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Tag: Uba Sani

  • Gov Sani appoints two new Commissioners, revives Ministry of Information

    Gov Sani appoints two new Commissioners, revives Ministry of Information

    Kaduna Governor, Sen. Uba Sani has appointed former Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, and Bauchi State University, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo as the Commissioner of Education. 

    Sani also appointed Gloria Ibrahim as the Commissioner of Youth Development.

    In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Governor redeployed the outgoing Education Commissioner, Prof. Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) to the newly created Ministry of Information.

    The Ministry of Information was disbanded under the administration of the immediate past Governor Nasir El-rufai.

    A statement on Wednesday by Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the appointments and redeployment were with immediate effect.

    It reads: “The Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Sen(Dr) Uba Sani,  has appointed Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo as the Commissioner of Education. He has also redeployed the outgoing Education Commissioner, Prof. Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) to the newly created Ministry of Information.

    “The Governor has also appointed Barrister Gloria Ibrahim as the Commissioner of  Youth Development.

    “The appointments and redeployment are with immediate effect.

    “Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo:

    The new Commissioner of  Education is an accomplished academic, administrator and a recipient of the National Productivity Order of Merit (1997) and Officer of the Order of the Niger (2000).

    “A Professor of Energy Studies, he served as Vice Chancellor, Kaduna State University (2004), Vice Chancellor, Bauchi State University (1995 – 2004), and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (1990 – 1994). From 2005 to 2012, Prof. Sambo was the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria. In 2011, he was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

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    “The erudite scholar has served on some high level panels and committees in Nigeria and at the international level. He was the Chairman, Nigerian Committee for Partnership with Brazil on Energy (2007 – 2008), Member, Tertiary Education Trust Fund Standing Committee on Research and   Development and Coordinator of the Energy Thematic Group (2020), Member, ECOWAS Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) Consultation Committee (2021), and Member, African Union High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (2022).

     “Barrister Gloria Ibrahim: The new Commissioner of  Youth Development is a long standing legal practitioner and mediator. Before her appointment as Commissioner, she was a Principal Legal Practitioner at Glownom Legal Consult, Kaduna.

    “Barrister Gloria Ibrahim holds the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Certificate in Negotiation and Mediation, DICON Consulting, Empowerment and Management, Kaduna. She is a member of the Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators (APNM), Child Protection Agency (CPN), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

    “Governor Uba Sani expects Prof. Abubakar Sambo to reinvigorate the Education Ministry to deliver on his administration’s agenda, which is  aimed at improving access to education, building and rehabilitating infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of teachers, harnessing the capacity of ICT, prioritising girl-child education and strengthening security in schools.

    “In line with his administration’s focus on refocusing and empowering Kaduna State youths to play vital roles in a fast changing and technologically-driven world, Governor Uba Sani expects Barrister Gloria Ibrahim to fashion out creative, innovative and implementable programmes and projects to make the Youth Development Ministry a leading center for high impact solutions for  youth related issues.

    “While congratulating Prof. Abubakar Sambo and Barrister Gloria Ibrahim on their well deserved appointments, Governor Uba Sani wishes them God’s guidance and protection in their new assignments”.

  • Northwest thriving under Tinubu – Uba Sani

    Northwest thriving under Tinubu – Uba Sani

    …Asiwaju, APC will win landslide in 2027 – Barau

    Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has declared that the Northwest zone is witnessing notable progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the region as the heartbeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking at the APC North West Stakeholders’ meeting held in Kaduna over the weekend, Governor Sani, who also serves as the coordinating governor for the APC in the zone, praised President Tinubu’s leadership during what he called one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods.

    “President Tinubu took charge at a very difficult time in our nation’s history,” he said. “Yet, he has demonstrated uncommon courage by implementing bold reforms that are beginning to yield results.”

    According to him, the President’s decisive actions have started restoring public confidence, with more citizens and political figures now aligning with the APC.

    He also noted a significant improvement in the region’s security landscape. “Before President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the North West was the epicentre of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes,” he recalled.

    Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, expressed confidence that President Tinubu and the APC will secure another victory in the 2027 general elections.

    ‘’You could hardly travel from one place to another. Farmers could hardly access their farmers. Life was indeed ‘nasty, short, and brutish’ in the North West. At a point, the situation appeared hopeless. But two years in the saddle, the situation has changed.

    ‘’President Tinubu has not only stabilized the security situation, he has boosted agriculture in the North West with the provision of farm inputs,’’ he argued.

