Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday inaugurated a newly built banquet hall by the Kaduna State Government, describing the project as evidence of focused leadership and stronger public institutions.
Speaking at the event in Kaduna, Shettima said the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the state because of its importance to Nigeria’s political and economic structure.
He explained that Kaduna continues to receive sustained attention from the federal authorities through projects and policy interventions due to its strategic role in national development.
“We have returned to Kaduna time and again in recent months bearing projects, policies and promises renewed by action, because we understand the place this great state occupies in the anatomy of our nation,” Shettima said.
He further stressed the importance of the state to the country’s stability, adding that “the heartbeat of Nigeria cannot be ignored without the whole body feeling the impact.”
The Vice President also commended Governor Uba Sani for combining infrastructure delivery with institutional reforms, noting that such an approach supports long-term development.
According to him, governance goes beyond physical projects and must include systems that improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
Shettima said the new facility would support high-level meetings, policy discussions and official ceremonies while addressing gaps in governance infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that the hall would turn Kaduna into a destination for regional and international events, including conferences, exhibitions and cultural programmes with economic benefits.
He also linked the project to a governance style that promotes dignity in public service, protects vulnerable citizens and rebuilds public trust.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani said the banquet hall was designed as a strategic investment in governance capacity and public engagement, not just as a building project.
He explained that the facility sits on 2.7 hectares of land, with a built-up area of about 5,000 square metres. He added that it can host 1,000 guests in banquet style and 1,300 in theatre configuration.
Sani said the hall was built to accommodate diplomatic meetings, international conferences, exhibitions and policy engagements aimed at encouraging partnerships and development.
He added that the project aligns with his administration’s plan to position Kaduna as a centre for investment, culture and global interaction.
The governor also said the facility was named after a former military administrator in recognition of disciplined leadership, while reaffirming his commitment to inclusive development.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, described the project as a major achievement delivered in a short period.
Makarfi also urged the state government to honour other past leaders, including Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, for their contributions to the state.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo also praised the project, describing it as a significant step towards modern governance and development in Kaduna State.
Kaduna has, in recent years, remained a key focus of federal attention due to recurring security challenges, including banditry, farmer-herder clashes and kidnappings along major roads, alongside its economic potential in agriculture and industry.
