…Announces ₦N100 Billion for Kaduna Light Rail
From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Kaduna State a rising star in Nigeria’s development landscape during a one-day official visit on Thursday.
He praised Governor Uba Sani for transforming the state from one characterized by fear into a beacon of peace, growth, and unity.
During his visit, the President announced that ₦100 billion has been allocated for the Kaduna light rail project in the 2025 federal budget.
Tinubu commissioned several projects, including a 300-bed hospital, the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development, and 100 CNG buses, along with the Kafanchan township road.
At a grand civic reception held in his honor at Murtala Square in Kaduna, President Tinubu lauded 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,” he stated.
The President, visibly moved by the warm reception and massive turnout, announced a national honor, the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), for retired Colonel Dangiwa Umar, who had been omitted from his June 12 Democracy Day speech.
Highlighting Kaduna’s growing reputation for reform and innovation, Tinubu remarked, “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.”
Specifically addressing the Kaduna Light Rail project, Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment, stating that ₦N100 billion has been earmarked for it in the 2025 budget.
He endorsed the newly commissioned Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development as a national template.
An elated Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude for the President’s unwavering support, declaring, “Kaduna is no longer defined by fear.” He emphasized that “roads are now open, schools are alive again, and farmlands are green.” Sani noted that over 535 schools that had been closed due to insurgency have reopened, and more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland are now in use.
He described Tinubu as a leader whose “vision is reshaping Nigeria,” citing significant federal support for urban transit, education, healthcare, and agro-industrialization. “Kaduna is the first state to implement the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone project, thanks to you, Mr. President,” Sani added.
Governor Sani also announced that the 100 newly acquired compressed natural gas (CNG) buses would be provided free of charge to students, civil servants, and pensioners for the first six months, easing transportation burdens and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. He reaffirmed his commitment to reducing poverty, boosting education, and improving health outcomes.
He detailed that Kaduna has constructed 79 new roads covering 780 km, built 62 secondary schools, and upgraded 1,049 classrooms while cutting tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 50 percent.
Sani concluded his remarks with a passionate plea to Northerners: “This President stood with us in our darkest hour. Let us rally behind him in this hour of light.”
The highlight of the visit was the commissioning of several impactful projects, including a 300-bed specialist hospital in Kaduna, the largest of its kind in the region, and the remodeled Panteka Market, now positioned as Africa’s largest informal skills hub with 38,000 artisans receiving global certifications.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who initiated the specialist hospital project in 2009 when he was Governor of Kaduna, described the completion as “a 16-year-old dream fulfilled.” He recalled a time when the state had fewer than 3,000 hospital beds for over six million people. “We lost an 800-bed facility when the ABU Teaching Hospital moved to Zaria. Today, we reclaim that loss,” he said.
House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen praised President Tinubu’s administration, labeling it one that is “delivering federal presence where it is long overdue.” He highlighted key projects such as the Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline (now 72% complete), the Ibadan-Kaduna-Kano railway, the FMC in Kafanchan, and the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia as transformative interventions.
Tajudeen stated, “These aren’t just projects; they are symbols of inclusion, recognition, and renewed hope.” He commended Governor Uba Sani’s partnership with the federal government, describing it as a model for synergy and effective governance.
Dignitaries in attendance included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo, Ekiti Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi, Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Others included the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Ministers Balarabe Lawal and Dele Alake, and thousands of enthusiastic residents who filled Murtala Square, celebrating what many described as a new era of inclusion and progress for Kaduna.