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    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that the ‘’North West has also gotten top positions at the federal level. For the first time, the North West Zone has 12 Ministers in the Federal Cabinet.

    ‘’We have the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Senate President, the National Chairman of the APC, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff. There are many other important appointments which I may not be able to mention here because of time,’’ he added.

    The Governor listed some projects that the Tinubu administration is embarking on in the North West, especially the ‘’completion of the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Dual Carriageway.’’

    He also mentioned the Ilella – Badagry Road Project, the Kaduna and Kano Rail Projects, the construction of Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road and the construction of Jere to Kafanchan Road.

    The North West Coordinating Governor also listed the provision of N95 billion for the rehabilitation of three dams in Kano, the creation of the strategic Ministry of Livestock Development and the ‘’creation of the North West Development Commission and the allocation of the highest budget to it among the regional development commissions.’’

    The Governor credited the Tinubu administration with the ‘’creation of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State and the conversion of Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan to a Federal Medical Centre.’’

    He reiterated that ‘’we have in Mr. President a true father and friend. Let us therefore consolidate on our gains by mobilizing our people to support Mr. President for a second term in office.”

    Governor Uba Sani further said that ‘’Mr. President is on a mission: to reinvent our economy, banish hunger and poverty, and return Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations.’’

    In his own remarks at the event, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I Jibrin said it is clear that President Tinubu and APC will have a landslide victory in 2027. He therefore called for unity among party members to ensure the success of Mr President. 

    According to him, “it is clear in 2027, we are going to have a landslide victory, inshallah. So let us continue on the way we are going. Let us continue to cooperate with one another, work with the president, work with everybody, cooperate amongst ourselves so that we have the desired victory.”

    He said the defection of stalwarts of the opposition political parties to the APC was as a result of the performance of President Tinubu in addressing the challenges bedeviling the country.

    “This is not happening just for nothing. There are reasons for this. What are the reasons? Number one is the performance of our dear president. The president, of course, inherited a lot of challenges, bedeviling our country. But he has come up with programs and policies to surmount these challenges.

    “Security challenges, economic challenges, name them. We’ve seen how he has dealt with our problem, our security problem—the security we’ve been facing in the North West. Several areas were not accessible before now. You could not go to some areas before now. But now you can go to some places, you can travel from Abuja to Kaduna.This was quite impossible before he came to power. 

    “Similarly, before this administration, you could not go to Birnin Gwari, but life has returned to the area. The people have returned to their farmlands

    “Several areas that were not accessible are now accessible. We know we are not where we want to be. We are not there yet. We are not finally there yet. But it’s a work in progress. Mr President is working hard, day in and day out, to surmount this country’s insecurity problem, particularly in the North West. It is a work in progress. It is easy to have problems, but it’s not easy to solve the problems.

    “And of course, that is not alone. That is not the only reason why we are having these influxes to our party. The performance of our governors. Our governors are doing well, working day in, day out,” he said.

    He added that, “The chairman, the national chairman of our party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is leading all the party leaders in the country to bring about these improvements we are witnessing in APC. We are all here as brothers and sisters.

    “So let us continue to cooperate amongst ourselves, work amongst ourselves, do all that is humanly possible to bring about the needed development to our people so that our party can grow stronger and stronger.

    “So that by 2027, we will not have any problem in making sure that we have the expected victory that we are beginning to see. Because as we speak, it looks as if you don’t have any other political party in the country, or even in the northwest. So it is always said.”

  • Kaduna’s Sanga APC endorses Tinubu, Uba Sani for 2027 re-election

    Kaduna’s Sanga APC endorses Tinubu, Uba Sani for 2027 re-election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State has officially declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, endorsing both leaders for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement came during a well-attended caucus meeting held at the council headquarters in Gwantu. The gathering brought together top political figures, including the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; Governor’s Political Counsellor and three-term federal lawmaker, Hon. Ado Audu Dogo; Member representing Sanga in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Gambo Dangana; Sanga LGA Chairman, Anto Usman; APC executives, former council chairmen, government appointees, and key stakeholders.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu meets Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade

    In a unanimous resolution, the party applauded the developmental strides and people-focused policies being championed by President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, describing them as transformative and worthy of continuity.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Balarabe highlighted the visible progress across Sanga and other rural communities under Governor Sani’s leadership. She specifically pointed to the ongoing construction of the Sanga–Jema’a road, a major infrastructure project initiated by the state government to boost connectivity and local economies.

