Governor Nasir El-Rufai says it will be safe to drive to Kaduna without security or using the train if the military sustains its offensive against bandits and other criminals in the state.

The governor stated this on Wednesday while declaring open the fourth edition of the Kaduna Book and Art Festival.

“In the last six weeks, there has been improved offensive operation against criminals, and we are confident if it is sustained, people can drive comfortably without any security or taking the train to Kaduna,” Mr El-Rufai said.

He thanked the festival organisers for coming to Kaduna to hold the event, despite “what people say about the state.”

Mr El-Rufai added that his vision would be to ensure that Kaduna remained a place where everyone feels at home, with no provision for indigene, tribe or religion.

The Kaduna governor expressed happiness to see many young people doing so well in poetry and writing, doing wonderful things with their lives.

“The future of Kaduna is in the hands of young people, particularly women. We are determined to give them opportunities to excel,” the governor further stated.

Mr El-Rufai also spoke on the 2023 polls, urging citizens to vote (for) people who would address their problems “not those who created them.”

A lifetime achievement award was presented to Audee Giwa, whose creative works delineate the various layers of life experiences in Northern Nigeria. 

(NAN)