President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday kicked off the building of the 122-kilometre Kaduna, Birnin Gwari Road. This is part of a promise he made during his presidential campaign in 2022.
At the groundbreaking event, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani stood in for the president. Tinubu remembered his visit to Birnin Gwari on December 22, 2022. This visit was during a time when the area was known for dangerous banditry, despite warnings about security.
Governor Sani shared that Mr Tinubu insisted on going to the community because any leader of Nigeria should connect with the people, no matter the risks involved. He recalled that the late Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, sent 21 armoured vehicles and military personnel to escort the campaign team to Birnin Gwari.
"We left Kaduna around 4 p.m. and arrived in Birnin Gwari after more than four hours because the road was terrible. The presidential candidate received a traditional title at the Emir’s Palace," Governor Sani said.
The governor noted that during the visit, Mr Tinubu made two promises: to rebuild the Kaduna, Birnin Gwari Road and to bring back peace and security to the area. "Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled both promises. We are here to witness the start of this very important road project," he said.
Sani described the road as a key route connecting the North-West to the South-West through five states to Lagos. He mentioned that the Federal Government has approved ₦178 billion for the project. He also praised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his efforts in getting the project approved.
The governor pointed out that security in Birnin Gwari has improved a lot. Residents and travellers can now go between Kaduna and Birnin Gwari without needing police escorts. He added that Birnin Gwari has not had any major federal road project in over 20 years until now.
Governor Sani also shared that the Kaduna State Government is building 36 kilometres of asphalt roads to connect 72 farming communities in the area. He called these projects the benefits of restored peace.
He also talked about other federal projects in Kaduna, like the recently approved $865 million Kaduna Light Rail Project, the ongoing Western Bypass, and plans to restart the Eastern Bypass.
The governor expressed confidence in President Tinubu's popularity in Kaduna. He promised ongoing support for the administration and predicted a big win for the president in the 2027 election.
Earlier, Minister of Works, David Umahi, referred to President Tinubu as "a promise keeper" who values loyalty and treats every region fairly. He also praised Governor Sani's leadership. He linked Sani's achievements to his long-term commitment to democracy and good governance from the pro-democracy NADECO struggle.
Mr Umahi commended the governor for promoting unity in Kaduna State while delivering important infrastructure projects across the state.
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