    She urged APC members in the area to remain united and committed to the party’s goals, emphasizing that continued unity is key to sustaining the party’s gains at both the state and federal levels.

    Other speakers at the meeting echoed similar sentiments, commending Governor Sani for prioritizing Sanga in terms of infrastructure, economic empowerment, and political inclusion through key appointments of local indigenes.

    In his remarks, Sanga LGA Chairman Anto Usman assured that the people of Sanga would reciprocate the governor’s commitment to their development by giving him full support in the 2027 elections.

    The meeting concluded with a firm resolution to foster unity within the APC, recognising that cohesion and collective effort are crucial to political success in the coming years.

  • Prioritise your security, Gov Sani charges NYSC corps members

    Prioritise your security, Gov Sani charges NYSC corps members

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has charged the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the state to make security their top most priority.

    The governor gave the charge while declaring closed the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 Orientation exercise at NYSC temporary orientation camp, Government College Kaduna.

    Represented by the Commissioner, Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu, the Governor also urged corps members to avoid bad company, and remain vigilant. 

    “Prioritise your security and that of your colleagues. Avoid bad company, inform your friends about your whereabouts and remain vigilant”.

    He encouraged them to respect the culture and tradition of the people in their host communities.

    He, however, stressed that the state government is committed to ensuring their welfare and security, adding that the government will keep working tirelessly to ensure their comfort and safety.

    On her part, the state NYSC Coordinator, Efeke Murna Dadaza, urged the corps members to participate in activities that would impact positively on the lives of their host communities.

    Dadaza further urged them to avoid all forms of distractions and negative vices capable of truncating their future.

    She charged them to be good ambassadors of their families, institutions and NYSC, urging them to contribute positively to their host communities.

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    “Respect your employers and the culture of your host communities. Contribute positively to the communities through the execution of Community Development Services (CDS) projects.

    “The training you learned in camp was meant to give you foundation for self-reliance. Ensure that you build on the foundation by engaging in the post-camp training to perfect your skills and become self-employed later in life”.

    She however, commended Kaduna state government for their support and contributions to the success of the orientation course.

  • No other president has invested in agriculture like Tinubu, says Uba Sani

    No other president has invested in agriculture like Tinubu, says Uba Sani

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has said no other government has invested in agriculture like that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has done in the last two years.

    Sani spoke during the distribution of presidential palliative relief materials at the Umaru Yar’adua Conference Centre yesterday in Kaduna.

    The governor noted that President Tinubu’s interventions have reduced the level of poverty in the North.

    “The poverty level in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest, was hovering around 65 per cent to 70 per cent. But in the last two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made very important interventions. We are not just talking about palliatives; we are talking about deep structural support.

    “No other president has supported agriculture development like President Tinubu has done. We have received fertiliser support, funding for smallholder farmers, and billions in monetary support, irrespective of party affiliations. These interventions have addressed infrastructure deficit, job creation, and poverty reduction,” he said.

    Sani sought support for President Tinubu’s grassroots development agenda from all levels of government.

    The governor said the battle against poverty and unemployment cannot be won without full autonomy for local governments.

    READ ALSO: Awka: trader vs professor

    He noted that President Tinubu’s understanding of the challenges of sub-nationals has enabled his administration to initiate critical interventions for uplifting the poor, especially in Northern Nigeria.

    Sani stressed that local governments must be empowered to sustain the gains of President Tinubu’s administration.

    “Without allowing local governments to have autonomy, we cannot address poverty or employment in Nigeria. All 23 local government chairmen in Kaduna are here today. You are the real drivers of this initiative,” he added.

    Underscoring Kaduna State’s commitment to agriculture, the governor said the sector contributes about 43 per cent to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs around 60 per cent of the workforce.

    He added: “In Kaduna State, we are fighting poverty through agriculture. We want to remain the agricultural hub of Nigeria.”

    Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, lauded the President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, praising the President for his courage in implementing tough but necessary reforms.

    “The President thinks, breathes, and works for Nigeria. He’s confronting our realities without blame. Today, our global ratings have improved, and bold measures are turning the country in the right direction,” Bagudu said.

  • Southern Kaduna Professors reaffirm support for Tinubu, Uba Sani over inclusive governance

    Southern Kaduna Professors reaffirm support for Tinubu, Uba Sani over inclusive governance

    The Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors (FOSKAP) has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu and Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, over their commitment to “inclusive governance”.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, Chairman of the Forum, John Laah, noted that Southern Kaduna is undergoing a significant economic and political transformation under Tinubu and Sani-led governments.

