The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Zaria into a leading centre for learning, skills development, and economic growth.
He made the remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects held at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
The Speaker said the two-day programme marks the beginning of a new phase of development for the people of Zaria, particularly the youth, who will gain expanded opportunities in education, innovation, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.
He noted that the projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure that communities like Zaria are not left behind in national development.
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen also acknowledged the security challenges facing the country, especially in the North, and commended President Tinubu and the armed forces for efforts to stabilize affected communities.
He stressed that development projects of this scale are key to creating jobs, reducing vulnerability to crime, and promoting sustainable peace.
The Speaker announced the groundbreaking of several new institutions, including the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, a Technical and Vocational Training College, a Sports Academy, and a Centre for Management Development.
According to him, these institutions will provide practical skills, promote food security, support leadership development, and prepare young people for the modern workforce.
He also highlighted the establishment of a Women’s Development Centre, noting that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and the wider nation.
The Speaker revealed plans for new male and female hostels at the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), along with 250 fully funded scholarships for students studying leather technology.
He further announced major road construction projects across the constituency, designed to boost agriculture, trade, and security operations, and assured residents that all projects would be completed to high standards.
In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Abbas, commended the Speaker for his commitment to education and constituency development, describing the partnership between the Speaker, the Governor, and the President as a catalyst for Zaria’s rapid progress.
The Minister said Zaria’s historic status as the educational hub of Northern Nigeria aligns with the Speaker’s vision of establishing world-class institutions capable of attracting talent from across the country and beyond.
He urged community leaders and citizens to continue supporting the Speaker’s initiatives, noting that strategic investments in education, vocational training, and sports can elevate Zaria into a global centre of competence and innovation.
Earlier, the Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr. Jameelu Ahmad, praised the Speaker for ensuring timely delivery of projects, noting that the Veterinary College commissioned last year has already reached up to 60 percent completion.
He described the newly launched institutions and road projects—including the Zaria–Pambeguwa–Plateau road and the Kofar Gayan–Amana Turunku road—as unprecedented in scale and impact.
COV/ Ibrahim Suleiman
