From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Executive Council has approved the procurement of 120,000 bags of fertilizer for smallholder farmers and the construction of 11 township roads in Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas, as part of efforts to boost agriculture and urban infrastructure.
These approvals were granted on Tuesday during the Council meeting chaired by Governor Uba Sani, with Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu Meyere, Commissioners, and other senior government officials in attendance.
In a press briefing after the meeting, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, stated that the Council approved the purchase of 6,000 metric tons of fertilizer to support farmers across the state.
He recalled that Governor Uba Sani distributed 400 trucks of free fertilizer to 100,000 smallholder farmers in August of the previous year as part of his “farmer-first” policy. In 2024, the state carried out its largest fertilizer distribution campaign yet, with over 500 trucks delivering fertilizer to farmers and supporting dry-season farming.
Regarding infrastructure, Maiyaki said the Council approved Phase II of township road construction in Zaria and Sabon Gari LGAs to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity.
“The project will enhance road infrastructure, facilitate the movement of people and goods, boost economic activities, and improve access to communities within the metropolis,” he explained.
He disclosed that six of the 11 roads awarded contracts to Messrs Mothercat Nigeria Limited, including Babban Dodo–Durumi–Kofan Kuyanbana, Rimin Tsiwa–Kofan Gayan linking the Secretariat to Albarkawa and Kaura, Maje Road, Turunku Road in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Waff Road in Sabon Gari, Zaria, and Layin Radio.
The remaining five roads were awarded to Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited, including Aba Road, Tudun Wada, Turunku Road in Sabon Layi, Tudun Wada in Zaria, Dadda’u Road in Layin M. Mamuda, Sheik Umar Muazu Street, and Idris Majeh Street at Fillin Mallawa.
The Commissioner also announced that the Council approved the *Kaduna State Life Skills Policy*, a landmark framework to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to succeed in education, employment, and life.
He said that the policy facilitates the integration of life skills education into both formal and non-formal learning through curriculum development, effective teaching, and suitable assessment methods.
“It also seeks to strengthen teacher capacity, promote socio-emotional learning and learner well-being, and enhance employability and entrepreneurship among young people,” Maiyaki added.
He further stated that Kaduna State is the first sub-national government in the country to implement this policy.
The Council also approved the *Kaduna State Policy on Gender in Education*, designed to promote equity, inclusion, participation, retention, and improved learning outcomes for all learners.
Maiyaki explained that the policy aims to eliminate gender-based barriers to enrollment and participation, reduce school dropout rates, support the progression of girls and boys through the education system, and promote gender-responsive teaching and learning across educational institutions in the state.
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