By: Sunday Oyewole The Federal Government is planning to extend rail line from Kaura Namoda in Zamfara state to Niamey in Niger Republic, passing through Sokoto and Kebbi states, Vice President Namadi Sambo, has disclosed.
According to him, rehabilitation work is also in progress on the rail line from Zaria to Kaura Namoda, adding that rail services had commenced from Kano to Lagos, passing through Zaria.
The Vice President, disclosed this on Saturday, in Zaria, Kaduna State, during a reception organized by the Zazzau Emirate Council in honour of Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.
Similarly, Sambo said that the Abuja-Kaduna fast train project was on course and would be delivered on schedule. He also assured that the perennial water supply problem in Zaria was being tackled with all determination.
On reduction of unemployment he stressed that SURE-P would continue to employ 5000 persons from the state. He also extended the felicitations of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Governor, the Emir, Dr. Shehu Idris and the good people of the state.
Stating that the President Jonathan Administration was delivering on their campaign promises, the Vice President enumerated several developmental projects being executed by the Federal Government in the State, ranging from power supply, roads and railway, water supply and education, among others.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the construction of hydropower plant at the Kubau Dam, providing raw water for the Zaria water project,” adding that “all necessary equipment for the 315 megawatt Kaduna power plant located at the Kudenda area of the State are on site and work is going on steadily, Sambo said”.
Vice President Sambo, who appealed for continued prayers for peace and unity in the country, also used the opportunity to express the appreciation of the Federal Government to the government and good people of Kaduna State, the Emir of Zazzau and the good people of the Emirate for their continued support.
He observed that the Emirate was known for its tradition of peace and harmonious living among the populace, urging for the sustenance of such.
In his remarks, a visibly elated Governor of Kaduna State and the celebrant, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, was full of appreciation to the Vice President, whom he described as a father. He also appreciated the Emir and the Emirate Council for the recognition, while also expressing gratitude to his parents for his excellent upbringing.
He used the occasion to urge for the peoples continued support to government, while also enjoining them to continue to pray for peace and progress in the State and the country, stressing that without peace development would be elusive.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, and the host of the event, Dr. Shehu Idris, was full of praises to the President, the Vice President and the Governor for their sterling qualities, particularly their humility and their humble disposition.
He disclosed that the event was not only to honour the Governor but was also to offer prayer for the country’s leadership and continued peace, progress and development of the country. He enjoined all Nigerians to rally round and support the developmental efforts of government at all levels.
The event witnessed by several personalities from across all walks of life had prayers offered for the country.
Also in the spirit of the Sallah celebrations, the Vice President in Zaria was at the home of the Governor’s father, Alhaji Ramalan Yero and also at his family house to felicitate with them.
