Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, has attributed significant infrastructure development in the state to his administration’s cost-cutting measures, even amid financial constraints.
Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, Sani emphasized that austerity efforts, including a ban on purchasing new vehicles for officials and reductions in allowances, have allowed the state to prioritize essential services.
He highlighted that these measures have led to a notable decrease in the number of out-of-school children, with approximately 300,000 fewer children out of school in the past six months.
This achievement is part of a broader investment in the education sector aimed at upgrading facilities and enhancing access.
“We initiated serious adjustments to reduce the cost of governance,” Sani stated.
“To date, we have not purchased a single vehicle for any government official. I’ve cut my own salary in half and reduced allowances for commissioners and advisers. This has enabled us to focus on education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure development,” he said.
The governor detailed the state’s educational advancements, including the construction of 62 new secondary schools and 2,340 primary school classrooms, as well as a strategic teacher recruitment initiative.
Reports indicate that Kaduna has an estimated 768,739 out-of-school children at the basic education level.
In addition to educational improvements, Sani reported that the state has reconstructed and equipped 12 secondary healthcare centers and is in the process of building 62 roads totaling about 700 kilometers. Some of these projects have already been completed and commissioned.
Sani also mentioned the acquisition of 100 CNG buses for public transport, inviting President Tinubu to visit Kaduna for their commissioning. These initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.
During his visit to the State House, Sani briefed President Tinubu on the overall security situation in Kaduna, which he noted has improved significantly in recent months, with no major security incidents reported. He credited increased collaboration among security agencies, the government, and local communities for this progress.
Sani’s focus on cost management and strategic investments in education and infrastructure is positioning Kaduna for sustained growth despite ongoing challenges.
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