President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors across Nigeria to emulate the Kaduna State government’s focus on youth empowerment through skills development, pledging the federal government’s full support for such progressive initiatives aimed at securing the nation’s future.
The President stated this in Kaduna state when he inaugurated the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Council, the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, and 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses.
He lauded the leadership of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani whose dedication has earned the affection of the people saying, “This aligns with the nation’s objectives for justice and prosperity.
“people-oriented commitment” and “far-sightedness”, highlighting it as an example of effective and intentional governance.
“Today, I’ve seen an example of people-oriented commitment, development agenda and far-sightedness in the governor, who has established not only critical centres to train and develop the minds of our youths, but also schools, as well as providing them with skills and opportunity to excel.
“Senator Uba Sani, the great people of Kaduna love you and that extends to our commitment to democracy, justice and dignity of life. You are a good leader, and I am very happy to have to work with you,” Tinubu said.
The President also expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace in the state, comparing the current calm to his visit during the 2022 campaign season, when insecurity required military-level protection.
“To get to Birnin-Gwari local government for the electioneering campaign, we almost had to move with an entire battalion. I have it on good authority that you can move to Birnin-Gwari today, around midnight without fear of attack. Peace is the hallmark of development, that’s why you are able to channel a vision that is sharp and yielding results”, he said.
Demonstrating his progressive commitment, the President assured the citizens and government of Kaduna of ongoing cooperation on key infrastructure developments, including the light rail project.
“We will do everything to ensure that we achieve the vision of progress, prosperity, and we’ll not forget the fact that the light rail project is there on our focus. We are going to do it, and we’ll do it together”, he said.
The Kaduna state Governor described the President as “a statesman whose vision is reshaping Nigeria” and “a leader whose commitment to Northern development is unquestionable.”
The President was in Kaduna to commission key projects executed by the state government, including a 300-bed Specialist Hospital, 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses, and the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.
Peace-building Initiative
On peacebuilding, Governor Sani acknowledged the President’s support for the introduction of the Kaduna Peace Model, a program that integrates community involvement with security efforts.
He noted that more than 500,000 hectares of previously abandoned farmland have been restored and 535 schools reopened in regions that were formerly controlled by terrorists.
“From Giwa to Godogodo, from Birnin Gwari to Kajuru, Kaduna is no longer defined by fear. Joint task forces now patrol our roads. Commerce is booming again. We are exporting livestock from Birnin Gwari to Lagos daily — something unthinkable a year ago.”
Governor Sani committed to advancing governance reforms, boosting investment, and building upon President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, announcing Kaduna as the first state to launch the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone project.
He said, “We have distributed over 600 truckloads of fertilisers and thousands of implements free to farmers. We are not just building roads and hospitals — we are building a future where every Nigerian child can dream again.”
In his remarks, Former Vice President Namadi Sambo expressed joy for the opportunity to witness the inauguration of several projects in Kaduna, especially the 300-bed specialist hospital, which he originally initiated in 2009.
He described the hospital’s commissioning as the realisation of a vision that started during his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State.
“Today, we celebrate the realisation of a project that was conceived over 16 years ago. It is a dream come true for the people of Kaduna,” he said.
He recalled that as Governor, he was confronted with a painful healthcare reality fewer than 3,000 hospital beds were available for a population exceeding six million.
Sambo noted that the situation worsened when Kaduna metropolis lost its 800-bed hospital following the relocation of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital to Shika, Zaria.
“Many families were forced to travel outside the state in search of specialist medical care. Our goal was to reverse health tourism and provide world-class medical services at home,” he said.
Commendation, Infrastructure Development
During the vote of thanks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas commended the President for his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development and strengthening federal presence in Kaduna State.
He referenced key projects aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising their positive impact on the lives of residents throughout the state.
The Speaker specifically highlighted the Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project, noting that 72 percent completion has been achieved in the first quarter of 2025.