By Hussaina Yakubu
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Thursday said President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support and leadership have accelerated peace, development, and inclusion across Kaduna and the wider Northern region.
Speaking at the Murtala Square during the inauguration of 100 CNG buses, the Governor described Tinubu’s visit and inauguration of the projects as “a profound affirmation that leadership, grounded in empathy and vision, can change destinies.
“Under your leadership, Mr President, Kaduna has moved from insecurity and despair to peace, productivity, and growing prosperity,” Sani said.
He stated that Tinubu’s interventions, particularly the N100 billion allocation for the Kaduna Light Rail project and support for the state’s transport masterplan, had positioned Kaduna as a modern urban centre.
Among the inaugurated projects were 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, a 300-bed Specialist Hospital, and the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.
The governor said the buses would be subsidised, with free access for workers, students, and retirees for six months.
Sani also outlined major initiatives in transportation, including the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project and the Southern Terminal motor park.
He expressed hope that Tinubu would return to inaugurate the BRT system upon completion.
On security, the governor acknowledged significant improvements, attributing the return of peace to joint efforts with the Federal Government, military agencies, and the introduction of the Kaduna Peace Model.
According to Sani, it is a community-led reconciliation and conflict prevention framework.
“From Birnin Gwari to Zangon Kataf, peace is returning.
“Over 500,000 hectares of farmland have been reclaimed and more than 500 previously closed schools have reopened,” the govenror said.
Sani added that Kaduna had launched the largest infrastructure programme in its history, citing 79 roads, spanning 780 kilometres.
He added that the state had also made substantial gains in healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
Sani stated that 2.5 million unbanked residents had now been integrated into the formal economy.
The governor emphasised Kaduna’s leadership in vocational training, citing the remodelled Panteka Market as Africa’s largest informal skills hub and the newly inaugurated vocational institute as globally certified.
He described Tinubu as a true statesman who had uplifted the North and urged Nigerians to rally behind the president.
“Let the North be the bedrock of this Renewed Hope. Tinubu deserves our full backing,” Sani appealed.
He said, “With your steady hand on the wheel and our hands on the plough, Kaduna will continue to rise and Nigeria will flourish.” (NAN)
