Laments Decades of Challenges, Marginalization, and Underdevelopment
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Federal University and a Federal Medical Centre in the region, and pledged its support for his development initiatives.
The commendation was made in a detailed thank-you statement signed by the forum’s chairman, Ango Bally, and shared with the press in Kaduna on Monday.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his presidential approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences and the Federal Medical Centre in Southern Kaduna, the forum also lauded the collaboration between Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Kaduna South), and Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji (Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency). Their historic legislative efforts and inclusive support from Governor Sani were instrumental in bringing these projects to fruition.
“We are pleased to announce that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given consent to two critical bills: the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, sponsored by Senator Katung, and the creation of a Federal Medical Centre, proposed by Hon. Magaji,” the statement read.
“These landmark projects are set to transform the socio-economic and educational landscape, providing easier access to quality healthcare for the people of Southern Kaduna, the state, and Nigeria as a whole.”
The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, which will also have a campus in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area, is expected to offer quality education and technical training to youth, positioning the region as a hub for innovation and skills development.
The forum emphasized that the university represents more than just academic progress; it is a symbol of hope and a testament to the current government’s policy of inclusion, acknowledging that Southern Kaduna has long faced marginalization and underdevelopment.
“This development signifies a major turning point, with the region finally being recognized for its human capital and its contributions to national development, marking a departure from past administrations.”
The establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, if completed, will significantly improve healthcare services, ensuring that communities across Kaduna State and neighboring regions have access to vital medical care.
The SKJF also commended the cooperative efforts of Governor Uba Sani, Senator Katung, and Hon. Magaji, highlighting the importance of putting the people’s collective interests above partisan politics. The forum believes that this unity of purpose demonstrates the potential for transformative governance to address the region’s pressing needs.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to President Bola Tinubu for recognizing the strategic importance of these institutions as part of his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’” the statement continued.
The SKJF also expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who announced the presidential assent to these two projects on December 28, 2023, during his condolence visit to Southern Kaduna following the death of Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom and a family member of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
“We appreciate Vice President Shettima’s pledge that the federal government will work with the state government to ensure that development reaches Southern Kaduna, especially in road infrastructure,” the statement added.
As custodians of public information and opinion, the SKJF reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that prioritize the welfare of Southern Kaduna’s communities, and vowed to advocate for policies that foster development, peace, and unity across the region, Kaduna State, and Nigeria at large.
