By: Mayen Etim and Ibrahima Yakubu
KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – The residents of Sabo Tasha in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State are today chanting the praises of their Governor, Senator Uba Sani for the rapid transformation of the popular ‘Triangular Spot’ on the Sabo bridge by Tipper Garage into a ‘Christmas Garden’ for the admiration of the citizens.
The triangular spot on the bridge, once an eyesore emanating petrifying stench because the residents and scavengers dump refuse and stockpiled single used plastics on the site. However, on December, Governor Sani, in the spirit of the season swiftly transformed the spot into what is now called “Christmas Garden”.
A first timer to Sabo Tasha at night is confused and at the same time stand in awe while beholding the beautiful scenario before his or her eyes as the former dump site now sparkles like diamonds in the sky when the light is turned on courtesy of the Christmas decorations in display on the spot.
DailyNewsPrecise went out on Boxing Day (Thursday night) to feel the pulse of residents on their new found ‘mini-Disney park’ as referred to the spot by some of them, which families, youth, old and young have turned into a picture studio to seek their views on the new transformation.
A hotelier and resident of Sabo Tasha, Mr. Steven Tomaso, described the sudden transformation of the triangular spot on the bridge by Governor Uba Sani as a landmark achievement .
He said: “I saw it on Facebook, but couldn’t believe it. Initially I thought it was in London, however, someone said it is Sabo Tasha bridge here, but I argued and said no. So I have to come here with my little daughter to see things for myself – as often said in the local parlance ‘seeing is believing’.
“I’ve come to see one of Governor Uba Sani’s achievements. No governor has ever done this in the state especially in a Christian dominated area for the past decades. I appreciate his work. This shows that the governor has a good heart for the state and it’s people. He knows what the people want to see,” he applauded.
Tomaso noted that the piece of artworks – ‘Christmas Garden’ is beautiful and massive, and clearly depicts love and affection towards the people by the Governor. “We appreciate Gov Uba Sani. For him to have created something beautiful out of a dump site in this area means he’s a gift to the state,” Tomaso added.
Similarly, a staff in the Federal High Court (Kaduna Division), Mr. Kingsley Ajeoro, said he was really amazed when he came and discovered that the former dump site has been transformed, adding that “it’s a welcome development and the initiative very commendable.”
Another Sabo resident, Ms Blessing Pius, lauded the governor equating the transformed spot to Dubai. In her words: “Our governor is trying. The APC government in the state is now trying and we really appreciate them. Sabo is now beautiful including the Kaduna Metropolitan city and we love our governor.”
She added: “Thanked you very much Governor Uba Sani. God bless you richly. We want you back in 2027.”
Also, a resident and businessman of Kwoi Street/Zaria Road, Mr. Michael Okoarafor, said the idea of the Christmas Garden is novel, against what the site used to be, a refuse dumping site and an area where miscreants lurk around to disposed people of their phones, handbags and other personal effects.
Okoarafor said the transformation of the area is quite impressive. “When I first saw it, it was like ‘Wow’ the place is now beautiful. And with the fact that security agents are stationed there 24 hours to protect the area makes the place accessible and beautiful. We commend Governor Uba Sani for this,” he added.
Reeling out his principal’s achievements in barely 18 months on Thursday (Boxing Day), during a Media Parley with Journalists in Kaduna, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Governor, Professor Bello Ayuba, said his principal’s administration has no space for religious or tribal sentiments while discharging his constitutional responsibility to the good people of the State.
In this regard, the PPS said Governor Uba Sani has been making frantic efforts to make his government inclusive, a departure from what the state has witnessed for about a decade before his emergence as the 23rd Governor of the State in May 2023.
Professor Ayuba added that his principal is interested in a united and progressive Kaduna where the residents leave in peace, harmony and tranquility. According to him, Mr. Governor has achieved unprecedented milestones in the last 18 months, transforming rural communities through massive infrastructural development, noting that, “The administration has undertaken 68 road projects, covering approximately 700 kilometers across the state,” he revealed.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Stakeholders, Dr. Abdul Ishaq, at a recent launch of the project “Kaduna Must Be Clean and Safe for the Betterment of the Citizens” by a NGO, Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAESI), reiterated that ensuring public health and safety is a top priority of Governor Uba Sani.
He explained that this was equally part of the Governor’s campaign promises to provide a clean environment, of which he is dedicated to achieving the goal, and this is just one of the results of that promises irrespective of where the project is sited.
DailyNewsPrecise was also privileged to meet with the Acting Sector Coordinator Chikun of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS), Mr. Ahijo Peter, who was at the Christmas Garden at the time on supervision.
He said the conversion of the triangular spot on the bridge to a Christmas Garden by Governor Uba Sani has secured the area as the security has drastically reduce especially on the issue of phone, handbags, money snatching by miscreants from the people.
According to him, that particular spot was the miscreants’ area, hence residents are highly commending the governor for remembering them particularly in the area of tackling insecurity because of the KADVIS officers stationed to manned the garden.
He explained that shop owners especially those operating drinking spots, bars, fresh fish barbecue spots, and their customers, beginning from the 911 Eatery to the Tipper Garage singing the praises of the governor.
He added that the entire people of Chikun Local Government Area appreciate Governor Sani, tagging the Christmas Garden as their “Jerusalem”.
In the same vein, Head of Communications and Strategies at African Climate Reporters, Mr. Ibrahima Yakubu, praised the State Government for its impressive efforts in cleaning up the area and transforming the former trash dump into a vibrant, well-decorated space.
He pointed out that the transformation has created a place that anyone passing through would appreciate.
Yakubu highlighted that this makeover not only beautifies the area but also serves as an incentive for residents to support government efforts in keeping the space clean and well-maintained.
He called on the community to stay vigilant and contribute to protecting the area from future neglect.
In his goodwill message to the Christians in the state, Gov Uba Sani said: “My dear people of Kaduna State, as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas, I am reminded of the profound message of peace that this season embodies. In a world that often seems torn apart by conflict, division, and strife, Christmas stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that peace is possible.
“To our Christian brothers and sisters, I wish you a joyous and peaceful Christmas celebration. May the birth of Jesus Christ bring you hope, joy, and peace. And to all people of goodwill,” urging the people to join in praying for peace, not just for Kaduna State, but for the nation and the world at large.
“As we celebrate Christmas and cross over to the New Year, let us make a conscious effort to let peace reign in our hearts, homes, and communities. Let us be ambassadors of peace, spreading love, kindness, and compassion wherever we go,” he appealed wishing Christians in the state a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Advance.”
Indeed Governor Uba Sani is not only a governor for a particular zone, but a governor for all!
