By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Potiskum, Yobe State – Residents of Rugan Fulani, Dubai 1, and neighboring communities in Potiskum Local Government Area are brimming with joy following the intervention of Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, a distinguished lawyer and diplomat.
Barrister Tumsah has single-handedly sponsored the construction of a much-needed pedestrian bridge that will connect these communities, which have long been plagued by the devastating effects of flooding.
For years, the only access route for these communities has been in a state of disrepair, particularly during the rainy season when it becomes virtually impassable. This has had severe consequences, hindering children’s access to education, limiting residents’ ability to procure food, and even tragically leading to loss of life as people attempted to navigate the perilous conditions.
Mr. Hassan B. Joda, Chairman of the Construction Committee, recounted the community’s struggles, stating, “This road has been in a deplorable state for years. It has caused damage to lives and property..
According to him, during the rainy season, the road becomes nearly impassable, at such times, children are often unable to go to school, and even access to food becomes difficult.”
Driven by desperation, the community had begun to tax themselves to fund repairs through communal efforts. It was a social media post highlighting their plight that caught the attention of Barrister Kashim Tumsah.
“That post caught the attention of a philanthropist, Barrister Kashim Tumash, where he responded positively and took up the responsibility of funding the project and donated money,” an elated Mr. Joda explained. “We hope that amount will be enough to complete the project, although we are just getting started.”
The community leader expressed profound gratitude and extended an appeal to other well-meaning individuals and organizations to follow Barrister Tumsah’s exemplary lead. “Our appeal is open to everyone who is willing to help. We are not limiting this call to a particular individual. Anyone who can support us is welcome.”
The palpable relief and joy within the communities were evident. “I am not just happy, I am overwhelmed with joy, as you can see from the expressions of the community members, they are all smiling.
According to him this issue has disturbed their peace for a long time, now they are optimistic that their problem is coming to an end,” Mr. Joda added
Malam Usaini Garba Mai unguwa of Dubai poignantly described the dire situation before Barrister Tumsah’s intervention. “We are facing serious problem as a result of gully erosion caused by flooding in this area which disconnects us from the neighboring community… From different locations we lost the lives of some children in their attempt to cross the temporary breeze constructed by the local communities.
I could remember a man lost three of his children on the cause of crossing the bridge, another man lost his wife as a result of flooding.”
He further highlighted the difficulties faced by pregnant women and those needing to conduct business, often forcing them to take a lengthy 15-kilometer detour.
“Now we are overwhelmed as Kashim Tumash, a good citizen of the state who identified our plights and came to our rescue, this is because before him nobody ever came to our assistance.”
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