
The Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna Branch, has received a brand-new luxury bus from the Kaduna State Government, with Governor Uba Sani describing the branch as one of the most lively in Nigeria and commending its contribution to justice, the rule of law and protection of the rights of underserved citizens.
The NBA was among five institutions that received new buses from the governor on Tuesday as part of measures aimed at easing transportation challenges and strengthening service delivery across the state.
Other beneficiaries were the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council; Nigerian Medical Association; Kaduna State University; and Nigerian Correctional Service.
Speaking during the presentation of the vehicles in Kaduna, Sani said the beneficiaries were selected in recognition of the critical roles they play in democracy, justice, healthcare, education, security and public service delivery.
The governor said the institutions were important to the development of Kaduna State and assured them that his administration would continue to provide support where necessary.
Focusing specifically on the NBA, Sani described the Kaduna Branch as “one of the most lively branches in the whole of Nigeria,” praising lawyers in the branch for their contributions to justice, defence of the rule of law and protection of vulnerable and underserved citizens.
Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the Association, NBA Kaduna Branch Chairman, Baba Lawal, Esq said the bus would strengthen the branch’s capacity to serve both its members and the wider public.
Related: Court Sets Damages for Academic Duty Breach
The vehicle donation is expected to have a significant impact on the daily operations of the beneficiary institutions, particularly in the areas of transportation and service delivery.
For instance, the bus donated to the Nigerian Correctional Service would help address transportation difficulties associated with conveying inmates to courts, hospitals and other official engagements.
On healthcare, Sani commended the Nigerian Medical Association for working with his administration to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
He described healthcare as a fundamental right and said the vehicle presented to the NMA would improve the mobility of doctors and other health professionals.
NMA Chairman, Dr Hassan Bala Salihu, thanked the governor for the intervention and his administration’s support for healthcare delivery.
At Kaduna State University, Sani said the donation was consistent with his administration’s commitment to strengthening university education.
KASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Musa, described the vehicle donation as historic and praised the governor’s commitment to the institution.
The governor also described the NUJ as critical to the survival of democracy, recalling the sacrifices made by Nigerian journalists during the struggle against military rule, including those who lost their lives.
Related: Double Trouble: How Back-to-Back Hurricanes Affect Florida Claims
Receiving the bus, Kaduna NUJ Chairman Comrade AbdulGafar Alabelewe disclosed that journalists had requested the vehicle about six months earlier during a Ramadan Iftar with the governor.
According to him, it was the first such vehicle donation to the union by the Kaduna State Government in about two decades.
Alabelewe said the bus would facilitate the movement of journalists to assignments across the state while assuring that the media would continue to hold the government accountable and promote the development agenda.
Representing the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, also thanked the governor, saying the vehicle would address a major operational challenge confronting the Kaduna Command.
He assured that the bus would be properly maintained and used strictly for the purpose for which it was donated.
The donation of vehicles to these institutions is a significant step towards improving their operations and service delivery, and it’s a move that will likely have a positive impact on the state’s development.
They will use the vehicles to improve their services.