History and Sacrifice: The Forgotten Legacy of Navi Community in Shiroro

In the rich history of the Gbagyi Matayi Land within the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, certain communities stand out for their profound contributions to the struggle for freedom and development. Among these ancient and foundational settlements is Navi, a vital territory under the She District. Historical accounts show that since the reign of King Janyaba, the people of Navi have consistently made immense sacrifices for the progress and elevation of the Gbagyi nation. Known for their hospitality and patriotism, the people of Navi have long welcomed neighbors and surrendered their own comfort to foster peace and economic growth in the region.

The Ultimate Generosity: Providing Land for Neighbors remain living historical witnesses to this extraordinary kindness and the honorable character of the Navi people.

The Irony of Progress: Decades of Government Neglect

Despite this deep-rooted history of selflessness, Navi has unfortunately faced systemic neglect and marginalization from successive administrations in Shiroro and Niger State. In recent political history, the administration of the late Engineer Abdulkadir Kure (may Allah grant him eternal rest) remains the only government to have brought meaningful infrastructural development to the people of Navi. During his tenure, Governor Kure provided two vital projects:

The Wawyi- Navi Bridge: The sole entry point and lifeline connecting Navi to the outside world.

The First Primary Health Care Facility: Established to cater to the medical needs of women and children.

A Cry for Help: Navi Hospital Reduced to Ruins Tragically, since the departure of the Kure administration, no other government has looked back to maintain or build upon these foundations. Due to absolute neglect by the authorities, the only healthcare center built by the late Kure has completely deteriorated. Today, it has been reduced to a mere ruin (kufayi)—abandoned and dysfunctional.

It remains a painful irony that while the people of Navi gave up their land to establish a functional hospital and market in Gunu for the benefit of all, the healthcare facility in their own backyard has become a derelict structure. This infrastructural injustice demands urgent intervention.

An Appeal to Authorities

We are using this medium to call upon the Chairman of Shiroro Local Government, the Member representing the constituency in the State House of Assembly, and the Executive Governor of Niger State to look into the historical contributions of Navi. 

The people of Navi do not deserve to be left behind.There is an urgent need to renovate the Navi Primary Health Care Center, equip it with medical supplies, deploy qualified personnel, and inspect the structural integrity of the Wawyi- Navi Bridge before the rainy season worsens. It is time for the government to reward the decades of patience, generosity, and sacrifice of the Navi community.