Ibrahim Ibrahim
After decades of living in darkness caused by erratic electricity supply, residents of Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State are finally witnessing renewed hope following the connection of the town to the Gagarawa National Grid by Governor Umar Namadi.
For many years, unstable power supply crippled businesses, hindered economic growth, and lowered the standard of living in Ringim.
Residents often endured weeks—and sometimes months—without electricity, forcing households and business owners to rely heavily on costly generators and alternative energy sources.
Successive administrations made efforts to address the challenge. During the tenure of former Governor Sule Lamido, Ringim was connected to Dutse as an alternative power source, a move that brought temporary relief and modest improvement.
However, the gains were short-lived, and the town soon relapsed into prolonged power outages.
Determined to find a permanent solution, residents intensified calls for Ringim to be connected to the Gagarawa National Grid after the project’s completion. Through various development associations, the agitation gained momentum during the administration of former Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.
Despite sustained advocacy, the connection did not materialize, even as the national grid was extended to parts of the Gumel axis, including Babura Local Government Area.
Hope was rekindled when the matter reached the then Deputy Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, who publicly pledged to resolve Ringim’s electricity challenge if given the opportunity. Two years after assuming office as Governor, that promise has now been fulfilled.
January 1, 2026, has since been described by residents as a historic day, as electricity from the Gagarawa National Grid was officially connected to Ringim, ending decades of power instability.
The development triggered widespread jubilation across the town, with residents describing it as long-awaited relief after years of hardship and economic struggle.
A drinks seller, Malam Musa, said he could not recall enjoying uninterrupted electricity for up to twelve hours over the past 30 years.
He noted that the steady power supply would significantly reduce his operating costs, which had previously been inflated by constant generator use.
Similarly, a welder, Malam Kabiru, said the absence of stable electricity had crippled his trade for years due to limited capital.
According to him, the new power supply will enable him to work more efficiently, expand his business, and improve his livelihood.
Residents also commended the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Surajo Musa, for his commitment and role in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
While celebrating the achievement, the people of Ringim appealed to Governor Umar Namadi to address other pressing challenges facing the town.
These include finding a lasting solution to the long-standing Rafin Kainuwa Pond problem, which causes destruction and displacement during the rainy season.
Other demands raised by residents include the construction of additional township roads—particularly in Nasarawa Quarter and the main town—the dualization of Unity Road, and the completion of the Emir’s Palace Road.