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Shettima Inaugurates Kaduna Banquet Hall Named After Ex-Military Governor
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday commissioned a state-of-the-art banquet hall in Kaduna State, named in honour of a former military governor, Late Brigadier General Abba Kyari, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, at Government House, Kaduna,
He described it as a strategic investment in governance infrastructure and institutional capacity.
The Vice President, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, said the project reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to supporting subnational efforts aimed at strengthening governance, promoting unity, and positioning states for national and global engagements.
“We have returned to Kaduna time and again in recent months bearing projects, policies and promises renewed by action,” Shettima said, noting the importance of the state in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic architecture.
He stressed that infrastructure must go beyond physical development to include systems that enhance governance, dignity in public service, and institutional effectiveness.
“What we gather to witness today is a reminder that the business of governance must be pursued alongside the ordering of the system. Public life must be dignified, institutions strengthened, and the vulnerable protected,” he stated.
Shettima also underscored the broader significance of the facility, describing it as a platform for high-level engagements, policy dialogue, and diplomatic interactions.
“This hall will host summits, cultural exhibitions, and international engagements. It will attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the soft power of Kaduna State,” he added.
The Vice President commended Governor Uba Sani for what he described as visionary leadership, noting that the project demonstrates a deliberate effort to align infrastructure development with long-term governance objectives.
In his remarks, Governor Sani said the banquet hall represents more than just a physical structure, describing it as a strategic investment designed to position Kaduna as a hub for dialogue, investment, and international engagement.
“Facilities of this nature go beyond ceremonial functions. They create opportunities for engagement, consensus building, and policy advancement in a dignified and organised setting,” the governor said.
He explained that the facility, built on approximately 2.7 hectares with a seating capacity of up to 1,300 guests, was conceived to host a wide range of activities, including diplomatic events, conferences, and high-level government functions.
The governor added that the decision to name the banquet hall after a former military governor was deliberate, aimed at preserving history and recognising individuals who contributed to the development of the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who is also the son of the late military administrator, delivered an emotional tribute, describing the honour as deeply meaningful to the family.
Kyari said his father exemplified service in its truest form, recalling that he governed with discipline, humility, and a strong sense of duty, without conflating public office with personal entitlement.
“My father understood the meaning of service in the most complete sense. He served with clarity of purpose and left public office without attachment to power or privilege,” he said.
He noted that the late administrator, who served as one of the earliest military governors in the region, contributed significantly to infrastructure development, including the construction of major dams, roads, and the early planning framework of the state.
According to him, the recognition reflects not just a personal honour to the family, but a broader affirmation of values such as integrity, sacrifice, and selfless service in public life.
“This moment represents the continuity of service and the passing of trust across generations. It is a reminder of what leadership should stand for,” Kyari added.
He expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government for preserving the legacy of past leaders, noting that such gestures reinforce institutional memory and inspire future leadership.
The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders from across the country, underscoring the significance of the project in Kaduna’s evolving governance and development landscape.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said the construction of a new banquet hall by the Kaduna State government was a show of commitment towards improving infrastructure, stressing that the project aligns with national direction under President Tinubu, whose emphasis is on ensuring investment delivers national values and improves the living conditions of Nigerians.
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