President Bola Tinubu is expected in Kaduna State Today Thursday for the inauguration of several key developmental projects executed by the administration of Gov. Uba Sani.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit forms part of activities marking Sani’s two years in office.

The projects lined up for inauguration include the 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, Kaduna, built by the state government to bolster the provision of healthcare services.

Tinubu will also inaugurate the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, road projects in Soba, and Samaru Kataf LGA’S as well as the 24-kilometre Kafanchan Township Road.

Others are the Tudun Biri Road, the 22km road linking Kauru and Kubau LGAs as well as the Vocational and Skills Training Centre in Tudun Biri.

Tinubu is also expected to unveil 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, as part of efforts to modernise the state’s public transportation system.

The projects are part of the administration’s focus on infrastructurde evelopment, healthcare delivery, youths empowerment, and economic growth.

The state government described the visit as a significant moment for the people of Kaduna and an opportunity to showcase ongoing efforts to transform the state through impactful governance.

Sani, who marked his second year in office this month, has prioritised human capital development, rural infrastructure, and jobs creation since taking office in 2023.

Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna State was rescheduled from Wednesday to Thursday.

He was initially supposed to visit Kaduna on Wednesday, but due to the recent attacks in Benue, he shifted his trip.

The president visited Benue on Wednesday to commiserate with the victims of the recent attacks and assess the humanitarian crisis.

During his visit to Benue, Tinubu met with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political and community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

He also condemned the ongoing violence and called on the residents to embrace peace and mutual understanding.

NAN recalls that the Benue Government had declared a work-free day for Tinubu’s visit, urging the residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome him.

LivelihoodsThe Sokoto State Government, says it will expand the youths and women empowerment as well as its poverty reduction programmes in the state to sustain achievements already recorded.

Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi-Adare, the state Commissioner for Local Governments and Community Development, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Sokoto.

Dadi-Adare explained that the measure was aimed at capturing more population especially in the rural areas.

He disclosed that the ministry had facilitated skills acquisition trainings and distributed working tools to about 2,000 persons last year, adding that in view of the successes recorded the ministry planned to expand the schemes.

He also said that beneficiaries had engaged in small scale businesses which impacted positivity on their lives and that of their families.

”We are upscaling the initiative in partnership with the 23 local government councils, ministries of sports and youths development, Women and Children Affairs and Sokoto State Small Scale and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) along with others,” he said.

The commissioner lauded the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, for providing the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

According to him, about roads spanning 30 kilo metres have been rehabilitated within the metropolis, while some in rural areas have also been done and work ongoing in others, by this administration.

”We have also renovated about 42 boreholes to restore adequate water supply to the state and its environs.

”Schools were also renovated and furnished by this administration to enhance teaching and learning in the state,” he said.

Dade-Adare further disclosed that the present administration was also able to procure fertiliser, food items including millet, rice and other grains and distribute freely to residents across the state to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

He also disclosed that the state government procured 18-seater buses, cars, tricycles and motorcycles to ease transportation in and outside the state.

He further disclosed that the government renovated health facilities and provided medications as well as procured Toyota Hilux vans for security operatives to enhance their operations in the state.

Dadi-Adare called on residents of the state to support the present administration and prayed for its increased success.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called for enhanced trade relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon, to foster unity and economic growth.

Zulum made the call on Tuesday at a bilateral meeting between officials of the two countries in the border town of Banki.

The meeting was attended by members of the State and National Assembly from Borno State, and officials of the Cameroonian Far North region, led by Gov. Midjiyawa Bakari.

This followed the inauguration of the Banki International Cattle Market, a Memorial Secondary School, and a government lodge in the area.

Zulum highlighted the importance of facilitating trade between citizens of both nations, especially in livestock and agricultural commodities.

He assured his Cameroonian counterpart of his commitment to provide the political will needed to strengthen the economic ties.

“I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that under my leadership, I will provide the political will and commitment to drive the process,” he said.

Zulum lauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to promote trans-border trade, noting that steps would be taken to reduce bureaucratic barriers and ensure smooth trade flow.

According to him, Banki is set to become one of Nigeria’s free trade zones, with plans in advanced stage, adding that the Borno government would fulfill its obligations to support the initiative.

He also commended President Paul Biya for his country’s role in managing Nigerian refugees, and called for the establishment of a civil authority to facilitate the safe return of over 20,000 displaced persons to their communities.

Responding, Bakari commended the improved security situation in the area.

He underscored the importance of peace building and sustainable development, adding that Banki International Cattle Market could also boost Cameroonian economy.

“We will ensure that similar projects are replicated in our region,” Bakari said.

He proposed holding another bilateral meeting in Maiduguri or Marwa in Cameroon, to discuss strategies for strengthening regional cooperation to rebuild the economy disrupted by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President of Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, and the Senior Vice President of the Regional Council of the Far North, Prof. Jalou, emphasised the need for collaboration between the two nations.

They said that such relationships would maximise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border trade and promote regional development.