In the heart of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, the Kurege community stands as a stark testament to overlooked rural challenges, where residents have survived for over a century without fundamental infrastructure.

The village of Kurege, nestled in Abaji Area Council, represents a community literally living on hope and resilience. For generations, its 100-year history has been marked by profound neglect, with no government projects or basic amenities ever reaching its hardworking inhabitants.

Village Head Ayuba Musa paints a sobering picture of their struggles. "My people still trek to Chapu to cast their votes during every election, yet successive governments have failed to prioritize our needs," he explains, noting that only two solar lights have been installed in recent months - a minimal gesture in the face of massive infrastructure deficits.

The community's challenges are multifaceted and deeply human. Children walk two kilometers to neighboring Chapu just to attend school, with rain and flooding often completely interrupting their education. Women undertake dangerous journeys to the Gurara River, carrying water that requires boiling and chemical treatment to be remotely safe for consumption.

Healthcare presents another critical challenge. Pregnant women must ride motorcycles to distant clinics for basic antenatal care, while simultaneously managing domestic water collection - a grueling dual burden that highlights the community's systemic marginalization.

Local farmer Gwatana Samson describes transportation woes that further complicate village life. Produce transportation is nearly impossible due to deplorable roads, with trucks charging exorbitant rates or simply refusing to enter the community, causing agricultural products to rot before reaching markets.

Encouragingly, recent administrative communications suggest potential change. The Council's Chief of Staff, Mohammed Kandi, confirmed a recent leadership delegation's visit and disclosed plans for clinic construction and water infrastructure in the upcoming budget - a potential first step toward addressing long-standing community needs.

The story of Kurege is not just about infrastructure, but about human dignity, resilience, and the fundamental right to basic services. As Nigeria continues to develop, communities like Kurege remind us that true progress must reach every corner of the nation.