ECWA Pastors to FG, Kaduna: Fast-Track Federal Medical Centre, Roads, Education Upgrades in Southern Kaduna

By Abubakar Labaran

The Southern Kaduna ECWA Pastors’ Forum has urged the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to urgently accelerate the provision of critical infrastructure in the region, including the immediate take-off of the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr Yusuf Bibiyat, and Secretary, Rev. Jonathan Nkom, the Forum also demanded the construction of the Kafanchan-Kwoi-Jere and Samaru-Saminaka roads, as well as the upgrading of major tertiary institutions in Southern Kaduna.

The demands were made on Tuesday during a press conference at ECWA Church, Kafanchan, tagged “The Arena of Truth.”

The pastors said that while they appreciated efforts by the Federal and Kaduna State Governments to bring development to Southern Kaduna, more concrete interventions were needed to address the infrastructural and socio-economic challenges facing the people.

They specifically called for the immediate commencement of activities at the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, stressing the need for residents to have access to improved healthcare services within the region.

On education, the pastors demanded the upgrading of the College of Nursing, Kafanchan; College of Education, Gidan Waya; Federal School of Statistics, Manchok; and other tertiary institutions in Southern Kaduna. They said investment in education remained essential to developing human capital and creating opportunities for young people in the region.

The Forum further urged governments to increase interventions in agriculture, electricity and other critical infrastructure, saying development should extend beyond political appointments to projects that have a direct impact on the daily lives of citizens. While acknowledging the appointment of some Southern Kaduna sons and daughters into federal and state positions, the pastors said political representation should be complemented by measurable development across communities.

Addressing the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Forum urged Nigerians to assess political leaders primarily on their records of service and contribution to the welfare of the people. It encouraged God-fearing church members to participate actively in politics and seek elective positions, while urging political parties to present candidates capable of providing effective leadership.

The pastors also called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, warning political actors and their supporters against violence, vandalism and other actions capable of threatening peace. According to the Forum, no political contest is worth the blood of any citizen, and political leaders have a responsibility to restrain their supporters before, during and after the elections.

The pastors commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani for their efforts in addressing insecurity, but called for intensified action against insurgency and kidnapping until lasting peace is achieved.

The Forum expressed support for the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), particularly over his role in the fight against insecurity and his contribution to attracting infrastructure to Southern Kaduna. 

It rejected calls for his resignation following comments attributed to him concerning the marginalisation of Southern Kaduna, urging those who disagreed with his position to investigate the issues raised rather than resort to calls for his removal.

The Forum also commended Governor Uba Sani for appointing Honourable Adams as Deputy Governor-designate, urging him to regard the responsibility as a trust to serve the people and not merely as a personal elevation.

It urged church members to uphold holiness, integrity and responsible citizenship, stressing that the Church has a responsibility to contribute positively to the moral and developmental transformation of society.