By Peter Salami
President Bola Tinubu yesterday announced plans by his administration to soon launch a comprehensive national agenda on skills and food sovereignty as part of measures to address unemployment and food insecurity in the country.
Tinubu disclosed this yesterday in Kaduna during the inauguration of several projects executed by the Kaduna State government.
“Whatever we need to do together, we will do. We’ll soon launch a comprehensive national agenda on skills and food sovereignty,” he added.
The president, visibly moved by the reception, said he looked forward to spending more time in the state in future visits.
“Kaduna is rising again, and we will rise with it,” he stated.
President Tinubu also commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani for what he described as a bold and visionary leadership, particularly in restoring peace and security in previously troubled areas like Birnin Gwari.
“I recall visiting this state in 2022 under tense conditions. Today, peace has returned.
“I am told one can move through Birnin Gwari at midnight without fear,” Tinubu said.
He pledged full federal support for the state’s development efforts, reaffirming commitment to projects like the Kaduna light rail, infrastructure, and youths empowerment.
Tinubu also called on other Governors to emulate Kaduna’s focus on vocational training and human capital development.
He equally expressed deep appreciation for the role Kaduna State and its people have played in Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the state as central to his personal and political history.
Speaking at Murtala Square during the inauguration of several projects, Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of prominent Kaduna figures to national progress.
He also praised long-time comrades like Sen. Shehu Sani for their dedication to the democratic struggle, saying that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“I have seen today an example of people-oriented development, with institutions that prepare our youths for future opportunities,” Tinubu said, commending the newly inaugurated vocational and skills centres.
One of the projects inaugurated by President Tinubu yesterday was the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Kaduna, marking a major step towards youths empowerment and workforce development in the state.
The initiative, strongly aligned with Gov. Uba Sani’s vision for economic inclusion and human capital growth, is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for self-reliance and employment.
While at the Murtala Mohammed Square, Tinubu also unveiled 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, part of the state government’s efforts to modernise public transportation and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
The projects are part of the broader agenda of both the Federal and Kaduna State Governments, focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, youths empowerment, and economic growth.
In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani praised President Tinubu’s unwavering support and leadership, saying it has accelerated peace, development, and inclusion across Kaduna and the wider Northern region.
He described Tinubu’s visit and inauguration of the projects as “a profound affirmation that leadership, grounded in empathy and vision, can change destinies.
“Under your leadership, Mr President, Kaduna has moved from insecurity and despair to peace, productivity, and growing prosperity,” Sani said.
He stated that Tinubu’s interventions, particularly the N100 billion allocation for the Kaduna Light Rail project and support for the state’s transport masterplan, had positioned Kaduna as a modern urban centre.
Sani also outlined major initiatives in transportation, including the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) project and the Southern Terminal motor park.
He expressed hope that Tinubu would return to inaugurate the BRT system upon completion.
On security, the governor acknowledged significant improvements, attributing the return of peace to joint efforts with the Federal Government, military agencies, and the introduction of the Kaduna Peace Model.
According to Sani, it is a community-led reconciliation and conflict prevention framework.
“From Birnin Gwari to Zangon Kataf, peace is returning.
“Over 500,000 hectares of farmland have been reclaimed and more than 500 previously closed schools have reopened,” the govenror said.
Sani added that Kaduna had launched the largest infrastructure programme in its history, citing 79 roads, spanning 780 kilometres.
He added that the state had also made substantial gains in healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
Sani stated that 2.5 million unbanked residents had now been integrated into the formal economy.
The governor emphasized Kaduna’s leadership in vocational training, citing the remodelled Panteka Market as Africa’s largest informal skills hub and the newly inaugurated vocational institute as globally certified.
He described Tinubu as a true statesman who had uplifted the North and urged Nigerians to rally behind the president.
“Let the North be the bedrock of this Renewed Hope. Tinubu deserves our full backing,” Sani appealed.
Also speaking, former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness the inauguration of various projects in Kaduna, particularly the 300-bed Specialist Hospital named after Tinubu.
Sambo described the hospital’s inauguration as the fulfilment of a vision that began in 2009 during his tenure as the Governor of the state.
“Today, we celebrate the realisation of a project that was conceived over 16 years ago. It is a dream come true for the people of Kaduna,” he said.
Sambo recalled that as Governor, he was confronted with a painful healthcare reality fewer than 3,000 hospital beds were available for a population exceeding six million.
Sambo added that the situation worsened when Kaduna metropolis lost its 800-bed hospital following the relocation of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital to Shika, Zaria.
“Many families were forced to travel outside the state in search of specialist medical care. Our goal was to reverse health tourism and provide world-class medical services at home,” he said.
“The newly inaugurated 300-bed specialist hospital is expected to significantly boost healthcare delivery in the state and reduce the pressure on tertiary medical centres.”