As part of his move to fulfill his pledge of running inclusive government and bringing development to all parts of Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has disclosed plans to convert Sir Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, in southern Kaduna, to a Federal Medical Centre.
This was even as he assured that the Kafanchan Township Roads, which had been abandoned for many years and brought untold hardship to the people of this area, would be completed within the next three months, as contractors had been fully mobilised.
Governor Uba Sani who made the remarks at the 2nd edition of Southern Kaduna Festival which held at Kafanchan at the weekend said, his administration is committed to massive transformation of rural communities, as such can unlock the secret of sustainable development.
The Governor expressed gratitude that ‘’the people of Southern Kaduna have reciprocated his gesture by ensuring that peace prevails, so that there will be unhindered development.’’
Speaking to the theme of the event, “Preserving Heritage, Igniting Progress”, Governor Sani said, 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.
He 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.’’
He 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.’’
The governor 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.
Governor Sani said that Kaduna State Government is also re-constructing a 21.85km Pambeguwa to Kauru Road through Kahuta, linking Kubau to Kauru LGAs.
“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 about 12,000 trainees annually with international certification.
The governor disclosed that Sir Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, will be converted to a Federal Medical Centre, to serve the diverse population spanning several local government areas and the neighbouring states of Plateau, Nasarawa, 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 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 53 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from Level 1 to Level 2 across Zone 3.
Also speaking at the event, Plateau State governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang commended Governor Uba Sani for carrying the people of Southern Kaduna along in his government and giving them sense of belonging.
He pledged to collaborate with the Kaduna State governor towards addressing the security challenges bedeviling the communities of the two bordering states of Kaduna and Plateau.
According to him, “I want to thank Governor Uba Sani again for making Southern Kaduna people feel that they belong to Kaduna State. We will continue to collaborate together and make sure that what is good for Kaduna is good for Plateau.
“All the challenges we are facing about insecurity, we will continue to collaborate and make sure that these people do not have a chance to terrorize our borders, terrorize our community.
“I am glad that I found somebody in Governor Uba Sani who shares the same vision that we need to run a government that is equitable, that is inclusive, and that we make sure that our people gain the benefits of democracy,” he said.
In his own goodwill message, Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri described Governor Uba Sani as a bridge builder, who has laid a solid foundation for his return to office as a second term governor.
He said, “Governor Sani is building bridges within Kaduna State. He has taken the whole state as his constituency. I have told him, when you do this as a first term Governor, you are laying the foundation for your return as a second term Governor.”
The event which witnessed cultural dances and displays from the different tribes of Southern Kaduna, had in attendance many other important dignitaries including sons daughters of Southern Kaduna from within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
In his remarks earlier, the chairman Central Planning Committee of the festival, Rear Admiral Ferguson Dukas Bobai (rtd) said the festival was to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among the good people of the zone.
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