President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦46 billion for the resurfacing and reconstruction of the second runway at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State. The announcement was made by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo during the commissioning ceremony of the newly remodelled Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo Domestic Terminal at the airport. The funding comes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to strengthen airport infrastructure and boost the aviation sector across Nigeria. The minister highlighted that the project would significantly improve the operational efficiency of the Kano airport, positioning it to compete with other international airports globally. He described Kano as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, emphasizing its strategic role in the nation's economic and aviation landscape. Keyamo also confirmed that work has begun on upgrading the airport’s Hajj Terminal, with contractors currently on site. The remodelling of the domestic terminal is part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation modernisation programme designed to enhance passenger comfort, operational efficiency, safety, and service delivery across all Nigerian airports. The terminal was renamed in honor of Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, who contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), praised the upgraded terminal as a reflection of the agency’s commitment to providing world-class airport facilities. She noted that the improvements would elevate the travel experience for passengers and enhance service delivery at the airport. Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the FAAN Board, commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for prioritizing aviation infrastructure in Kano. He stated that the ongoing projects, including the reconstruction of the second runway and the upgrade of the Hajj Terminal, would solidify Kano’s status as a key commercial and aviation hub in Northern Nigeria. In a separate development, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) celebrated the graduation of four scholars with distinction and 16 others who earned master’s degrees from universities in the United Kingdom and the United States. The graduates studied diverse fields such as software engineering, oil and gas, data science, financial management, law, construction engineering management, and global public health. The PAP, through its Administrator Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, emphasized that these achievements underscore the government’s commitment to investing in human capital development in the Niger Delta. The program, supported by President Tinubu, seeks to address regional disparities and promote sustainable peace and socio-economic progress. Otuaro acknowledged the criticism faced by the PAP over the expansion of its scholarship initiative but reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to continue supporting education for Niger Delta youth. He thanked President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering support, which he said is crucial for achieving long-term stability and prosperity in the region. Since assuming office in March 2024, the PAP has produced 111 master’s and doctoral degree holders, with 57 of them graduating from foreign universities and 54 from Nigerian institutions. This includes the recent batch of 20 graduates, bringing the total number of educated individuals emerging from the programme to 111. The PAP continues to focus on expanding educational opportunities for the region’s youth, aligning with the broader goals of national development and reconciliation.
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