Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has assured the people of Southern Kaduna of his commitment to accord top priority to their welfare and security.

Mr Sani gave the assurance in Kafanchan at the closing ceremony of the three-day maiden Southern Kaduna Festival, charging the people to share thoughts on the developmental challenges facing the people.

He said, “ l urge you to share thoughts on the developmental challenges facing the people of Southern Kaduna, make further and better recommendations to the government for intervention. Ours is a listening and people-oriented administration. Your welfare and security are our top priorities.’’

Mr Sani said that his administration had zero-tolerance for discrimination, adding that he would take development to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

He added, “With your support and cooperation, we shall make Kaduna State a model for development and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.’’

He stated that the festival was an opportunity for the people of the state to connect with their roots and forge friendship and unite the people through shared experience, music, food and dance.

According to him, by doing so, the people of the state will foster a sense of community.

Mr Sani said that diversity was a source of strength while there was the need to harness it to develop local economies.

“We are one people and must never allow conflict entrepreneurs to retard our progress and development. Our administration will not waiver in its commitment to rebuilding trust, addressing our Infrastructure and human capital deficits. This is by bringing succour to the poor and vulnerable and bridging the gap between the rural and urban areas as well as empowering the youth and women,” the governor added.

Mr Sani inaugurated the rural drive through road constructions and electrification, stressing that the state government’s strategic discussions with critical stakeholders were ongoing.

“Security is top most in our agenda, we have strengthened our collaboration with the security agencies and enhanced manpower of the Kaduna State vigilance service with the recruitment of additional 7,000 personnel to enhance the security network in the state,” he explained.

According to him, the present administration in the state wants to leave the state better than it met it, believing that the celebration of the festival is an indication that peace is fast returning to every nook and cranny of the state.

On his part, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who was present at the event, said, “There is strength in our diversity. We should encourage those things that build us together rather than those things that divide us.

 “As people that have found ourselves in the geographical entity of Nigeria, we must give good leadership and l believe that the governor of Kaduna State has started giving good leadership to the people of the state and we can see that through the gathering of the people of Southern Kaduna.”

Mr Diri stressed that the occasion showed the oneness of the people of Southern Kaduna and enjoined them to use their diversity as their strength to achieve great things for themselves and their unborn children. 

(NAN)