PDP Governorship candidate in Kaduna, Shehu Usman Bawa (ABG)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Hon. Shehu Usman Bawa, popularly known as ABG, has called for deep reflection on Nigeria’s 66-year journey, urging citizens and leaders to rethink approaches to security, human capital development and shared prosperity.
Bawa made the call in his 66th Independence Anniversary message issued ahead of the October 1 celebration, with the theme, “Safer Communities, United People and Shared Prosperity: A Kaduna that Works for All.”
He said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers, acknowledge the progress recorded since independence and critically examine the challenges confronting the nation.
Bawa said the dream of the founding fathers of building a country where no citizen would be oppressed or left behind remained valid, but argued that the aspiration had yet to be fully realised, particularly for many Nigerians and residents of Kaduna State.
According to him, independence would have limited meaning if citizens could not live and sleep without fear, noting that communities across the state continued to face security challenges that affected livelihoods and social activities.
He said farmers were increasingly concerned about accessing their farms, while parents were worried about the safety of their children, stressing that security should not be treated as a political bargaining tool but as a fundamental right of citizens.
Bawa acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces and other security personnel, but called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to address insecurity through proactive and sustainable measures.
He also called for greater investment in human capital, particularly in healthcare and education, saying Kaduna State needed a stronger public health system and an education system capable of preparing young people for a competitive economy.
The PDP candidate further advocated policies that would create an enabling environment for small businesses, strengthen agricultural value chains and generate employment opportunities, arguing that economic development must be linked to the dignity and welfare of citizens.
He said his vision was anchored on the equitable distribution of the state’s resources and opportunities, irrespective of whether citizens lived in Kaduna North, Central or Southern Senatorial Districts.
Bawa said the proposed P.E.O.P.L.E Agenda would prioritise equitable distribution of development projects, public appointments, educational support and agricultural empowerment across the 23 Local Government Areas, promising that no community or ward would be deliberately marginalised.
He called on residents to use the Independence anniversary to renew their commitment to unity, peace and mutual respect across ethnic and religious divides, while congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Kaduna State and Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th anniversary.
Nigeria will mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Federal Government has said the anniversary is an opportunity for national reflection and renewed commitment to unity, security and shared prosperity.
