Kutigi Town, the headquarters of Lavun Local Government Area, Niger State, North Central Nigeria, faces the challenges of Humanitarian Service deficiency, how did they solve the problems?
Mallam Isah Aliyu popularly called Yabayaya, is a member of a committee set up to address such issues. “The Community responded by setting up Kutigi utility service Committee which was set up by Ezanuwan and his counsel members (The Chief of Kutigi) and headed by a Chairman and members. Mallam Mohammed Babannawo Abubakar is also a committee member, said the committee’s activities include overseeing Security issues, Electricity power supply, sanitation, and potable drinking water sourcing for funds through donations and contributions from individuals and private organizations to run their affairs. amongst other things. This was necessitated by the fact that, for example, the town suffers epileptic power supply due to the breaking down of electric poles, cross arms or poor power supply for days without being addressed or repaired by the Electricity Distribution Company, these Committee mobilized its volunteers made up of some experts and youths with permission from the Distribution Company to go and fix the particular issue and if it is about the poor power supply, they go to the office to find out the problem and negotiate about the solutions. Does the Committee’s activities make an impact on the Community? Mallam Isah Aliyu, “Yes of course, because it has led to a steady power supply, improved security, and sanitation. For example, in terms of power supply, other Communities along our distribution corridor starting from outside Bida Town to Mokwa Town have set up similar committees to address their power supply issues, which is being supervised and headed by the Kutigi Utility Service Committee. What are the challenges? The challenges include a lack of reliable mobility and finance.

CREDIT: This write-up is extracted from a Solution Based Program on Lavun Community Radio as Sponsored by Nigerian Health Watch.