Kindly permit me to write and formally draw the attention of the Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya to the need for the construction of Degri Market. I write first as a concerned citizen with a strong passion for peace, security and sustainable development and to publicly express my sincere appreciation to the government for taking unprecedented development to the rural areas of Gombe State.
It is my intention to bring to the notice of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya that the people of Balanga Local Government, particularly Degri – kulani – Sikkam ward are appreciative of his tremendous efforts towards development of the rural areas and several other positive steps taken by his administration.
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The current situation of Degri Market in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State needs attention. It is important to note that Degri – Kulani – Sikkam Ward and indeed Balanga LGA are now populated with people of common historical background and languages and therefore, share common cultural values, even with settlers and their neighbours.
Waja constitutes the major ethnic group and the construction of Talasse – Degri Road will boost their full potential for the overall betterment of Gombe State. The people of Waja land are successful farmers and traders and have a sizable industrious population. The Waja and Hausa people produce abundant cash and food crops which are enough for local consumption and supply to neighbouring states.
They are also rich in mineral resources most of which are yet to be exploited. They have a great deal of human resources and enormous economic potential.
However, there are some challenges. First and foremost, on the catalogue of problems facing Degri Market is congestion. Therefore, I want to humbly and respectfully lodge a formal complaint about congestion and the need for expansion and modernisation of the market to meet 21st century challenges.
One great problem we face in the market is that of space as traders squat like conquered hostages who definitely need some respite.
It should be noted that the market is centrally located between Balanga South comprising Cham and Dadiya chiefdoms and neighbouring border towns and villages of Adamawa and Taraba states.
It is also worthy of note that Balanga North which comprises two district areas and many neighbouring towns and villages in Yamaltu-Deba LGA and Borno State greatly patronize the Degri market every Monday in their great numbers.
The high patronage of the market has led to congestion, hence the need for expansion.
This will surely and primarily engage our teeming youths in gainful ventures; reduce criminalities and ensure viable and pragmatic economic growth and development thus, repositioning all parts of Gombe State on the path of sustainable economic growth.
The market is increasingly becoming a vital source of income for thousands of people. The construction of Talasse – Degri Road has created a lucrative business in Degri Market.
Young people are now selling their landed property and taking bank loans in order to invest in various categories of the market. They have never had it good. The prevailing peace and accessibility of the area are among the factors driving the boom in the market.
Indeed, there is excitement and high expectations as traders from far and near make brisk business at the market.
No doubt, if given the attention it deserves, the market will surely boost agricultural production, employment generation and generate huge revenues for both the local and state governments.
Additionally, the recent Waja – Lunguda violent conflicts also resulted in a forcible series of migrations to the relatively peaceful districts of Degri, Kulani, Sikkam and neighbouring villages and towns.
The coming of the rainy season poses a big challenge for traders at the market due to the lack of enough roofed market stalls and lock-up shops.
Being one of the currently most popular and fast-growing markets in Gombe State and beyond, Degri market will no doubt create opportunities for wealth creation and ensure reduction in rural-urban drift thereby reducing crimes and ethnic criminalities.
Ibrahim Hamman Degri writes from Federal Low-cost Gombe
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