By Angela Atabo
President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled a key campaign pledge with the official groundbreaking of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road reconstruction project in Kaduna State.
Tinubu, represented by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, spoke on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road.
The President recalled visiting Birnin Gwari in December 2022 during the presidential campaign in spite of security warnings that the area was unsafe due to banditry and kidnappings.
“At that meeting in Birnin Gwari, I promised to reconstruct the road from Mando, Kaduna, to Birnin Gwari.
“I also promised to do everything possible to restore security and normalcy to Birnin Gwari. Today, both promises have been fulfilled,” he said.
Tinubu described the road as a strategic national asset linking the North-West to the South-West through several states up to Lagos.
He said the Federal Executive Council approved ₦178.12 billion for the reconstruction project.
Governor Sani commended Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for securing approval and funding for the project.
He said the Kaduna State Government was also constructing 36 kilometres of asphalt roads across 72 farming communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
According to him, the projects are evidence of the peace and stability gradually returning to the area.
Sani also highlighted other federal projects approved for Kaduna State, including the Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about 865 million dollars.
He added that work was progressing on the Western Bypass and other critical infrastructure projects across the state.
The governor argued that Northern Nigeria was currently witnessing unprecedented federal infrastructure investment.
“We thank President Tinubu for his love for the North, for humanity and for progress.
“We are grateful that he recognises Kaduna as the heart of Northern Nigeria,” he said.
Sani pledged continued political support for Tinubu, expressing confidence in the President’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Public trust is strengthened when promises are matched by practical action,” he said.
Earlier, Umahi described Tinubu as “a promise keeper” committed to equitable infrastructure development across the country.
He said the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road would improve security, reduce travel time and boost agriculture and commercial activities along the corridor.
Umahi noted that: “This road is not just about transportation.
“It is about restoring economic life, improving security, promoting agriculture and connecting millions of Nigerians to greater opportunities.”
The minister said construction would start simultaneously from both ends of the road project.
He added that the road would feature solar-powered street lighting and extensive tree planting to enhance safety and environmental sustainability.
Umahi praised Sani for persistently advocating the reconstruction of the road because of its strategic importance.
He noted that several inherited highway projects, including sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road, were nearing completion.
According to him, improved road infrastructure has contributed to reduced insecurity along major transport corridors.
Umahi urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on tangible infrastructure projects and ongoing reforms.
He said: “Democracy is about choices. Those criticising us should do so constructively and offer alternatives.
“Within these three years, the President has done extremely well. Give him another four years and we will take this country to greater heights.” (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo