A former Military President, Gen. Ibarahim Babangida, on Monday in Dutse commended communities in Jigawa over their harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the state.

Babagida, who also commended the people for their contribution toward the rapid socio-economic development of the state, was speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi.

The former president was in Dutse on a two-day visit as part of activities to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the state.

He said that the state had made remarkable progress in health, education, water, road, agriculture and rural development since its creation in 1991.

"When Jigawa was created, Dutse was a rural area, but it has transformed into a city and I am happy to see that.

"I envy Jigawa, as it strives to surpass Niger in terms of social and economic development project; but we would not allow that to happen," he said.

In his remark, the emir described Babangida, as a patriot, who contributed to national development.

Sunusi also commended the former president for creating additional states in the country, adding that "without his effort, we would not have been here as people of Jigawa".

It will be recalled that Jigawa and eight other states were created on Aug. 27, 1991 under the then military administration of Babangida.

NAN