By Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
The Kaduna State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa (ABG), has called for a period of deep reflection and renewed commitment to building safer communities, a united society and shared prosperity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Bawa, in an Independence Day message titled “A Time for Deep Reflection and Rethinking,” said the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its challenges and renew hope for a better future.
Under the theme “Safer Communities, United People and Shared Prosperity: A Kaduna that Works for All,” the gubernatorial candidate said the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers remained relevant, but argued that more needed to be done to ensure that citizens enjoy security, quality education, accessible healthcare and economic opportunities.
He expressed concern over insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, citing communities across Sanga, Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Lere, where he said insecurity continues to affect farming, education and livelihoods.
According to him, security should not be treated as a political bargaining tool but as a fundamental human right.
While acknowledging the efforts of the nation’s armed forces, Bawa called for stronger institutional capacity, proactive security measures and closer collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.
He also stressed the need for greater investment in human capital, particularly healthcare and education.
Bawa said Kaduna’s health system requires sustained attention to ensure that families can access quality healthcare, while the public education system should be strengthened to prepare young people for a competitive economy and enable the state to benefit from its youthful population.
On the economy, he said sustainable prosperity must be linked to human dignity, stressing the importance of supporting small businesses, protecting agricultural value chains and creating jobs.
The PDP candidate further advocated what he described as fair and equitable distribution of Kaduna State’s resources and development opportunities, irrespective of the senatorial zone where residents live.
He said his proposed P.E.O.P.L.E Agenda would focus on ensuring that development projects, public appointments, educational support and agricultural empowerment reach all 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
Bawa maintained that no community, ward or demographic group should be marginalized in the distribution of development opportunities.
He also called on Kaduna residents to preserve unity and mutual respect across ethnic and religious lines, arguing that a prosperous Kaduna must be secure, educated, healthy and inclusive.
The gubernatorial candidate congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Kaduna State and Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary.
He concluded with a renewed call for collective action, saying: “Together, We Can Do It Differently.”
