From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday showered praises on Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for execution of quality projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people.
President Buhari who was in Kano for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kaduna-Kano rail project spoke at the Palace of the Emir of Kano where he urged other state Governors to emulate Ganduje’s policy on continuity.
The President, particularly, commended Ganduje for completing abandoned projects left by previous administrations and at the same time, initiating new projects that impact positively on the people.
President Buhari who spoke in Hausa stated that, “I am delighted over how Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is developing Kano state. I am also happy over his continuity policy. I have seen a number of projects of previous administrations which he has completed.
“I urge other state Governors to emulate the continuity policy of Governor Ganduje. I am very happy for the warm reception I received in Kano.”
In his remarks, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify more efforts in tackling the issues of insecurity and the economy.
He regretted that people are facing untold hardship because of high cost of commodities, insisting that government should do everything possible to control inflation.
The Royal Father appealed to Nigerians to support and pray for the success of President Buhari’s administration.
He also expressed delight over the way the Federal Government is executing people-oriented projects, particularly in Kano state.
President Buhari, while speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kaduna-Kano rail project, said he was happy that the project will reduce the problem of transportation in the North-West axis when completed.
According to him, “this railway connection when completed will establish the ports in Lagos, as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic.
“This would positively drive our economies through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation.”
President Buhari who spoke at Zawaki in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area where the ground-breaking ceremony took place added that, “I am delighted to preside over the ground-breaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction activities on the Kano – Kaduna segment of the Lagos – Kano Railway Modernization project at the proposed site of the Kano railway station, Kano which is also adjacent to the Dala Inland Dry Port.
“This project is crucial to the establishment of a supply chain in railway transport within its corridor, Kano – Kaduna – Abuja, as it links the major commercial cities of Kano and Kaduna to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The railway line will be linked to the second Port in Lagos, the Tin Can Island Port. It is also expected that the Inland Dry Port on these routes will be activated and the ports can now receive imports directly from the international market as ports of destination such as the Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano Inland Dry Ports.”
In his remarks Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje commended the foresight of the Federal Government in reviving the rails sector.
According to him, the execution of such projects was a clear indication that the Federal Governments is showing commitment in promoting commerce, improving the economy and creating more job opportunities.
Governor Ganduje further stated that Kano people appreciated Federal Government for initiating laudable projects in Kano, which include modern correctional center, solar power station in Kumbotso, reconstruction of Kano-Kaduna-Abuja dual carriage high way, among Others.
Also speaking, the Minister of Transportation, Hon.Rotimi Chibuke Amechi ,disclosed that, “this scope of the railway project involves a 203km double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna.
“The railway along this route traverses the major cities of Kaduna, Zaria and Kano with three (3) railway stations both for passenger and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano with varying capacities and categories.”
He further stated that, “this project will link the Federal Capital, Abuja with the Commercial city of Kano and also link the ongoing Kano – Maradi project. The outstanding addendum, Ibadan – Abuja, will link the Sea Ports in Lagos to Maradi, Niger Republic.
“This I believe will greatly boost trade between the two countries and foster economic development. This railway line, will present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano via Kaduna with relative ease.
“The project will no doubt improve the standard of living of citizens within its corridor, create employment and promote trade. In the long term the railway will help decongest the Lagos Port Complex and increase its efficiency as well as further increase the viability of the Inland Dry Ports located in Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano.
“The rail line is also provided with accessories and special installations including Power and Water Supply schemes, Signalling System & Communication in GSM-R, Freight yards, Rolling stock depots and maintenance workshops.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry is finalizing plans to commence construction of the remaining addendum; Ibadan – Abuja to complete the entire stretch of the Lagos – Kano railway modernization project.”
The President also seized the opportunity to commission the multi-billion Naira Dangi Underpass/Flyover initiated and completed by the Ganduje’s administration.
President Buhari, however, left Kano to Katsina state for another official visit shortly after his visit to the Palace of the Emir of Kano.
