By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The State and Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, Barnawa, Kaduna, Pastor Yakubu Kezi, has commended Governor Uba Sani for his administration’s road construction and infrastructure development across Kaduna State.
Kezi spoke on Sunday during an interdenominational church service at Living Faith Church, Barnawa, organised as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The cleric said he was impressed by the changes in Kaduna’s road infrastructure after returning to the state in 2024, having left in 2010.
“When I came in and began to see roads, I said, ‘What is this?’ The roads have been tarred, and they are still dualising the roads. Everywhere, roads,” Kezi said.
He urged the congregation to applaud the administration for what he described as visible infrastructure development, particularly road construction and dualisation projects.
Speaking on nation-building, Kezi said Nigeria had the human and natural resources required to become a prosperous nation but stressed that Nigerians must take responsibility for the country’s development.
“Nobody shall develop our country from outside. Nobody can come from outside and develop it for us. We are the ones who will develop this country ourselves,” he said.
The pastor said developed nations attained their present status through the collective efforts and sacrifices of their citizens, urging Nigerians to demonstrate similar commitment.
According to him, Nigeria possesses abundant human capital, natural resources and leadership potential, but requires the determination to convert those resources into assets for sustainable development.
Kezi also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects and stressed the importance of preserving the country’s unity, describing Nigeria as an important nation on the African continent.
Governor Uba Sani, in a message delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Comrade Yunana Markus Barde, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development in security, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture and support for vulnerable residents.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, Sani said the country had experienced both progress and challenges but must remain focused on building a better future.
“I believe in Nigeria too. This is our home, this is our nation. If we don’t do what is necessary, foreigners will not come and put our nation in order,” the governor said.
He urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and hopeful, stressing that national development required collective responsibility and perseverance.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Dr Ishaya Adamu Jangado, said the service reflected Kaduna State’s tradition of bringing people of different faiths together to pray for peace, unity and progress.
Jangado said the administration would continue to promote inclusion and peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious, ethnic or social backgrounds.
He also encouraged eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and exercise their civic responsibilities in the 2027 general elections.
The church service followed special prayers earlier held at Sultan Bello Mosque as part of the state’s Independence Anniversary activities. Muslim clerics prayed for peace and stability and for wisdom and guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sani.
Dignitaries at the church service included senior Kaduna State Government officials, representatives of security agencies, Christian leaders and members of the congregation.
Prayers were offered for peace, unity, stability and sustainable development in Nigeria and Kaduna State, as well as for wisdom and guidance for leaders at all levels.
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