President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consented to a proposal to establish a federal university in Southern Kaduna with efforts also ongoing to establish a federal medical center in Kafanchan, located in the southern Kaduna axis of the state.
According to a State House press release signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed this at the weekend during a condolence visit to the Kukah family on the death of His Highness, Yohanna Sidi Kukah, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom and family member of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
“With Senator Katung and the member of the House of Representatives, we have reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and he has consented to the establishment of a federal university in Southern Kaduna,” VP Shettima said during his visit to Ikulu Kingdom, Kamuru, in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Speaking at the residence of the late traditional ruler, the Vice President emphasized the commitment of the President Tinubu administration to the development of Southern Kaduna, citing the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff as evidence of the President’s attention to the security needs of the region.
“Be rest assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the people of Kaduna and the people of Southern Kaduna at heart,” he stated.
Shettima also commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for his inclusive governance approach, stating that “government is about linking all component parts to have a sense of belonging.”
He pledged that the federal government will work with the state government to ensure development reaches Southern Kaduna, particularly in road infrastructure.
Earlier, Bishop Kukah expressed gratitude to the Vice President on behalf of the family over the visit, saying, “I want to thank you on behalf of this family. Thank you for being with us.
“You can see the nature of the place in which we live. It took you around three and a half hours to get here. The road is largely broken. I know you will remain a friend of this Ikulu nation and a friend of this community. We are honoured to have you,” he added.
Southern Kaduna is a predominantly Christian populated area of Kaduna State and for years have been a center of religious and communal clashes leading to destruction of lives and properties. Being in the minority in the state, the area has always felt marginalised.
However under President Bola Tinubu, it appears fortune is now smiling on the people of Southern Kaduna.
Apart from the proposed establishment of a university and a Federal Medical Centre in the area, the President has also appointed a couple of individuals into key positions at the federal level including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa who hails from the area and recently Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi was nominated by the president to chair the board of the North West Development Commission.