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Gov Sani’s Development Projects In Southern Kaduna: A Testament To Partnership
By Haruna Daniel Rex
Governor Uba Sani’s administration has, in just two years, demonstrated a remarkable commitment to inclusive development across Kaduna State, particularly in Southern Kaduna. Unlike past administrations that often sidelined the region, his leadership is fostering tangible progress in critical areas such as skills acquisition, healthcare, and education. These efforts not only address longstanding challenges but also signal a new era of collaboration between the state government and the people of Southern Kaduna.
One of the most transformative initiatives under Governor Sani’s leadership is the establishment of the Skills Acquisition Centre in Samaru Kataf. This facility is designed to equip thousands of young people with practical, in-demand skills, preparing them for a rapidly evolving job market.
For too long, unemployment and underemployment have been major concerns in Southern Kaduna. With limited industrialization and formal job opportunities, many young people have been left without viable career paths. By prioritizing vocational training, Governor Sani is not only addressing unemployment but also fostering entrepreneurship. This initiative provides the youth with tools to create jobs rather than just seek them, reinforcing a culture of self-reliance and innovation.
Healthcare has remained a major challenge in Southern Kaduna, with residents often forced to travel long distances for medical care. The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in the region is, therefore, a game-changer. This facility will provide much-needed medical services, reducing the strain on existing healthcare institutions and saving countless lives.
Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, yet it has often been out of reach for many in this region. By investing in medical infrastructure, Governor Sani is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient health system that will serve future generations.
Another landmark achievement is the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna. This development is a significant milestone for the region’s educational advancement, offering young people greater access to higher learning without the burden of traveling far from home.
More importantly, the university’s focus on applied sciences aligns with the state’s vision for industrial and technological growth. In an era where knowledge-driven economies thrive, equipping students with practical and research-based skills is crucial. By bridging the gap between education and the labor market, this institution is set to drive local economic development and innovation.
The appointment of respected figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah as Pro-Chancellor and Professor Barnabas Qurix as Vice-Chancellor further reinforces the government’s commitment to making the university a center of excellence. These appointments not only recognize the intellectual contributions of Southern Kaduna but also ensure that the institution benefits from experienced and visionary leadership.
Beyond infrastructure and social development, Governor Sani’s administration has successfully built strong political alliances with key stakeholders in Southern Kaduna. Unlike previous administrations that often maintained a distant or strained relationship with the region, this government has prioritized collaboration, ensuring that Southern Kaduna has a voice in decision-making.
This growing political synergy is significant, not just for development but also for the future of governance in the state. With the 2027 elections approaching, the strengthened partnership between Southern Kaduna and the APC-led government is likely to reshape political dynamics in the region. The trust built through tangible development projects may translate into greater political support, solidifying the APC’s influence in an area where opposition parties have historically dominated.
Governor Uba Sani’s approach to governance underscores the power of partnership in driving sustainable development. His administration’s focus on skills acquisition, healthcare, and education is creating opportunities that will have long-lasting effects on the lives of the people of Southern Kaduna.
More importantly, his inclusive leadership style is fostering trust and unity, bridging political and social divides that have long hindered progress in the region. If this momentum is sustained, the future of Southern Kaduna looks promising—not just in terms of infrastructure but in fostering a thriving, self-sufficient, and politically engaged community.
As we look ahead, it is crucial for all stakeholders—government officials, community leaders, and the people of Southern Kaduna—to continue supporting and engaging in these development efforts. Progress is not achieved in isolation, and with the right partnerships, Southern Kaduna can truly experience the transformation it deserves.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced that more than 4,000 women have benefited from the Federal Government’s free Cesarean section (C-section) initiative since its inauguration.
Pate disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a media conference marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality,” with the slogan “Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies.”
Celebrated annually on April 11, Safe Motherhood Day aims to raise awareness about maternal health.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in November 2024, Pate revealed that the Federal Government would offer free C-sections for all women in need, as part of efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
This initiative is part of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, which aims to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
Pate emphasized that the government was committed to ensuring no woman dies during childbirth and that every newborn receives the care and dignity they deserve.
He outlined several ongoing government efforts to ensure safe deliveries, including the Health Sector Renewal Investment initiative, which addressed long-standing challenges in the health system.
“Under this initiative, we have strengthened the Primary Health Care system to ensure better access to quality maternal, newborn, and child health services.
“We are scaling up Comprehensive Emergency Maternal, Obstetric, and Newborn Care, especially for indigent and vulnerable populations.
“More than 4,000 women have already received cesarean sections, treated, and reimbursed through the National Health Insurance Authority’s emergency obstetric care programme,” Pate explained.
He said that the government had also expanded coverage of skilled birth attendants in underserved areas and broadened health insurance coverage.
“The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System has been strengthened, with 23 states empaneled.
“Additionally, the Free Fistula Programme, offering free repair, care, and transportation, is currently active in 15 facilities.”
Pate noted that these reforms were already showing positive results, with improved health indicators in several states.
Addressing the theme of Safe Motherhood Day, Pate called on all Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring safer childbirth for every woman, regardless of her background or location.
Country Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Walter Mulombo, also spoke on behalf of development partners.
He emphasised that safe motherhood started with comprehensive health security and called for continued investment in maternal and newborn health services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He urged the government to enact and uphold laws that would protect women’s and children’s health rights, including maternity protection and access to sexual and reproductive health services.
The event culminated in the launch of key policy and guideline documents aimed at advancing safe motherhood.
These included the Safe Motherhood Strategy (2024-2028), Guidelines for Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage, Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Guidelines, Essential Gynaecological Skills Manuals, and the National Training Manual for Obstetric Fistula Management.
NAN also reports that these documents underscore the government’s commitment to building a resilient, people-centered health system that proactively addresses maternal health challenges.(NAN)
Zamfara State Elders Forum has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal Dare for attempting to take credit for recent security improvements in the region, accusing him of political opportunism and failing to deliver on campaign promises.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Zamfara Elders Forum, through its secretary Dr Alhaji Umaru Yusuf Tsafe, described the governor’s actions as “misleading” and a display of “inconsistency and opportunism.”
The group alleged that Lawal had reneged on his 2023 election pledge to end insecurity in Zamfara within a month, instead shifting blame to the federal government when the situation worsened under his leadership.
“Governor Lawal rode into office on the back of promises he has completely failed to deliver,” Tsafe said, noting that the governor had previously campaigned by blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for the state’s insecurity.
“Once in office, he claimed he lacked the resources to act, exposing his lack of foresight and leadership.”
The elders further accused Lawal of attempting to claim credit for recent security breakthroughs, which they attributed to the efforts, of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu,
National Security Adviser malam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and CDS musa
“Governor Lawal neither provided meaningful support nor initiated these operations,” the statement read, labelling his actions as “political desperation.”
The forum urged the people of Zamfara to demand accountability from their leaders, stressing that the state deserves “a governor who is honest, consistent, and genuinely committed to their safety.”
They condemned Lawal’s approach as exploitative, accusing him of seeking to benefit politically from the achievements of others.
Suspected Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) on Mandafuma bridge, along Biu-Damboa road in Borno state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the incident occurred at about 2 am on Tuesday.
Makama said the explosion was aimed at hindering military reinforcements traveling through the area, and to disrupt the movement of motorists and passengers along the route.
Some images released by the publication show severe damage to the bridge which links Mandafuma village and Biu town.
On April 12, eight travelers were killed following an IED explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno state.
The incident which involved a commercial bus heading to Maiduguri from Damboa left 11 other persons severely injured.
Similarly, on March 21, four passengers were killed and four others injured after an IED exploded under a commercial vehicle in Biu LGA of the state.
The vehicle was said to have stepped on the IED upon reaching Sabon Garin, Kimba junction, leading to a massive explosion that killed on the spot four passengers, including three females and a male.