President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for his transformative leadership in restoring peace, unity, and development to the state. The President gave the commendation on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during his official visit to Kaduna, where he inaugurated a series of landmark projects aimed at uplifting the state’s infrastructure and socio-economic wellbeing.
During the visit, President Tinubu commissioned key projects, including the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, a 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, and 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses designed to modernize Kaduna’s public transport system. Tinubu further pledged federal support for the construction of a light rail transit system, promising that the Kaduna light rail project would soon become a reality.
In his address, the President commended Governor Sani’s commitment to peace and inclusivity. “You are a good leader. I’m proud to say Kaduna is back again, and I am happy to work with you. Senator Uba Sani has been focused on security and infrastructure, and today we celebrate the results of that hard work. Kaduna is no longer what it used to be. The toxic atmosphere has given way to peace and stability,” Tinubu stated.
The President used the occasion to correct what he described as an earlier oversight during the Democracy Day honours. He conferred the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), recognising his contributions to democracy and national unity. Tinubu also awarded Governor Uba Sani the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in appreciation of his efforts in consolidating democracy and driving development.
Reflecting on Kaduna’s security improvements, Tinubu recalled the challenges faced during the 2023 elections, noting that “during the campaign, we needed a battalion to access Birnin Gwari. Today, you can travel there even at midnight without fear. This is the kind of progress we want across Nigeria.”
In his response, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering support. He highlighted the inclusion of ₦100 billion in the 2025 federal budget for the Kaduna Light Rail project and acknowledged Tinubu’s backing in addressing security challenges. “When we came into office, Kaduna was under siege. Banditry had overrun our communities, and mistrust ran deep. But with your support, Mr. President, we have restored hope,” Sani said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who thanked Tinubu for completing the long-abandoned specialist hospital project, and retired Gen. Zamani Lekwot, who described the President as a God-fearing leader committed to Kaduna’s transformation. Governors from Lagos, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Ogun, Kwara, Delta, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Edo, and Jigawa States, as well as other top officials, also witnessed the historic occasion.
