Uba Sani Sworn – In -As Kaduna State Governor, Promises All – Inclusive Government

FROM Lateef Taiwo

Senator Uba Sani has been inaugurated as the 16th Governor of Kaduna State today ending the 8 years rulership of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

In his inaugural speech, shortly after being sworn in by Chief Judge of the State, Justice Tukur Muazu, Governor Uba Sani said his government is for all irrespective of political party differences.

Uba also said he would ensure that insecurity became a thing of the past in the State, stressing that he would work closely with his colleague governors in the zone to tackle insecurity.

“My dear brothers and sisters, the elections are over; it is time for the tough job of governance.

I shall be a Governor for all. I plead with you all to work with us to achieve peace, safety and security across every community in this state. On my part, I will work assiduously to guarantee the safety and security of our hardworking farmers to actively return to their farms during the current farming season.

“The prevailing security situation in the country demands for a significant shift in the current structure. In this regards, I will work with my colleague Governors and members of the National and State Assemblies to make STATE POLICE a reality. I was in the forefront of advocacy for State Police in the 9th Senate. I strongly believe that State Police is the panacea for our perennial security challenges. Security is basically a local affair and it demands for a local approach.

“My administration will consolidate and build on the unprecedented infrastructural upgrade, which was targeted at enhancing public welfare and accelerated economic growth. Going forward, we shall promote accelerated rural development by extending infrastructure to all local government areas with the goal of supporting our rural communities to achieve rapid economic growth.

“Our governance agenda in the economic sector will seek to sustain the enviable status of Kaduna State as a foremost investment destination in Nigeria, attract investments across more sectors, create jobs and promote the transfer of technology.

“Kaduna State under my leadership shall continue to focus on agriculture for food security and economic prosperity. We have perfected plans for the expansion of support for Agriculture in several areas.

“This administration will be devoted to building and empowering people for development and prosperity. Our commitment to human capital development shall entail detailed focus on social welfare and empowerment through dedicated funds for women and youths, robust social investment programmes for vulnerable persons and extensive pro-poor interventions. We shall also ensure access to education for every child in the state from primary to secondary school; expand access to higher education through a multi-campus system for tertiary institutions; enhance Teachers’ Welfare & Teaching Standards; improve School Infrastructure; build ICT competence in our students from basic education level; and intensify investments in Technical & Vocational Education.

“Before I end this inaugural address, I must not fail to pay tribute to my boss, mentor and long standing ally, the pace-setting, innovative and resourceful immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has changed the face of Kaduna State and made it the envy of all. His transformational leadership and developmental drive has redefined and raised the bar of governance. The high standards he has set is both a source of pride and a challenge to we his associates and loyalists. Sir, we shall constantly feed off your huge wealth of experience in our journey to consolidate the good works you have already started in Kaduna State.

“Malam, as a gesture of our appreciation for your service, your hard work and dedication to make Kaduna great again, your commitment to putting people first, I hereby announce the renaming of the entire stretch of Rabah Road as Nasir El-Rufai Road. I have directed the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority to effect the renaming of this 15km stretch of road which commences from the Eastern Bypass, through Malali, the NDA, across the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass and terminating at the Rigasa train station link road. This is the first road to link the eastern and western sector of the city. I am proud to name this project that encapsulates the vision of the urban renewal programme after the man who is the visionary of the programme. Malam, we thank you again and again”. Uba Sani said.