President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the 122 kilometre Kaduna – Birnin Gwari road project, fulfilling a campaign promise made before the 2023 general election.
Represented by Gov. Uba Sani, the president recalled visiting Birnin Gwari on Dec. 22, 2022, despite security concerns during the APC presidential campaign.
Sani said Birnin Gwari was then the epicentre of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency, yet Tinubu insisted on visiting the community as a presidential candidate.
He said the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, then General Officer Commanding 1Division, provided 21 armoured vehicles for the visit.
According to him, the delegation departed Kaduna at 4 p.m. and arrived Birnin Gwari after over four hours because of the deplorable condition of the road.
Sani said Tinubu was honoured with a traditional title by the Emir of Birnin Gwari during the historic campaign visit.
He recalled that Tinubu pledged to reconstruct the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and restore lasting peace and security to the area.
The governor said the president had fulfilled both promises through improved security and the commencement of the road project.
He described the highway as strategic, linking the North West with the South West through five states to Lagos.
Sani disclosed that the Federal Government approved N178 billion for the reconstruction of the road.
He commended the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, describing him as patriotic and instrumental in securing approval for the project.
The governor expressed gratitude to Tinubu, noting that residents could now travel freely to Birnin Gwari without police escort.
He said Birnin Gwari had not benefited from any major federal road project for about two decades before the current administration.
According to him, the Kaduna State Government is constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
Sani described the federal and state road projects as dividends of improved peace and security in the area.
He also commended Tinubu for approving 865 million dollars for the Kaduna Light Rail project in July.
The governor said the Western Bypass project in Kaduna was progressing under the Federal Ministry of Works.
He expressed optimism that work would soon resume on the Eastern Bypass following discussions with the Minister of Works.
Sani thanked the president for his commitment to Kaduna’s development and pledged the state’s continued support for his administration.
Earlier, Minister of Works David Umahi described Tinubu as a promise keeper who rewards loyalty and promotes fairness across the country.
Umahi commended Sani for delivering infrastructure and fostering unity across Kaduna State.
He recalled praising the governor during an earlier inspection visit, attributing his achievements to visionary leadership and commitment to democratic values.
