SKFEST 2024: Gov Uba Sani Commends Southern Kaduna For Being Peaceful

Governor Uba Sani has said that he is taking development to all parts of Kaduna State, in fulfilment of his pledge to run an inclusive government, anchored on equity, fairness and justice.

The Governor expressed gratitude that ‘’the people of Zone 3 have reciprocated by ensuring that peace prevails, so that there will be unhindered development.’’

Governor Uba Sani made this remark at the 2nd edition of Southern Kaduna Festival which held at Kafanchan on Saturday, where he was the Chief Host of the event.

According to him, culture plays a role in shaping identities and values, and inspiring creativity, adding that ‘’our cultural heritage is the foundation upon which we build our progress, and it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.’’

The Governor emphasized that ‘’our administration is committed to massive transformation of rural communities, recognizing the immense potential that lies within them.

‘’We believe that by empowering rural communities, we can unlock the secrets to sustainable development, economic growth, and social prosperity,’’ he further said.

Governor Uba Sani pointed out that his administration has recorded a lot of transformative projects in the 18 months of being in office ‘’that are reshaping our communities and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.’’

The Governor recalled that the Kafanchan Township Roads ‘’were abandoned for many years, bringing untold hardship on the people of this area. Contractors have been fully mobilized and work is ongoing.’’

He disclosed that the contract sum has been reviewed downwards to N9.3 billion and Kaduna State Government has given the contractor handling the project N4 billion last week.

Governor Uba Sani further said that his administration is constructing a 22.5km Road from Gwantu through Kibam to Godogodo, a 21.95km Road from Madauchi to Kafanchan through Madakiya, including a branch to Matsirga Waterfalls, linking Jema’a to Zangon Kataf LGAs.

He said that the project has reached 70% and it will be completed in the next two months.

Governor Uba Sani said that Kaduna State Government is also re-constructing a 21.85km Pambeguwa to Kauru Road through Kahuta, linking Kubau to Kauru LGAs, which will be completed in the next two and half months.

According to the Governor, he has reached out to the Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu for the construction of Kwoi-Jema’a road, promising that it will be awarded in the 2nd quarter of 2026.

‘’We have installed 200 units of All-in-One Solar Street Lights across various local governments in Zone 3, illuminating our streets and enhancing safety for all.’’

‘’Alongside these infrastructural advancements, we are prioritizing agriculture, as evidenced by our distribution of fertilisers, farm inputs and agricultural implements.

‘’Additionally, we have been constructing new schools and upgrading existing ones. We have also been carrying out massive distribution of educational materials to schools, ensuring that our children have the resources they need to thrive,’’ he added.

According to the Governor, ‘’the construction of the Kaduna State Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City at Samaru Kataf is a testament to our commitment to empowering our youths with relevant skills for the modern economy.’’

He said that the Skills City at Samaru Kataf is about 90% completed, adding that when completed, it will graduate trainees annually with international certification.

The Governor disclosed that Sir Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, will be converted to a Federal Medical Center, to serve the diverse population spanning several Local Government Areas and the neighboring states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Niger and the FCT.

‘’Upgrading it to a Federal Medical Centre will greatly improve healthcare accessibility, strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery, and provide opportunities for advanced medical training and research in the area,’’ he said.

Governor Uba Sani thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for initiating this process, adding that ‘’he brought it to my attention and we wasted no time in forwarding a formal request to the Honourable Minister for the conversion.’’

The Governor said that the entire healthcare sector in Southern Kaduna, like other senatorial zones, is being remolded, upgraded and equipped to standard, adding that the projects of General Hospitals in Kafanchan, Kaura, Kachia and Sanga are almost completed.

He also said that contracts have been awarded for the revitalization and upgrading of 83 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) from Level 1 to Level 2 across Zone 3, adding that the four months the upgrade will be completed.

‘’We flagged off the distribution of essential medicines worth over N1 Billion last week, at Kachia LG. These essential drugs will be distributed free of charge to children, women and the elderly,’’ he recalled.

He further recalled that Kaduna State has emerged the best performing state in Primary Health Care in the North West zone, by the PHC Leadership Challenge in two weeks ago.