By Daruba Farouk
National News – President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the security challenges confronting the country, particularly in the northern region, will soon be overcome as his administration intensifies efforts to combat criminal activities nationwide.
The President gave the assurance on Saturday at the Third Late General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference held in Kaduna. He was represented by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari.
Tinubu said his administration had put in place decisive measures to tackle insecurity and restore peace across the country.
“While we continue to work day and night to secure our nation, by the grace of Allah, the challenges of insecurity confronting us, particularly in Northern Nigeria, will soon be behind us,” he said.
The President paid tribute to the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, describing him as a symbol of humility, discipline, patriotism and selfless service. He noted that the former military governor of the defunct Northern Region and later Chief of Army Staff played a vital role in promoting national unity and strengthening Nigeria during critical periods of its history.
According to Tinubu, General Katsina’s commitment to national unity laid the foundation for the democracy and freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the legacies of past national heroes while strengthening security across the country.
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Tinubu said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had enabled more than one million students to access higher education through financial support.
He added that the removal of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) had strengthened institutional autonomy and contributed to sustained industrial harmony in public universities.
The President also said the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) had financed the construction of classrooms, laboratories, hostels and research facilities in several states. He noted that the Federal Government had introduced a new national curriculum, expanded teacher training programmes, invested in technical and vocational education, and established new federal universities and polytechnics.
On infrastructure, Tinubu said work was progressing on major road projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Sokoto–Zamfara–Kaduna Road and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking on the power sector, the President highlighted ongoing projects such as the Kaduna Power Station, the 40-megawatt Kumbotso High Voltage Power Project and the revitalisation of the 215-megawatt Kaduna Power Plant.
He added that the Federal Government was expanding renewable energy infrastructure through the installation of more than 1,500 solar-powered streetlights and 50 mini-grids in rural communities.
Tinubu further announced that the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna had been upgraded to a full-fledged university named after General Hassan Usman Katsina. He disclosed that the institution was over 90 per cent completed and had already commenced academic activities.
The President also revealed that the government was developing the 1,350-megawatt Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant to improve electricity supply in Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, while additional renewable energy projects were being implemented for off-grid communities.
On transportation, Tinubu said construction of the Kaduna–Kano Rail Line and the Kano–Maradi Rail Project was progressing steadily. He added that funding had been provided for the Kaduna and Kano Light Rail projects, while the rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro Rail and upgrade of the Abuja–Kaduna train service were also underway.
According to the President, the various projects demonstrate his administration’s commitment to improving security, expanding economic opportunities and accelerating national development.
