From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has praised Governor Uba for establishing the Command and Control Center as a hub for intelligence gathering in his efforts to address insecurity in Kaduna State.
Chief Yomi Badejo Okusanya, Chairman of the Planning Committee for Nigerian Public Relations Week CrocCity 2026, made the commendation on Monday during a media tour of various projects.
After inspecting the center’s facilities, Chief Okusanya acknowledged that, although Kaduna State faces some security challenges, as most states in Nigeria do, the situation is greatly exaggerated.
He added that many external pressures have discouraged the Institute from holding the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week in Kaduna, citing safety concerns.
‘’Yes, it faces challenges like everywhere else, but I believe two things: efforts have been made to address these issues, and second, the situation isn’t as bad as people think,’’ he explained.
He recommended that the Kaduna State Government share its efforts in combating insecurity not only with its residents but also with the entire country, suggesting that the Command and Control Center be replicated in all 23 local government headquarters.
The media tour included visits to Badarawa Primary Healthcare Center, Kawo General Hospital, Government Secondary School Nasarawan Rigachukun, the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development, and the under-construction Kakuri Southern Terminal.
At Badarawa PHC, Health Commissioner Hajiya Umma K Ahma mentioned that Kaduna is the only subnational whose health facilities have been upgraded to Level 2.
She stated that all PHCs operate 24/7, offering basic emergency, obstetric, and neonatal care, and are well-stocked with medical supplies.
‘’A woman can walk into this facility, attend her antenatal appointment, deliver here, and then her baby will receive immunizations and other essential care. If a referral is needed, there’s a clear pathway. We have ambulances ready to transport patients to the next higher facility, the general hospital. The Governor recently approved CONMESS and CONHESS salary scales for healthcare workers. Kaduna also pays hazard allowances, which have increased in recent years,’’ she added.
At the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development, Provost Malam Hussaini Haruna Muhammad reported that the institute has three campuses in Soba, Rigachiku, and Samarun Kataf to serve the Northern, Central, and Southern districts, respectively.
He mentioned that the institute offers 14 trade programs and three types of courses, including the internationally recognized National Skills Qualifications (NSQ).
He explained that the institute also offers a Level Qualification lasting 6 months, short-term courses, cosmetology training, and a Prior Learning course for skilled artisans seeking certification.
The provost also shared that there are currently 497,000 students enrolled at the Rigachukun campus. The visitors were shown departments including ICT, Fashion Design, Carpentry and Joinery, Solar Installation and Maintenance, and Electrical and Electronics.
The NIPR delegation and media team also toured the 35-kilometer asphalt road, the longest built in the last two decades, which passes through three local governments and connects over 76 farming communities.
This road, stretching from Igab to Kajuru and Chikun, features a 130-meter bridge over the River Kadun that serves many rural areas.
Commenting on the project, Dr. Baba Ahmed, Managing Director of Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA), noted that the 35-kilometer asphalt road connecting Gadan Gayan, Gwaraji, and Kujama Junction has significantly improved mobility, agriculture, and rural economies in these communities.
