By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Uba Sani administration in Kaduna State has undertook the largest Free Fertilizer Distribution in Kaduna State’s history, with the distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer from which 240,000 bags were given out free to 120,000 smallholder farmers,the Principal Private Secretary(PPS)  to the Governor ,Professor Ayuba Bello has said.

“The Government has also invested heavily in both mechanization and micro-mechanization of the agricultural sector. Indeed, the last time the State invested in mechanization through the procurement of Tractors was in 2010 but this Government has procured 12 heavy-duty tractors that can handle large-scale commercial farming and complex and difficult farming operations,” he aided.

Bello said the  Kaduna State Government has built 62 new secondary schools, comprising 39 Junior and 23 Senior Secondary Schools, across the three senatorial districts in the last 18 months when the present administration under Senator Uba Sani’s took over the mantle of leadership in the state.

Speaking at an interactive session with the media  at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Kaduna on Thursday,Bello said approval has been given for the construction of additional 50 secondary schools across the state and upon completion, these new schools are expected to enroll over 100,000 students.

“Further solidifying Kaduna State’s commitment to providing inclusive and accessible education for all. Also, 2,000 qualified teachers have been recruited, awaiting deployment to these newly completed schools.

In addition, according to the PPS, the Government has constructed 2,326 new classrooms, renovated 707 classrooms, supplied 30,742 two-seater pupil’s furniture, provided 3,704 Teachers’ Furniture, and constructed 918 VIP Cubicle Toilets and 51 hand pump boreholes in schools across the State.

He also said ,”significantly, the administration is building three Vocational and Technological Skills Acquisition Cities to equip youths with the requisite skills to enable them take up jobs in industries and other businesses. The Skills Cities will graduate at least 12,000 youths annually.

“In addition, Government is remodeling the Panteka Market in Kaduna to become a major centre for skills acquisition, engaging over 38,000 artisans.

“A comprehensive infrastructure upgrade is being carried out to make it an international center for skills acquisition and job creation. Besides, Kaduna State Government is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification for graduates of the Skills Cities and Panteka Market.

On health sector, Prof Bello remarked that,”Governor Uba Sani is carrying out a surgical operation in the healthcare sector because he wants to deliver top-notch   healthcare system that addresses the needs of the people. 

“The administration is working day and night to complete the ultra – modern Specialist Hospital at Millennium City, Kaduna. On Wednesday, 27th November, 2024, the Governor commissioned the remodeled, upgraded and fully equipped Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital, Kaduna.

“He has embarked on the remodeling, equipping and upgrading of 13 General Hospitals in the 3 Senatorial Zones of the State. This include General Hospital Gwantu, General Hospital Rigasa, General Hospital Maigana, and in Sanga

, Igabi and Soba local governments respectively, as some of the hospitals that have been remodeled, equipped and upgraded.

 “Others are Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Kafanchan, in Jemaá local government; General Hospital Giwa, in Giwa local government and Ikara General Hospital, located at Ikara local government. The rest are General Hospital Sabon Tasha, Chikun LGA; General Hospital Saminaka, Lere LGA, and General Hospital Kachia, Kachia LGA.

He also said ,” agriculture at the center of Kaduna State’s development agenda. In the last 18 months, Kaduna State has become a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers, an engine of economic growth, and a model of agricultural excellence.

” Under the remarkable palliative program, Sustainable Livelihoods through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment, the Get Back to the Farm initiative has breathed new life into the agricultural sector.

“Government has distributed vital inputs-high-quality seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and farming equipment-to 41,693 smallholder farmers and cooperatives across all 23 LGAs. This initiative is a game-changer for our farmers, restoring their livelihoods and driving increased productivity across the state,” he said.