A coalition of professionals from Southern Kaduna has declared support for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and announced plans to hold a World Press Conference on Saturday to address what they described as “deliberate misinformation” about ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region and across Nigeria.
The group, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum, SKPF, said the press conference will provide factual updates on road projects, funding, and timelines under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Audu Bako, the group said the decision to rally behind Senator Umahi was informed by the Minister’s “transparency, technical competence, and commitment to completing inherited and new road projects.”
“We have watched closely in the last one year how the Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi has moved from mere contract awards to actual site work and performance tracking.
“For Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire North, this is the first time in a long while we are seeing contractors back on site with measurable milestones.” the group stated.
The professionals specifically referenced the rehabilitation of critical federal roads linking Southern Kaduna to other parts of the state and neighboring states, including sections of the Kaduna-Kachia-Kafanchan road corridor.
They argued that improved road connectivity will boost agriculture, reduce insecurity, and lower transportation costs for farmers and traders who have borne the brunt of poor infrastructure for years.
“Security and the economy are tied to roads. When you can move farm produce from Kagoro, Zangon Kataf and Jaba to major markets without fear or delay, you are directly addressing poverty and banditry,” said Engr. Laraba John, Secretary of the Forum.
According to the group, the Saturday briefing became necessary to correct what they termed “false narratives” circulating on social media about abandonment of projects in the South and non-inclusion of Southern Kaduna in the federal road budget.
“We are not politicians. We are engineers, lawyers, lecturers, medical doctors and business owners from Southern Kaduna. Our interest is development. The Minister has opened the books. He is publishing project status, and we will be presenting those same facts to the world on Saturday.” it hinted.
It added that the press conference will feature presentations on budget performance, project verification reports, and testimonies from community members along project corridors.
The Forum urged civil society, traditional institutions and the media to compare the current pace of infrastructure delivery with previous administrations.
“The role of professionals and community leaders in the past is appreciated, but we must now compare the situation of the country before the present administration with what is happening now,” Bako noted. “In infrastructure, security and the economy, there are clear steps being taken. Let us encourage the government to achieve more instead of politicizing everything.”
The group said invitations have been extended to the Ministry of Works, federal lawmakers from Kaduna State, traditional rulers, and the press for the event scheduled to hold at 10:00am on Saturday in Kaduna
