The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Afeez, has called on the youth in Kaduna to actively support and safeguard ongoing infrastructure projects initiated by the state government. During a recent inspection of various projects, Afeez emphasized that these developments are crucial for enhancing education, mobility, and the overall future of young people in the region.

Afeez made these remarks while touring the Kabala Costain-Aliyu Makama Link Road, among other projects, on Saturday. He expressed appreciation for the state government's commitment to improving road infrastructure, which he believes will significantly benefit students and residents alike. "This road is very important because it connects the northern and southern parts of Kaduna. It will provide an alternative route for the people and make movement easier," he stated. He further highlighted that improved road access would facilitate easier travel to farms, schools, and healthcare facilities, which is particularly beneficial for students.

The NANS president noted that the leadership's visit to Kaduna was part of an extraordinary Senate meeting, which provided an opportunity to assess the quality and scope of the projects in progress. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing developments, particularly the Kabala Costain-Aliyu Makama Link Road, which is expected to be completed soon. Afeez remarked, "As student leaders, we are interested in projects that directly affect our members and the generality of young Nigerians. Infrastructure is a major part of that."

In addition to road projects, Afeez praised the government's investments in education, transportation, healthcare, and sports. He specifically mentioned the rehabilitation of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which is anticipated to be completed in November. This project, he noted, could provide opportunities for young people to develop their sporting talents, featuring facilities such as a football pitch, gymnasium, and swimming pool.

Afeez urged the Kaduna State Government to ensure the sustainability of these infrastructure projects while appealing to the youth to protect public assets. "You cannot have infrastructure and allow it to be destroyed or abandoned. When that happens, it is the people, especially the youths and students, who suffer," he warned.

Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), shared that the state government has initiated 116 new road projects covering approximately 1,400 kilometres across all 23 local government areas. He reported that 80 to 90 percent of these projects are nearing completion, with a focus on equitable development across the state. Ahmed highlighted the 35-kilometre Gadan Gayan-Guraji-Kujama Road as a flagship project, which includes a significant bridge over the River Kaduna.

The NANS delegation, which included various state officials, plans to compile its observations from the infrastructure inspection and submit a report to the Kaduna State Government. Afeez reiterated that NANS will continue to advocate for more development projects, emphasizing that improved infrastructure is directly linked to the welfare and educational opportunities for students in Kaduna.