By: Adamu Muhd Usman
“Every segment of our population and every individual have a right to expect from his government a fair deal.” — U.S. President Harry S. Truman
During the tenure of His Excellency, Dr. Sule Lamido CON, as Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015, all 27 local government headquarters in the state were provided with streetlights. This initiative transformed the towns, making them look like major cities, while significantly enhancing the safety and security of lives and property.
Beyond security, the streetlights served as a strong motivation for economic and social activities. They enabled people to conduct their businesses, attend events and ceremonies, and move freely at all times, even during the rainy season, without fear of intimidation, victimization, humiliation, or attacks.
Recently, reports emerged that all 27 local government capitals would receive solar-powered streetlights. It has also been alleged that this plan began taking effect in the state capital, Dutse, toward the end of January 2026, where existing streetlights are reportedly being replaced with solar alternatives. How true is this development, and what is the current status of this plan?
I respectfully appeal to the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi FCA, popularly known as Danmodi, to carefully reconsider the replacement of the Lamido-era streetlights, which are more extensive and, in many areas, more effective than the proposed solar alternatives. If these old lights are removed, what will happen to the existing bulbs, poles, and electrical wiring?
Experts have stated that the cost of the electrical wiring alone from the Lamido-era streetlight project could exceed the total cost of installing the proposed solar streetlights.
Though this may be a government policy, conducting a proper reality check and a holistic analysis, rather than a reductionist one, will provide a broader and more accurate picture of the issue.
It is therefore important for the government to consult widely with the people and ensure that this project genuinely serves the interest of the populace.
Personally, I do not support the removal of the existing streetlights. Instead, solar streetlights should be installed in areas where streetlights are currently absent. Government is a continuous process. New administrations should pursue their own policies without destroying valuable projects executed by previous ones. Removing the Lamido-era streetlights would amount to a setback. Moreover, solar systems have their own shortcomings, including limited lifespan, high maintenance costs, and frequent technical challenges.
Given the remarkable improvement in power supply through NEPA and KEDCO in Jigawa State, largely due to Your Excellency’s initiatives and commitment to providing electricity for the common man, I respectfully suggest that the existing streetlights be connected to the KEDCO grid.
Mr. Governor, the old streetlights can indeed be linked to NEPA and KEDCO. While efforts to reduce the cost of diesel and fuel are commendable, it is important to remember that government exists primarily to serve the people.
Your Excellency, please continue to ignore hypocrites, antagonists, and those driven purely by personal gain.
At this juncture, I urge the Governor to take the necessary steps and remain a true blessing to Jigawa State. Not all blessings come in the form of money or material possessions. Sometimes, having a faithful, honest, transparent, and compassionate leader is the greatest blessing of all. One of the highest compliments a leader can receive is to be told, “You are different.”
The statewide belief among most Jigawa Talakawa is that our Governor, Malam Umar, always strives to be different and remain a genuine blessing to Jigawa State and its people.
I wish you well, Your Excellency.
Jigawa of my dreams
Adamu writes from Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State
