We first visited the Paiko town hall in October 2021. This facility was located in Paiko community, Paikoro LGA, in Niger state. The town hall was in shambles. The roof had collapsed, the ceiling was broken, the windows were blown out, leaving only the burglary at the window, and weeds had overgrown the premises due to partial abandonment. The community’s efforts to attract attention from the state government and relevant authorities proved futile.
Community leaders and members lamented the town hall’s condition, which had deprived them of using the services it should have provided. During the meeting, community members shared their difficulties travelling several kilometres to neighbouring communities like Minna to attend wedding ceremonies, meetings, and programs that should have been carried out within the community due to its inhabitable state.
The travels put the lives of community members in danger, as the road from Paiko to Minna is in terrible condition.
We conducted a series of advocacy efforts in 2022, and needs assessment letters were written to Senator Mohammed Sani Musa and Hon Shehu Beji Barwa, the federal legislators representing the community.
The advocacy was successful, and in the 2023 FG Budget, the project was tagged as Rehabilitation of Paiko Town Community Hall in Niger East Senatorial District, with a budget allocation of 50,000,000 under the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).
After a series of engagements and meetings, the project commenced in November 2023. In December 2023, N41 million was paid to Danwaziri Global Services Ltd for the project. The project was completed and commissioned in February 2023.
Residents say the town hall renovation is a significant development as it had been dilapidated for over six years before the intervention.
Adamu, a resident, spoke with Tracka about the experience, “Since the completion of this project, we have had so much joy in carrying out occasions within the community where we can all attend without travelling several kilometres. My most recent event was comfortable and just a short walk to the centre. We truly appreciate this development.”
Another resident, Mohammed, said, “The town hall has created job opportunities and boosted economic activities in Paiko. My friend secured a job there and is paid from the revenue generated from the hall. The only issue we need the government to address now is tile the compound and provide streetlights for additional security.”
In conclusion, the completion and rehabilitation of Paiko Town Hall have significantly improved the community premises, generated revenue, created job availability, and also decreased the risk of commuters travelling kilometres to carry out or attend activities such as weddings, programs, and other communal meetings that should be within the community. The project has been completed and serves community members for various functions and celebrations.
Story by Ayomide Ladipo and Moses Motoni
