President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday praised Governor Uba Sani of The Centre of Learning (Kaduna State) for his role in restoring calm and rebuilding trust among diverse communities in the state.
The President, during his official visit, commissioned several projects including the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun (Igabi LGA), the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, and 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses aimed at improving urban transportation.
He credited Governor Sani for redirecting the state towards peace and reconciliation, emphasizing that such efforts are essential for economic growth. Tinubu pledged federal support for the Kaduna Light Rail Project, affirming the commitment of his administration to back the state’s infrastructure plans.
“Senator Uba Sani has been focused on security and development since assuming office. Today, we celebrate the outcome of that focus,” Tinubu said. “Kaduna has transitioned from instability to a more peaceful environment, and I am proud of the work being done here.”
Addressing traditional rulers, the President acknowledged their role in fostering unity and supporting the state government’s peace-building agenda.
As part of the visit, Tinubu conferred the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on former military governor and democracy advocate, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd). He also presented Governor Sani with the award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Reflecting on past security challenges, the President recalled the tension in areas like Birnin Gwari during the last election cycle. He lauded the current administration for efforts that have made travel in previously volatile regions much safer.
“During the electioneering campaign, we had to move with an entire battalion to go to Birnin Gwari. I have it on good record that you can now move to Birnin Gwari even at midnight without fear.
“I thank the Governor for leading the peace efforts. Peace is the hallmark of development. I am proud to say that Kaduna is rising again. I am going to work with you in every aspect of your development agenda to ensure we achieve the vision of progress and prosperity,’’ President Tinubu said.
Governor Sani, in his address, acknowledged the federal allocation of N100 billion in the 2025 budget for the light rail scheme and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security.
“As you know Mr President when we assumed office in 2023, Kaduna State was under siege, a land flanked by banditry and deep-rooted mistrust, our villages, once vibrant hubs for agriculture and culture, had become shadows of our former self,” he said
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo also expressed gratitude for the completion of the specialist hospital project, which he said was initiated 19 years ago but remained uncompleted until now.
The event drew a wide array of political leaders, including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).
Also in attendance were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
