In a show of unity and public enthusiasm, thousands of Kaduna residents poured into the streets today to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his official visit to the state. It was a moment of pride and honour for the Uba Sani-led administration, which showcased a suite of transformational projects as part of its commitment to people-centered development.
President Tinubu’s brief but impactful visit was marked by the commissioning of three major infrastructure initiatives that highlight the state’s evolving focus on skills, health, and green mobility—a reflection of Kaduna’s strategic alignment with national goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Commissioned Legacy Projects:
1. Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development
Rigachikun (Igabi LGA): Now named the Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa Institute
Soba (Soba LGA): Named the Col. Umar Dangiwa Institute
Samaru Kataf (Zango Kataf LGA): Named the Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Institute
These institutes are projected to train over 10,000 youths annually in technical and vocational fields—ranging from ICT and solar technology to carpentry, tailoring, and agribusiness—addressing Kaduna’s youth unemployment rate of over 30% and contributing to national workforce goals.
2. The 300-Bed Specialist Hospital, Kaduna
Commissioned today and officially renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital in recognition of the President’s commitment to healthcare development.
President Tinubu announced federal support for a Cancer Center within the hospital complex—making it one of the few comprehensive oncology care centers in the North-West.
3. 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses under the Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS)
Commissioned to reduce intra-city transportation costs and pollution.
President Tinubu also announced the Federal Government’s plan to construct a Light Rail Network in Kaduna, positioning the state as a potential transportation hub for Northern Nigeria.
National Recognition and Strategic Federal Support
In his remarks, President Tinubu lauded Governor Uba Sani’s administration for embedding Kaduna firmly on the path of inclusive growth, citing the alignment of peacebuilding, infrastructure, and human capital development as a replicable model for other subnational governments.
> “Kaduna is leading the way by investing in the people. These institutes and transport systems are blueprints for a modern Nigeria built on inclusion and opportunity,” the President declared.
He further applauded Kaduna’s emphasis on peace, noting that development cannot thrive without stability. As a symbolic reward, he announced Federal Executive Council’s approval for the reconstruction of the strategic Birnin Gwari Road—a lifeline corridor linking Northern and Southern Nigeria.
> “Peace unlocks progress. Birnin Gwari is proof that when communities embrace peace, government responds with development,” Tinubu added.
Historical Context and Impact
Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, Nigeria’s first elected governor under the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), governed Kaduna during the Second Republic.
Col. Umar Dangiwa is remembered as an advocate for justice and democracy during the 1990s military era.
Patrick Yakowa, Kaduna’s first Christian governor, symbolized unity across ethnic and religious lines.
The naming of these institutions in their honour reflects Kaduna’s deepening commitment to legacy, inclusion, and meritocracy.
💬 Quote of the Day
> “These projects are not mere structures—they are symbols of a Kaduna reborn, with skills in its hands, health at its heart, and transport powering its future.”
— Dr. Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, Governance & Perception Management Consultant
Presidential Commitment and Kaduna’s Response
President Tinubu pledged continued collaboration with the Kaduna State Government to consolidate gains in security, education, social investment, and economic development. He praised the appointment of Kaduna indigenes into strategic federal roles and assured the people that the state will remain a priority partner in national transformation.
In return, the government and people of Kaduna expressed their gratitude and pledged unwavering support for the President, affirming their resolve to uphold peace, productivity, and the vision of a progressive Nigeria.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna was more than ceremonial—it was strategic, symbolic, and deeply unifying. It showcased a presidency responsive to state-level innovation and a state government ready to deliver impact with sincerity.
With legacy projects commissioned, federal support pledged, and symbolic honours bestowed, Kaduna has once again stepped into national prominence—not by politics, but by performance.
Headlinenews.news Special report.
