PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that the security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, will soon be overcome, assuring Nigerians that his administration has put in place decisive measures to end the activities of criminal groups across the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the President gave the assurance on Saturday while speaking at the Third Late General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference in Kaduna, where he was represented by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari.
Paying glowing tribute to the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, Tinubu described the former military governor of the defunct Northern Region and later Chief of Army Staff as a symbol of humility, discipline, patriotism and selfless service.
He said the late military leader played a significant role in promoting national unity and strengthening Nigeria during some of the country’s most critical periods, adding that his unwavering commitment to national unity helped lay the foundation for the democracy and freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to secure the country while preserving the legacies of past national heroes.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Beyond security, the President outlined a broad range of initiatives undertaken by his administration across education, infrastructure, transportation and energy, describing them as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the lives of Nigerians and accelerate national development.
Speaking on education, Tinubu said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has enabled more than one million students to gain access to higher education through financial support.
He also stated that the removal of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has strengthened institutional autonomy and contributed to sustained industrial peace within public universities.
According to him, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has financed the construction of classrooms, laboratories, hostels and research facilities in several states, while the Federal Government has introduced a new national curriculum, expanded teacher training programmes and invested significantly in technical and vocational education.
Tinubu further disclosed that his administration has established new federal universities and polytechnics across different parts of the country to expand access to higher education.
On infrastructure development, the President said construction and rehabilitation work are progressing on several major road projects, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Sokoto–Zamfara–Kaduna Road and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road, all aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities nationwide.
Addressing developments in the power sector, Tinubu 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 is also expanding access to renewable energy through the installation of more than 1,500 solar-powered streetlights and 50 mini-grids to provide electricity for rural communities.
The President further announced that the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna has been upgraded to a full-fledged university named after the late General Hassan Usman Katsina.
According to him, the institution is now more than 90 per cent completed and has already commenced academic activities.
Tinubu also disclosed that work is progressing on the 1,350-megawatt Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant, which is expected to improve electricity supply across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, while additional renewable energy projects are being implemented to provide power to off-grid communities.
On transportation, the President said construction of the Kaduna–Kano Rail Line and the Kano–Maradi Rail Project is advancing steadily.
He added that funding has been secured for the Kaduna and Kano Light Rail projects, while rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro Rail and the upgrade of the Abuja–Kaduna train service are also underway to improve the movement of passengers and goods across the country.
Tinubu said the numerous projects being executed by his administration underscore its commitment to restoring security, expanding economic opportunities and driving sustainable national development for all Nigerians.