…Commissions 300-Bed Hospital, 100 CNG Buses, Vocational Centres in Kaduna
…Announces N100bn Allocation for Kaduna Light Rail
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday described Kaduna State as a rising star in Nigeria’s development landscape, commending Governor Uba Sani for transforming a once troubled state into a beacon of peace, opportunity, and progress.
Tinubu made the remark during a one-day official visit to Kaduna State, where he commissioned several high-impact projects, including a 300-bed specialist hospital, an Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development, 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, and township roads in Kafanchan.
Speaking during a grand civic reception held in his honour at Murtala Square, Kaduna, the President hailed Governor Sani as “an agent of change, unity, and progress” whose leadership is rekindling hope across the state and beyond.
“You have turned a toxic environment into one of life and opportunity. I am proud of you,” Tinubu said.
Visibly moved by the massive turnout and warm reception, President Tinubu also announced the conferment of a national honour—Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR)—on retired Colonel Dangiwa Umar, who was omitted from the June 12 Democracy Day speech.
Highlighting Kaduna’s growing reputation for reform and innovation, the President stated:
“From vocational institutes to transport infrastructure, what I have seen here today is a model for national progress. Kaduna is rising again, and we will walk with you on this journey.”
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Kaduna Light Rail project, revealing that N100 billion has already been earmarked for it in the 2025 national budget. He also endorsed the newly commissioned Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development as a national model.
Governor Uba Sani, who was visibly elated, thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support, stating that “Kaduna is no longer defined by fear.”
“Roads are now open, schools are alive again, and farmlands are green,” he said, adding that over 535 schools previously shut down by insurgents have been reopened, while more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland are now back in use.
Governor Sani praised President Tinubu’s vision, which he said is “reshaping Nigeria,” citing key federal interventions in urban transport, education, healthcare, and agro-industrialisation.
“Kaduna is the first state to implement the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project, thanks to you, Mr. President,” he added.
He announced that the 100 newly acquired CNG buses would be provided free of charge to students, civil servants, and pensioners for the first six months, easing transportation costs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction, improved education, and better healthcare outcomes. He noted that the state has constructed 79 new roads spanning 780 kilometres, built 62 secondary schools, and upgraded 1,049 classrooms. Tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions have also been reduced by 50 percent.
Governor Sani concluded his remarks with a passionate appeal to Northern Nigerians:
“This President stood with us in our darkest hour. Let us rally behind him in this hour of light.”
A highlight of the visit was the commissioning of multiple landmark projects, including the 300-bed specialist hospital—now the largest of its kind in the region—and the remodeled Panteka Market, repositioned as Africa’s largest informal skills hub with 38,000 artisans receiving global certifications.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who initiated the hospital project in 2009 as Governor of Kaduna State, described its completion as “a 16-year-old dream fulfilled.” He recalled how Kaduna once had fewer than 3,000 hospital beds for a population exceeding six million. “We lost an 800-bed facility when ABU Teaching Hospital moved to Zaria. Today, we reclaim that loss,” he said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, also commended President Tinubu’s administration for delivering long-overdue federal presence in the state.
He highlighted critical federal projects such as the Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline (72% completed), the Ibadan-Kaduna-Kano railway, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, describing them as “symbols of inclusion, recognition, and renewed hope.”
Tajudeen praised Governor Sani’s collaboration with the Federal Government, calling it a model of synergy and effective governance.
Dignitaries at the event included Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi), along with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Also present were the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli; Ministers Balarabe Lawal and Dele Alake; and thousands of enthusiastic residents who filled Murtala Square to capacity—celebrating what many described as a new era of inclusion and progress for Kaduna State.
