From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government is implementing bold initiatives across security, education, power, roads, and rail to restore peace and transform Northern Nigeria.
He is confident that the region’s insecurity will soon be a thing of the past.
The President made these remarks in Kaduna on Saturday during the 3rd General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference.
He was represented by his Special Adviser on political and other matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.
Paying tribute to the late military leader, Tinubu said General Hassan Usman Katsina “embodied the finest virtues of public service—humility, courage, discipline, and an unwavering love for Nigeria.”
“He was a worthy son of the North and of our great nation. His uncommon commitment to the unity of this country laid part of the foundation for the democracy and freedoms we enjoy today,” he stated.
The President remembered Katsina’s service as Military Governor of the now-defunct Northern Region and later as Chief of Army Staff during the Civil War, noting that “beyond rank and office, he lived for the common good. He believed in education, honor, and the dignity of every Nigerian. These are values that must continue to guide us.”
Regarding security, Tinubu assured that the government is working tirelessly to put an end to the reign of terror, especially in the north.
“By the grace of Allah, the challenges of insecurity confronting us, particularly in Northern Nigeria, will soon be behind us.
As your President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm this administration’s commitment to safeguarding the legacies of our past heroes. Their labour must never be in vain,” he stated.
He added that the administration is also pursuing comprehensive reforms to reposition the North as a hub of learning and skills.
Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, he said over one million students have benefited to ensure no Nigerian is denied education because of finances. He also noted that tertiary institutions have been removed from IPPIS to guarantee autonomy, which has helped sustain academic peace with no prolonged ASUU strikes under his administration.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing TETFund projects, including science complexes, classrooms, hostels, and research centers in Nasarawa, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Bauchi. He also announced the upgrade of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna into a full university named after General Hassan Usman Katsina, noting that the project is over 90% complete and academic activities have begun.
Additional federal institutions have been established in Kaduna, Ekiti, Ogun, Rivers, and Katsina States, along with several polytechnics nationwide.
On infrastructure, the President said the government is reconstructing the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, which serves as the commercial backbone of Northern Nigeria.
He also mentioned ongoing work on the 1,200-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, with about 800 kilometers located in Northern states, adding that the Sokoto-Zamfara-Kaduna Road, Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road, and other major highways are also being built to enhance connectivity.
In the energy sector, Tinubu said the Kaduna Power Station and the 40-megawatt Kumbotso High Voltage Project are nearing completion.
“The Federal Government is also revitalizing the 215-megawatt Kaduna Power Plant in Kakuri to revive the state’s textile industry.
“We are strengthening power transmission across Northern Nigeria because our goal is clear—to make the North the energy hub of Nigeria,” he stated.
He further mentioned that over 1,500 solar-powered streetlights and 50 mini-grids are being installed in rural communities.
He noted that meanwhile, the 1,350-megawatt Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant is being developed to improve power supply across the North and the FCT.
Regarding transportation, the President said progress continues on the Kaduna-Kano Rail Line and the Kano-Maradi Rail Project.
According to him: “Funding has also been allocated for the Kaduna Light Rail and Kano Light Rail projects.
“Additionally, the Abuja-Kaduna train service will be upgraded for smoother movement of people and goods.”
Tinubu concluded that these reforms aim to prepare Nigerian youths for the 21st-century economy.
“We have approved a new national curriculum, launched major teacher training programs, and made one of the largest investments in technical and vocational education in decades,” he said.
The conference gathered traditional rulers, academics, security stakeholders, and political leaders from across the country.
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