As President Bola Tinubu prepares to present the 2025 budget to the National Assembly on Tuesday, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has encouraged Nigerians to submit their needs and demands.
Abbas made this appeal during a meeting with executive members of the Zaria Educational and Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria over the weekend. He assured attendees that lawmakers are ready to assist in any way possible for the country’s development.
Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming budget, Abbas urged ZEDA to outline their priorities and requirements. “This is the time to let us know what you need, especially as the budget is approaching. We are here to help,” he stated.
The Speaker announced the establishment of four new institutions in Zaria, which include a Federal College of Education, a modern College of Health Sciences, a National Open University campus, and a College of Legal Studies. He noted that these institutions would significantly enhance the educational infrastructure in Zaria and provide essential resources for the region.
Abbas highlighted that 116 primary and secondary schools are currently undergoing renovations, with further upgrades planned. “Zaria is primarily recognized for education rather than commerce or industry, and it’s essential to strengthen and expand our educational facilities,” he remarked. He invited the public to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies for these institutions, set to occur the following afternoon.
Expressing gratitude for the chance to contribute to Zaria’s educational development, Abbas called for ongoing collaboration to ensure success. “We are committed to making Zaria a center of educational excellence,” he added, wishing blessings upon all attendees.
In addition to his remarks, Abbas inspected various projects in his Zaria constituency. He noted that numerous projects funded by the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget are currently in progress. “We have two budgets, both of which include projects from various constituencies. This is the first time in over a year that I have come to inspect the work completed,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress observed, stating, “The contractors mobilized for various projects, particularly, have done very well. While I’ve only seen a fraction of the projects, I believe they are progressing admirably. The range of projects—from school renovations to hospitals, road networks, and bridges—encompasses nearly all aspects of human endeavor.”