President Bola Tinubu has commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his efforts in restoring peace and driving infrastructure development across the state.
Mr Tinubu, during an official visit, pledged continued federal support and announced plans for a light rail project in the state.
The President inaugurated several key projects, including the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun (Igabi Local Government Area), the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, and a fleet of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.
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Praising the governor’s leadership, Mr Tinubu described Mr Sani as ‘an agent of change, stability, unity, and progress’, adding that his administration had transformed a previously unstable environment into one of peace and harmony.
“You are a good leader. I’m proud to say Kaduna is back again and I am happy to work with you,” the President said, highlighting the governor’s focus on peacebuilding and reconciliation among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
He also lauded the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and stability and recalled his own long-standing relationship with the state in politics, business, and democratic advocacy.
During the visit, Mr Tinubu corrected what he called an ‘omission’ during the recent Democracy Day honours, conferring the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on former Kaduna State governor and pro-democracy activist, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd).
He also confirmed that Mr Sani had been awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The President recounted that, prior to Mr Sani’s tenure, security challenges made it unsafe to travel to areas like Birnin Gwari without military escort, but the situation had now changed significantly.
“Peace is the hallmark of development. I am proud to say Kaduna is rising again. I am going to work with you in every aspect of your development agenda,” he assured.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, also commended the President for his support and hailed Governor Sani for completing previously abandoned projects.
In his remarks, Mr Sani expressed gratitude to the President for backing the state’s development plans.
He revealed that ₦100 billion had been included in the 2025 federal budget for the Kaduna Light Rail Transit project.
Reflecting on the security situation inherited in 2023, the governor said Kaduna was once besieged by banditry and mistrust, with highways overrun by criminals.
However, he said his administration refused to surrender and prioritised security as a foundation for progress.
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Former Vice President Namadi Sambo praised both Mr Tinubu and Sani for ensuring the completion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, a project initiated nearly two decades ago but abandoned by previous governments.
Also speaking, retired Gen. Zamani Lekwot described Mr Tinubu as a God-fearing leader for his continued support for the governor’s transformative agenda.
