Why We Are Celebrating

Q: Do you think the development on ground calls for celebration?
A: Of course, yes. Kaduna compared to some states in the country could be adjudged as developed. But that is not to say we are satisfied. The present administration saw the need to revisit the master plan of the state and that was why the governor awarded a contract to an internationally renowned company to review the Kaduna master plan. The capital is congested, so the state government deems it fit to open up the eastern part of the state by constructing a new city called Makarfi City. Having spent 100 years, there was serious need to review the state and make it new and modern.

Q: How would you describe the level of development in the area of infrastructure?
A: Simply good. I don’t think there is any city in the North that is better than Kaduna. Though there is a popular saying that a father wishes that his son does better that him, in the case of Kaduna it is that of a father faring better than his son. Kaduna as a city is still better than most of the cities in the North in all ramifications, whether in the area of infrastructure, level of activities, politically or economically in the country. Look at the military establishments; it is only in Kaduna that you find NDA, Jaji training command, the Air Force and other military formations. Kaduna is blessed.

Q: Some people said the celebration was a waste of state resources. How would you react to this position?
A: The celebration was not a waste of resources. This is because by and large, it will generate more money for the state and its people in the nearest future. Those who witnessed the occasion saw that a lot of tourists and investors were here. And no doubt, business activities enjoyed a monumental boost as result of the celebration. I am the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and if there is anything we can do to bring attention of people to the state like the centenary celebration, we should go ahead to do  it. Frankly speaking, it was worthwhile. We have succeeded in attracting attention to Kaduna. There was a need to correct the erroneous belief that Kaduna is not a peaceful place. People think Kaduna is synonymous with crisis, but if for nothing, people have come here to see for themselves that it is a peaceful state. It was obvious that the visitors, especially the foreigners, have signified interest to partner with the state government to develop the tourism sector. We wanted something positive that would help change the perspective of the people about Kaduna and this centenary celebration has helped us to do just that. It has a positive effect on tourism and business development. Hoteliers, businessmen, taxi drivers, traders gained financially from the celebration. The multiplier effect was enormous on the entire economy of the state.