By: Abdullahi Inuwa
As Nigeria continues to grapple with questions of equitable development, resource control, and grassroots governance, one region stands out in the growing clamour for state creation: Karaduwa, popularly referred to as the Home of Wealth.
Strategically located and blessed with abundant human and natural resources, Karaduwa is more than just a geographical zone. It is a hub of agricultural excellence, a bedrock of mineral wealth, and a rising beacon of socio-political aspiration deserving of its rightful place as a federating unit in Nigeria’s complex structure.
Karaduwa is not a typical rural region. It is a region defined by its fertile farmlands, rich mineral deposits, and a population that is deeply rooted in the principles of hard work and resilience. For decades, this zone has fed millions with its surplus of grains, legumes, and livestock. The soil of Karaduwa produces maize, millet, rice, groundnut, sorghum, and cotton in commercial quantities—making it a critical part of Nigeria’s food security network.
Yet, despite this immense contribution to national prosperity, Karaduwa remains administratively marginalized, often lumped within larger political zones that fail to reflect its unique identity and strategic economic importance.
From the vast irrigation potential of the Karaduwa River Basin to the widespread presence of modern farming cooperatives, Karaduwa is a model of agricultural potential waiting to be fully unleashed. With proper support and autonomous governance, the region could pioneer Nigeria’s dream of agro-industrial revolution.
Already, local initiatives have proven that Karaduwa has what it takes to become a leading exporter of not just raw produce but processed agricultural goods, boosting Nigeria’s non-oil GDP and creating thousands of jobs for youth and women in rural areas.
Beyond the greenery lies a subterranean fortune—Karaduwa is home to rich deposits of gold, kaolin, limestone, gypsum, copper, and iron ore. Unfortunately, these resources have remained largely untapped due to poor investment, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of political will.
The creation of Karaduwa State would allow for the establishment of a state-level mining development corporation, attracting both local and international investors while ensuring that the wealth generated from these resources is reinvested in the local economy.
Unlike some regions plagued by inter-ethnic and communal tensions, Karaduwa enjoys a long-standing record of peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities, including Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, and other ethnic groups. The people share not just territory, but values—of mutual respect, trade collaboration, and cultural pride.
The campaign for statehood is not driven by ethnic domination or political elitism. It is a popular grassroots movement that seeks recognition, equity, and development for a people who have for too long been relegated to the background.
- Economic Viability: With a GDP that could rival some existing states based on agriculture and mining alone, Karaduwa would be a self-sustaining state with minimal dependence on federal allocations.
- Administrative Efficiency: Carving out Karaduwa would ease the burden on overstretched existing state structures, enabling better governance, security, and service delivery.
- National Unity: Giving Karaduwa statehood is not about division; it’s about inclusion—bringing government closer to the people and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
- Strategic Location: Positioned as a link between northern and central trade routes, Karaduwa would thrive as a hub for inter-state commerce and agro-industrial trade.
Community leaders, youth organizations, farmers’ cooperatives, and mineral prospectors across Karaduwa have consistently echoed the same message: “We are ready for statehood.”
They point to the need for their own House of Assembly, executive council, and infrastructure budget that will prioritize roads, hospitals, schools, and rural electrification—something they say is impossible under the current administrative arrangement.
Conclusion
Karaduwa is not asking for handouts. It is not driven by entitlement. It is a region that has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy and identity, and now simply demands the political structure to match its reality.
A Home of Wealth in every sense, Karaduwa deserves to stand as a state, not just in maps, but in history—as a testimony to what can be achieved when a region is given the chance to govern itself, grow its people, and guard its resources.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
The time to create Karaduwa State is now. Nigeria stands to gain more than it gives.
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