Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the selection of Tudun Biri village as the first beneficiary of the Federal Government’s Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts, describing the intervention as a model of integrated development and compassionate governance.

The governor spoke on Friday at the commissioning of key projects in Tudun Biri, including newly constructed houses, a six-kilometre road, a Primary Healthcare Centre and a Skills Acquisition Centre, following the accidental air strike that claimed several lives in December 2023.

According to Sani, the President’s directive transformed the tragedy into an opportunity for comprehensive reconstruction, stressing that sustainable peace is achieved not only through security actions but also through development, inclusion and economic empowerment.

“This initiative goes beyond temporary relief to full reconstruction, providing modern homes supported by essential social infrastructure for safe and sustainable living,” the governor said.

He explained that the Kaduna State Government played a pivotal role from the early response stage to the completion of the projects, noting that portions of farmland were carefully utilised for residential and community infrastructure to ensure orderly development.

Sani added that affected farmers were fully consulted and supported through livelihood packages, including priority access to agricultural inputs, empowerment and skills programmes, as well as alternative means of livelihood where necessary.

“In the immediate aftermath, we coordinated emergency medical services, psychosocial support and relief distribution in collaboration with community leaders,” he said.

“As recovery advanced, our focus deliberately expanded to healthcare, education, livelihoods and infrastructure, guided by our policy that Kaduna State will not tolerate the creation of IDP camps. Our approach prioritises resettlement within communities, preservation of social bonds and restoration of economic life.”

The governor disclosed that a 25-bed Primary Healthcare Centre has been constructed and equipped in Tudun Biri, offering services such as maternal care, minor surgeries and ophthalmological treatment.

He further said a six-kilometre asphalt road linking the community to the Kaduna International Airport corridor was built to boost connectivity and economic activities.

“To ease the economic burden on affected families, Tudun Biri residents were prioritised in social intervention programmes, with fertiliser, rice and maize distributed to households, alongside sustained medical and psychosocial support through KADSEMA,” he stated.

Sani also revealed that a Skills Acquisition Centre was established to equip youths with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, while a new primary school was built with the support of the Nigerian Army and development partners to ensure uninterrupted learning.

The governor praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his leadership and oversight, noting that as chairman of the committee that guided implementation, he ensured commitments were translated into tangible outcomes.

He also expressed gratitude to the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, for ensuring effective coordination, monitoring and transparent deployment of resources.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Shettima described the commissioning as a reflection of the Federal Government’s belief that fairness and compassion are essential to national unity.

He said the resettlement scheme offers hope to families affected by conflict and underscores the government’s resolve not to abandon citizens in times of adversity.

According to the Vice President, similar recovery and resettlement projects are ongoing in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina and Benue states as part of a coordinated national response to internal displacement.

Shettima commended Governor Sani’s inclusive leadership and partnership with the Federal Government, saying such collaboration remains key to restoring dignity, resilience and lasting peace in affected communities.