President Bola Tinubu on Thursday updated the list of June 12 activists to be conferred with national honours in Abuja next month as he announced the conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on former governor of Kaduna State and renowned June 12 activist, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd).

The President had last week Thursday during the celebration of this year’s Democracy Day at the National Assembly in Abuja honoured several June 12 activists including Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and heroine of June 12 struggle, late Kudirat Abiola with national honours but left out some other activists including Umar from the list.

President Tinubu used the opportunity of his one-day official visit to Kaduna to make amends by announcing the inclusion of Colonel Umar on the  National Honours list.

He recalled his longstanding relationship with friends in the state, using the visit to confer a national honour on a former governor of the state and June 12 activist, Col. Dangiwa.

According to him: “I am happy to be back here. I share a very longstanding and admirable commitment with Kaduna State in politics, business and pursuit of democracy.

“Today, many people are here to receive us, and some are not here. Let me use this opportunity to correct an omission that I made during the democracy day honouring of some Nigerians.

“I missed out the name of Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar. I now have the honour of awarding him Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

“I also thank Senator Sani for all that you have done for democracy. He has been given the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)”.

The President commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for leading the process of restoration of peace, and harmony in the state.

President Tinubu inaugurated the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Council, 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, Millennium City, and 100 CNG Buses.

The President noted that the governor had placed the state on the path of progress by prioritising peace among the people, and initiating a healing process among the various ethnic groups. 

President Tinubu promised that the Federal Government would ensure the construction of a light rail project to improve transportation in the state.

“I must acknowledge the leadership of Senator Uba Sani who has been focused on security and infrastructure since he came into office.  And we are happy to be here to celebrate results.

“Uba Sani is an agent of change, stability, love, unity and progress. He has changed the situation of toxic and uncontrollable environment to an atmosphere of peace and stability.

“You are a good leader. I’m proud to say Kaduna is back again and I am happy to work with you,’’ the President noted.

President Tinubu commended the traditional rulers in the state for the support given to the governor for the stability, progress, peace and unity that he has brought to the state.

The President noted that Governor Sani had set an example for other sub-nationals in building peace in the state.

“During the electioneering campaign, we had to move with an entire battalion to go to Birnin Gwari. I have it on good record that you can now move to Birnin Gwari even at midnight without fear.

“I thank the Governor for leading the peace efforts. Peace is the hallmark of development. I am proud to say that Kaduna is rising again. I am going to work with you in every aspect of your development agenda to ensure we achieve the vision of progress and prosperity,’’ he added.

On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, thanked the President for his support for the state, and commended the governor for completing projects that some past leaders abandoned for many years.

Earlier in his address, Governor Sani assured the President of his readiness to utilise all resources for the benefit of Kaduna People.

“Mr President, Kaduna State is grateful to you for supporting the smooth implementation of our masterplan on transportation. True to your words, you provided a sum of One-hundred billion naira in the 2025 budget for the construction of the Kaduna Light-Rail Transit,’’ he said.

Sani also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting Kaduna to ameliorate security challenges in the state.

“As you know Mr President when we assumed office in 2023, Kaduna State was under siege, a land flanked by banditry and deep rooted mistrust, our villages, once vibrant hub for agriculture and culture,  had become shadows of former self.

“Our Highways were turned to criminal zones, but we did not surrender because we understood that security is the foundation upon which all other progress depends. Without it development will be a mirage.

“So, Mr President, we thank you for your support,’’ he added.

Also speaking, former Vice President Namadi Sambo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Governor Sani for ensuring the completion of the 300-Bed Special Hospital named after the President in Kaduna State.

He said the project was a vision that was conceived and started 19-years ago but abandoned by successive administrations in the state.

On his part, former Military Administrator of Rivers State, who is a respected leader in the state, Major General Zamani Lekwot (rtd), expressed appreciation to President Tinubu describing him as a God-fearing leader for his continued support for the transformational achievements of the governor.

Present at the ceremony were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and  Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.

Deji Elumoye

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