President Tinubu Inaugurates Projects In Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu praised the swift progress in Kaduna State under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership during a visit on Thursday, where he commissioned several projects. He highlighted the inclusion of N100 billion in the 2025 federal budget for the proposed Kaduna Light Rail.

During his one-day working visit, Tinubu launched a 300-bed specialist hospital, 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for public transport, a new vocational skills and training institute, and the revamped Panteka Market, now recognized as Africa’s largest informal skills hub, hosting over 38,000 artisans.

At a civic reception held at Murtala Square, Mr Tinubu declared Kaduna “a rising star in Nigeria’s development journey,” commending Governor Sani for transforming the state’s focus from insecurity to inclusion.

“From insecurity to inclusion, Kaduna is clearly on the rise. I am pleased to be back in Kaduna State, a place that holds deep connections in my political and democratic journey.

“Kaduna is rising again. We are going to do it together. Peace is the hallmark of development, and I am proud of the peace now reigning in areas like Birnin Gwari. Our administration will continue to back every effort that sustains growth and security.”

In his speech, Governor Sani described Tinubu as “a visionary leader who has redefined national priorities.”

He emphasized major reforms in education and rural development, noting that over 535 schools previously closed due to insecurity have reopened, and more than 500,000 hectares of farmland have been revitalized.

To alleviate economic challenges, Sani announced six months of free rides on the new CNG buses for students, civil servants, and pensioners.

“Our identity is no longer fear, we are defined by productivity, education, and progress,” the governor said.

Mr Sani highlighted the achievements of his administration, stating that 79 roads covering a total of 780 kilometres had been constructed. He also noted the establishment of 62 new secondary schools and the renovation of more than 1,000 classrooms.

In a move to ease the financial burden on students, the state government has implemented a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across all its tertiary institutions.

Speaking in a similar spirit of progress, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, outlined significant federal projects ongoing in Kaduna. These include the Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, which is 72 per cent completed, the Ibadan-Kaduna-Kano railway, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.

“These are not just projects, they are symbols of inclusion and renewed national hope,” he said.

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who initiated the specialist hospital project during his time as governor in 2009, described its recent completion as “a dream fulfilled,” adding that Kaduna had previously had fewer than 3,000 hospital beds for its population of over six million.

The event drew a high-profile audience, including numerous state governors, the Deputy Senate President, various ministers, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli. A large crowd of Kaduna residents also turned out, lining the streets in a strong display of support.