El-Rufai: We’re working to return Kaduna to its past glory

Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna governor, says his administration is working to restore the state to its past glory.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Kaduna Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) building in Kaduna on Friday, el-Rufai said the state used to be an “inclusive” place, where many people resided in, but incessant communal clashes changed that narrative.

The governor said many people have started returning to Kaduna because it is seen as a low-cost option to the federal capital territory (FCT).

“Kaduna used to be home for all Nigerians. Many great people lived their lives here,” he said.

“Some came here to go to school; some came just to attend the defence academy or police college, but it was such a hospitable and inclusive city that many have chosen to remain.

“Many of the retired generals, air marshals, rear admirals come back here to retire. Abuja has taken some of them, and the incessant communal clashes that divided the city have also discouraged some from coming back.

“We thank the Buhari administration for the train link that has made movement very easy and the ongoing work to reconstruct the Kaduna-Abuja road.”

The governor also urged Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, to request for a parcel of land for the construction of quarters for immigration personnel.

He also commended the former Osun governor for his efforts to improve the south-west state, adding that he learnt from Aregbesola’s style of governance.

“I was very curious to know how you were able to construct those beautiful multi-storey schools all across the state, and of course your novel school feeding programme, because Osun state was the first state in Nigeria to start a home grown primary school feeding programme,” he said.

“I was taking notes, not knowing that I was going to be the governor of Kaduna state.

“Upon assuming office, we sent a team to Osun state to study your governance strategy and practices, particularly in human development, in addition to the school feeding programme.”