Despite the public backlash regarding the recent renaming of the International Conference Centre in Abuja to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a 300-bed specialist hospital at Millennium Square in Kaduna State yesterday, named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital. This facility comprises nine wings, including maternal and child health, radiology and imaging, intensive care unit, special care unit, among others.
Additionally, it has been reported that the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority has granted approval for the creation of a cancer centre and nuclear facility within the complex. During the ceremony, Uba Sani, the state governor, appealed for Tinubu’s assistance in constructing the cancer centre, stating that “that’s the only thing missing.”
While reaffirming his administration’s dedication to job creation, food security, and inclusive development throughout the federation, Tinubu praised Sani for his developmental initiatives, their impact on the populace, and the transformation of the state following the “toxic” tenure of his predecessor, Nasir el-Rufai.
In his address at the commissioning, Tinubu commended Sani for surpassing his predecessor’s performance. “Uba Sani has achieved remarkable feats and transformed the environment from a previously toxic and uncontrollable state to one of life, progress, and development. I express my gratitude, my comrade,” he remarked.
“We have observed progress. You prioritize the people. Only a visionary leader who genuinely cares for his constituents can establish such facilities for their healthcare needs. I take great pride in your efforts,” he added.
President Tinubu was welcomed by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; and Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
Other governors present to receive the president included Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; Monday Okpebholo of Edo; Umar Namadi of Jigawa; and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State.
The initiatives launched by President Tinubu, aside from the hospital, encompassed: The Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development located in Rigachikun, Soba, and Samarun Kataf; the 24km Kafanchan Township Road and Tudun Biri Road; a 22km road connecting Kauru and Kubau LGAs; a Vocational and Skills Training Centre in Tudun Biri; and the provision of 100 CNG buses for public transportation.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was instrumental in establishing the specialist hospital during his tenure as governor in 2009, characterized its completion as a realized aspiration. “Kaduna had fewer than 3,000 hospital beds available for over six million residents. This hospital addresses a significant need,” he remarked.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas, commended President Tinubu’s administration for reinstating federal presence in the state. He highlighted essential projects such as the Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline (currently 72% complete), the Ibadan-Kaduna-Kano railway, FMC Kafanchan, and the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia as pivotal developments.
In response, Governor Sani expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering support, portraying Tinubu as a leader whose vision has transformed national priorities. “Kaduna is no longer characterized by fear. We are now defined by infrastructure, education, and productivity,” the governor stated.
He revealed that 535 schools that had been closed due to insecurity have now reopened, and over 500,000 hectares of previously neglected farmland are back in use. Additionally, he announced that the new CNG buses would be provided free of charge to students, civil servants, and pensioners for the upcoming six months.
Sani noted that Kaduna has constructed 79 roads totaling over 780km, established 62 new secondary schools, and renovated more than 1,000 classrooms. He also declared a 50 percent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions. He urged the people of the North to support President Tinubu, emphasizing that “this is the leader who stood by us when we needed it the most.”
The President has also inaugurated the renovated Panteka Market, which is now established as Africa’s largest informal skills center, accommodating more than 38,000 artisans who possess internationally recognized certifications.
“These projects are not merely initiatives; they represent symbols of inclusion and renewed optimism,” stated the Speaker. The president took this opportunity to bestow the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) upon Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, a retired colonel and notable advocate for June 12. Umar, a former military officer and a vocal critic of successive administrations, was referred to by the president as a “soldier of democracy”.
Tinubu remarked that Umar’s name had been unintentionally omitted from the list of June 12 honourees revealed on Democracy Day. “I would like to take this moment to rectify an oversight. Some individuals whom I failed to mention during the June 12 address at the National Assembly include Colonel Dangiwa,” he stated.
“Today, I wish to amend that by honouring him with the national recognition of CFR.” Umar, who held the position of military governor of Kaduna and subsequently became a prominent advocate for democratic reforms, played a crucial role in the fight against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
His exclusion from the June 12 honours had drawn criticism from various civil society members and democracy proponents. Tinubu asserted that the national honour was a testament to Umar’s bravery and unwavering commitment to the cause of democracy.
TINUBU’S comments follow months after el-Rufai departed from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The former governor of Kaduna pledged to unite opposition parties to remove Tinubu from power in 2027. The former governor had a falling out with Tinubu after the Senate rejected his nomination for a ministerial appointment. El-Rufai accused the president of orchestrating the blockage of his appointment.
Furthermore, el-Rufai has stated that it is implausible for President Tinubu to secure re-election in 2027. The SDP leader expressed this in an interview shared on X, asserting that anyone who believes otherwise is out of touch with the realities in Nigeria.
According to el-Rufai, Nigerians have lost confidence in the APC and the president, and they would have no inclination to vote for them in the upcoming elections.