    Laah noted that Tinubu and Sani’s inclusive governance policies have given the people of southern Kaduna a sense of belonging.

    “I will say this, and you can quote me. Funnily, it is when we have a southerner as president that we tend to get significant appointments in southern Kaduna,” he said.

    “Under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck, we had ministers of works, finance, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff.

    “Under northerners who became presidents (late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari), we had nothing, not even a minister.”

    He added that over the past two years, both the federal and the state governments have brought investments to southern Kaduna.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu swears in INEC commissioners, CCB board members

    Laah conveyed the forum’s appreciation to the president for approving the establishment of the federal institutions in the state, noting that it has renewed the residents’ belief in the Tinubu-led administration.

    He also expressed satisfaction with the appointments of Mathew Kukah, the Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, and Barnabas Qurix as the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, respectively.

    “We consider it necessary to address you today on issues that are defining and will continue to define our future as a people and as a region,” Laah added

    “Southern Kaduna is currently undergoing a phase of significant economic and political transformation, which has driven both our aspirations and expectations to elevated levels.

    “As critical stakeholders of Southern Kaduna and indeed Nigeria, the Southern Kaduna Professors have resolved to, from henceforth, engineer corresponding actions to support the impactful initiatives by the government (at all levels) and by our elected and appointed representatives.”

  • Governor Sani raises alarm over rising drug abuse among youths in northwest

    Governor Sani raises alarm over rising drug abuse among youths in northwest

    …as Kaduna pharmacists honour PSN president, deputy

    Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has expressed deep concern over the growing abuse of pharmaceutical opioids such as Tramadol and codeine among youths in the North West region, describing the trend as “alarming.”

    The governor made the remarks during a reception organised by the Kaduna branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in honour of its newly elected national president, pharmacist Ayuba Ibrahim, and deputy president (North), Pharmacist Aisha Isyaku.

    Speaking through the Director General of the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse (KADBUSA), Joseph O. Ike, Governor Sani called on the PSN to take proactive steps in tackling the escalating misuse of opioids among young people.

    He urged the new PSN leadership to build on existing efforts and deliver even greater impact to improve healthcare delivery in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.

    According to him, “As you are aware, in Nigeria, 1 out of 7 people use drugs according to the 2018 UNODC Survey. However, here in Northwestern Nigeria, we see an unacceptably high prevalence of abuse of pharmaceutical opioids like Tramadol and Codeine. This is especially worrying because we know that 1 out of 5 users of these types of drugs are addicted to them, and this portends not just a public health but security and developmental challenge for the region.

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    “With the new leadership at the national level, and with Pharm. Ibrahim Tanko Ibrahim as President and Pharm. Aisha Tukur Isyaku, as Deputy President North, we are confident that this partnership will be further strengthened and yield even greater results for the betterment of healthcare in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.”

    He described Pharmacists as an indispensable part of the healthcare ecosystem, adding, “Your expertise in dispensing medications, patient counselling, drug information, and increasingly, in public health initiatives, is vital to achieving our collective goal of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all citizens of Kaduna state.”

    In his goodwill message, chairman, PSC, Kaduna branch, Pharm. Sunday, Ali expressed confidence that the new leadership will usher in an era of progressive reforms, renewed advocacy and greater unity across the profession.

    The chairman, organising committee, Pharm. Jijiwa Fufore described the new President as a shining example of dedication, professionalism, humility and service.

    He then assured of thier continued support to advancing the profession, strengthening the PSN, promoting excellence and advising for a healthcare system where the role of pharmacists is fully recognise and respected.

    In his response, the new PSN national president pledged to uplift the society and the profession to greater heights. 

  • Uba Sani: Combating poverty, insecurity through skills acquisition and financial inclusion

    Uba Sani: Combating poverty, insecurity through skills acquisition and financial inclusion

    By Auwalu Mustapha

    Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has embarked on a transformative journey to address youth unemployment and insecurity through strategic investments in skills acquisition and vocational training. Recognizing the critical need to empower the youth, Governor Sani’s administration has initiated several key projects aimed at equipping young individuals with relevant skills for the modern workforce.

    One of the cornerstone initiatives of Governor Uba Sani’s administration is the development of Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba. These centers are designed to provide comprehensive training in various technical and vocational skills, including welding and fabrication, automotive mechatronics, solar power installation, artificial intelligence, and information and communication technology (ICT). The centers aim to train and certify 400 youths quarterly, totaling 1,600 annually, thereby significantly contributing to the reduction of youth unemployment in the state.

