For weeks, darkness ruled Abakpa New Extension in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Businesses closed early, students read with torches, and families struggled to get water because the community transformer had packed up.
That changed last week after a philanthropist, Hon. Abdullahi Yarima stepped in.
Residents say Yarima funded and supervised the repair of the faulty transformer, and within seven days, power was restored.
The intervention has drawn wide commendation across the community, with many calling it a rare example of responsive leadership.
Speaking for the community, Alhaji Alamin Wambai said that the blackout had made life unbearable, especially for households that depend on electric pumps for borehole water.
‘We sincerely appreciate Hon. Abdullahi Yarima for his prompt response. The repair of this transformer has given significant relief to many families’, Wambai said.
Another community leader, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, said that what stood out for him was the speed of executing the project.
‘This is the first time we have seen our transformer repaired within one week. His (Yarima’s) quick response shows he truly listens to the people’s concerns’, he said.
For the women, it meant an end to late-night trips to fetch water and the stress of spoiled food.
On behalf of women in Abakpa, Hajiya Rabi Hauwa, said the mood in the area has changed.
‘We are happy. May Allah continue to bless him (Yarima). We also appeal to other privileged people to support projects that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens in their communities’, she said.
Community leaders noted that this was not Yarima’s first intervention in Abakpa. Barely a month ago, he donated GeePee water tanks to Abakpa Primary Health Care Centre to improve water supply and service delivery at the facility.
Residents described the two gestures as practical, people-focused support that touches daily life — electricity, water and health.
Wambai further said: ‘This is what we need from our leaders and public-spirited individuals; projects that solve real problems, not promises’.
The Abakpa repair comes at a time when many Kaduna communities are complaining about prolonged outages and delays in fixing transformers and other public infrastructure.
For residents of Abakpa New Extension, the one-week turnaround has set a new benchmark. They prayed for Yarima’s continued success and urged other well-meaning citizens to emulate him.
‘Light has returned to our homes, our businesses can run again, and our children can study at night. We hope this is the beginning of more support for our people’, Mohammed said.
