer, Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Shishiwaji, said Gulani – with a population of over 200,000 people according to 2006 census – lacked electricity since 1996.
He said although power generator was earlier installed in the area under a rural electrification scheme, the scheme could not be sustained due to shortage of diesel.
A 52-year-old trader, Mohammed Bumsa, said connecting Gulani to the national grid would boost trade and commerce in the area.
Yagana Mala, who fries snacks in Bara, said she no longer had to travel to neighbouring Buni Yadi to grind beans and other grains.
“ Now that we will have steady light, I am sure there will be more grinding machines around so we don’t have to travel far away to grind food stuff,” she said.
A weilder, Baana Bukar, said he was optimistic that electricity charges would be low compared to money spent on diesel to power his welding machine.