    To ensure the quality and recognition of the training programmes, the Kaduna State Government has partnered with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This collaboration facilitates the provision of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification, a globally recognized credential that enhances the employability of graduates both within Nigeria and internationally. Additionally, the centers offer certifications from renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Google, CISCO, and Huawei, further bolstering the credentials of the trainees.

    In a bid to integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern vocational training, Governor Sani’s administration has undertaken the remodeling of the Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna. This initiative aims to transform the market into a major center for skills acquisition and job creation, engaging over 38,000 artisans. The remodeled market will offer training in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, and electrical work, providing artisans with opportunities to enhance their skills and improve their livelihoods .

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    To oversee and coordinate the state’s skills development efforts, Governor Sani inaugurated the Kaduna State Skills Development Council in August 2024. Chaired by the governor himself, the council serves as the highest decision-making body for skills development in the state. Its primary responsibilities include developing a skills development framework, creating strategic implementation plans, and supervising the execution of operational plans aimed at addressing youth unemployment. The council’s formation underscores the administration’s commitment to a structured and sustainable approach to skills development .

    The initiatives spearheaded by Governor Sani have had a profound impact on youth unemployment and the much acclaimed non kinetic approach in stemming insecurity in Kaduna State. By providing young individuals with marketable skills, the programmes have enhanced their employability and entrepreneurial potential, thereby reducing the economic factors that often contribute to insecurity. The training centers not only equip youths with technical skills but also foster a culture of self-reliance and innovation, empowering them to contribute positively to society.

    Further, the emphasis on digital skills and modern technologies positions Kaduna State as a potential hub for technological innovation and industrial growth. The integration of ICT and artificial intelligence into the training programmes ensures that the youth are prepared for the demands of the global economy, making them competitive in various sectors.

    Governor Uba Sani’s strategic focus on skills acquisition and vocational training has set a commendable precedent in addressing youth unemployment and insecurity in Kaduna State. Through the establishment of specialized training centers, collaboration with national educational bodies, and the transformation of traditional markets into modern skills hubs, his administration has laid a solid foundation for sustainable youth empowerment. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they hold the promise of a more prosperous and secure future for the youth of Kaduna State.

    In the same regard, in his bid to speedily lift as many underserved citizens of the state from multi-dimensional poverty, Governor Uba Sani has prioritized the inclusion of underserved and unbanked citizens in the financial services sector. Recognizing that over 70% of Nigerians, particularly in the North-West region, were financially excluded, as at early 2023, Governor Sani initiated several measures to integrate persons that fall within this demography in Kaduna State into the formal financial system.

    In July 2023, Governor Sani signed an Executive Order aimed at bringing approximately 2.5 million underserved and vulnerable citizens into the financial services sector. The order mandated the development of a state financial inclusion strategy, the establishment of a state register for the poor and vulnerable, and collaboration with banks and fintech companies to open bank accounts for unbanked individuals. The initiative also included aggressive sensitization programs and financial literacy workshops to equip citizens with the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions.

    To facilitate the inclusion process, Governor Sani partnered with eTranzact, a leading Nigerian payment and switching firm. This collaboration introduced innovative banking products such as Credo and PocketMoni, designed to be accessible to a wide range of people, regardless of their locality. As a result, nearly 3 million residents in Kaduna State have benefited from these easy-to-use banking solutions, enabling them to access government interventions and financial services seamlessly.

    At the Kaduna Economic and Financial Inclusion Summit (KEFIS 2025), which held on Wednesday April 30, with the  theme: Expanding Financial Access for Sustainable Development, Governor Uba Sani set out to consolidate Kaduna State’s achievements in financial inclusion and further expand financial access to the unbanked, with particular focus on enhancing economic inclusion for vulnerable populations in the State.

    “Financial inclusion stands as a cornerstone of sustainable economic empowerment and societal progress. It goes far beyond the mere act of opening bank accounts. True financial inclusion is about granting individuals and communities the means to participate meaningfully in the economy, break the cycle of poverty, and elevate their quality of life through access to essential financial services,” Governor Uba Sani averred at the Summit.

