By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Counselor to Governor Uba Sani on Infrastructure, Samaila Sulaiman, has commended the Governor for his outstanding performance across key sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

In a statement marking the Governor’s two years in office, Sulaiman noted that Kaduna State has witnessed unprecedented transformative progress in virtually all areas of governance.

Highlighting strides in security, he disclosed that over 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles have been provided to security agencies to enhance their rapid response to kidnapping and other emergencies. He praised the administration’s non-kinetic approach—emphasizing dialogue and community policing—alongside the recruitment and training of over 7,000 personnel for the Kaduna Vigilance Service. These efforts, he said, have significantly boosted the fight against insecurity.

“The reopening of the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, after years of closure, has revitalized the flow of people and goods through this economically vital corridor,” Sulaiman added.

He reported that road infrastructure has improved significantly, with 68 road projects covering over 700 kilometers completed across both urban and rural areas.

On education, he stated that 62 new secondary schools comprising 600 classrooms have been built, while another 200 schools were renovated, benefiting over 200,000 pupils. The government also paid SSCE final exam fees for students from less privileged backgrounds to ensure a smooth transition from secondary school.

Governor Sani has also cleared pension arrears and entitlements left unpaid by the previous administration, Sulaiman said. He lauded the government’s commitment to institutional strengthening and fiscal transparency, noting that Kaduna was the first state to domesticate the 2024–2025 Open Government Partnership Action Plan. This has enabled community input in budgeting through Development Charters.

The administration has prioritized human capital investment, reducing tuition fees at state-owned tertiary institutions by 40% to ease financial burdens and reduce student dropouts.

In healthcare, 290 primary health centers have been upgraded and 13 general hospitals remodeled, earning the Governor an award for excellence as the best in the Northwest region.

Sulaiman highlighted the administration’s efforts to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse cultures and religions. “There is now harmonious coexistence across the state, and citizens go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation,” he said.

He also noted that traditional rulers who were previously deposed have been reinstated, fulfilling a campaign promise to govern with fairness and justice. Additionally, petty traders whose shops were demolished by the previous government have been relocated and supported in regaining their livelihoods.

“This is a leader with compassion and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people,” Sulaiman concluded.