Buni’s Gujba-Ngalda Road: “Thanks To Buni, My Market Trips Are Faster And Safer Now”, Says Abba

Buni’s Gujba-Ngalda Road: “Thanks to Buni, my market trips are faster and safer now,” says Abba

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman

For years, the 76-kilometre stretch between Gujba and Ngalda in Yobe State was a symbol of neglect and hardship.

The road was little more than a dirt track—filled with potholes, mud, and impassable sections during the rainy season. It isolated communities, slowed down commerce, and made access to healthcare and education a daily struggle.

But today, thanks to Governor Mai Mala Buni’s determined leadership, that once-forgotten road is fully reconstructed and paved, opening a new chapter of opportunity and hope for the people of Gujba and Ngalda.

“I used to spend more than three hours getting to the market in Damaturu,” says Abba Musa, a rice trader from Ngalda. “During the rainy season, the road was terrible; sometimes we had to carry our goods on foot for kilometres. It was a nightmare for business.”

Abba’s story is echoed by many in the region. Farmers, traders, health workers, and students all struggled daily against the barriers created by bad roads. Children missed school because buses could not navigate the muddy paths. Pregnant women faced dangerous journeys to clinics, sometimes delivering at home without skilled care.

But now, the newly constructed Gujba-Ngalda road has cut travel time dramatically and renewed hope.

“The journey now takes less than 45 minutes,” Abba says with a smile. “My business is booming. I can move my goods quickly and safely. The road has given us new life.”

The impact of the road goes beyond trade and transportation. It has opened up access to vital services, rekindled social ties, and lifted the spirits of entire communities.

Hajiya Amina, a mother of five from Gujba, explains how the road has changed her family’s life.

“Before, if my child fell sick, it was a dangerous journey to the clinic. Sometimes the vehicle would get stuck, or we had to wait for hours,” she says. “Now, the clinic is easier to reach. My children get treatment faster, and I have peace of mind.”

Teachers have also welcomed the transformation. Malam Shehu Goni, headteacher of a junior secondary school in Ngalda, notes how the new road has boosted school attendance.

“Students used to miss school during bad weather because of the poor road,” he explains. “Now, more children come regularly. Parents are more willing to send their children because the journey is safer and faster.”

Beyond the personal stories, the road is fueling economic revival in the region. Markets that were once isolated are thriving again, and agricultural produce is reaching buyers more efficiently.

Fatima Adamu, a local vegetable seller, remarks on how business has improved.

“Traders and buyers come from far because the road is good. I sell more now, and my income has increased. It’s easier to bring fresh produce from farms to market,” she says.

Local transport operators also report higher earnings.

“We used to lose money on fuel and repairs because the road was bad. Now, our vehicles last longer, and we make more trips,” says Sani Musa, a commercial motorcyclist in Gujba.

The road project reflects Governor Mai Mala Buni’s commitment to responsive, people-centered governance. His administration prioritized infrastructure that directly impacts everyday lives, recognizing that roads are more than concrete—they are lifelines.

Buni’s government engaged local communities throughout the project, listening to their concerns and ensuring transparency.

In a recent town hall meeting in Gujba, the governor said, “We built this road because you told us it was your priority. Good governance begins with listening, and that is what we have done.”

The road was not without challenges. Security concerns and funding constraints threatened to stall progress. But the administration’s resolve ensured the project’s completion, showcasing what determined leadership can achieve.

Local elders praise the government’s persistence.

Alhaji Ibrahim, a community leader, states, “This road was a dream for many years. Many gave up hope, but Buni’s leadership brought it to reality. It shows that when leaders listen and act, lives change.”

As the sun sets over the smooth asphalt of the Gujba-Ngalda road, the people walk with a renewed sense of possibility.

The road is not just a ribbon of tar—it is a pathway to better health, education, commerce, and social connection. It symbolizes the power of leadership that listens and responds to the needs of its people.

For the residents of Gujba and Ngalda, Mai Mala Buni’s road is a daily reminder that their voices matter, their struggles are seen, and their futures are brighter.