    The Governor told participants and guests, that included Vice President Kashim Shettima (who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia), that he was happy to report that Kaduna State’s sustained economic and financial inclusion drive had significantly reduced the poverty rate and income inequality in the state. “Access to financial services and credit has lifted many people out of poverty. We have also been consciously and deliberately supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, significantly contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. They drive local economies and provide livelihoods for millions of our citizens. This is why my administration has committed itself to creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where MSMEs can grow, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economy of Kaduna State. More MSMEs have been created due to our interventions,” the Governor further remarked at the Summit.

    Indeed, understanding the importance of MSMEs in economic development, Governor Uba Sani allocated a N4.2 billion relief fund to assist over 4,000 SMEs and vulnerable households facing economic hardships. This intervention is aimed to alleviate the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living. Additionally, the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) supported 8,649 nano and micro businesses with grants ranging from N50,000 to N300,000, enabling them to expand their operations and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

    To further support the financial needs of civil servants, Governor Sani launched a N500 million Revolving Loan Scheme with a single-digit interest rate of 5%. This initiative aimed to provide civil servants with easy access to funds, thereby alleviating financial stress and improving their overall welfare. Over the past 18 months, the state government has disbursed approximately N4.7 billion for the settlement of death and gratuity benefits, demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of workers.

    The Kaduna State Governor’s financial inclusion initiatives have not only integrated millions of underserved citizens into the financial system but have also contributed to the state’s economic development. The introduction of digital banking solutions has facilitated access to government interventions, while the support for MSMEs has stimulated local businesses and job creation. Moreover, the financial literacy programmes have empowered citizens to make informed financial decisions, fostering a culture of savings and investment.

    Governor Uba Sani’s proactive approach to financial inclusion has significantly impacted the lives of underserved and unbanked citizens in Kaduna State. Through strategic partnerships, targeted interventions, and a commitment to financial literacy, his administration has laid a solid foundation for inclusive economic growth and development. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they hold the promise of a more prosperous and financially inclusive future for all residents of Kaduna State.

    • Auwalu Mustapha, a Freelance Journalist, Lives in Kawo, Kaduna

  • Traditional leaders key to peace, security, says Sani

    Traditional leaders key to peace, security, says Sani

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said that traditional leaders play key role in the success of the non-kinetic approach in tackling insecurity in the state.

    He said by sharing intelligence with security agencies.

    The Governor also said that the state is now one of the most peaceful sub-nationals because there has not been any record of ethno-religious or communal clash in the last two years.

    Sani,who spoke at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, where 23 vehicles were distributed to traditional leaders, noted that his administration holds the royal fathers in high esteem.

    ‘’They have been working day and night, sharing intelligence with security agents and ensuring that they are always close to our people at the community level and that is the reason why our non-kinetic approach towards addressing insecurity is working.

    ‘’Without the support of our traditional leaders, we would not have achieved security stability in Kaduna State. That is why today, we are not only supporting but encouraging you,’’ he said.

    According to the Governor, the vehicles is to motivate you because we cannot achieve much without synergy between the traditional institution, religious leaders, community leaders and the relevant security agencies in Kaduna State and the key to success is intelligence gathering and sharing.’’

     Sani,   who hailed the House of Representatives Speaker,  Abbas Tajudeen for facilitating the distribution of the vehicles, emphasized the need for synergy and collaboration amongst political office holders.

    Read Also: Traditional leaders key to peace, security – Gov Sani

    The Governor recalled that when he was at the  Senate, he brought intervention worth over N20 billion in the state, adding that the Faculty of Engineering at the Kaduna State University will be more than N12 billion when completed.

    ‘’Despite the fact that we couldn’t complete it before we left the Senate, but one of the sons of Kaduna State, Deputy Governor of Central Bank, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, is working closely with the Speaker to ensure that the project is completed. That is the synergy we are talking about,’’ he added.

    Sani recalled that when the Speaker started distributing the first tranche of vehicles, he reminded him that he should extend the goodwill to every local government in Kaduna State.

    ‘’I’m happy that today, every local government is benefiting from the benevolence and support of the Right Honourable Speaker. That is governance. We have relegated politics,’’ he pointed out.

    He  said that the House Speaker has been intervening in many areas on behalf of Kaduna State, especially in infrastructural development, health care, education and social development.

    House Speaker Abbas said that the distribution of vehicles is part of a broader collaboration with the Governor, which aims to strengthen the role of traditional rulers in peace-building and governance.

    “This event is a fulfilment of one of those discussions and shared commitments between myself and the Governor to interact with, and provide tangible support to, our traditional leaders,” he said.

    According to him, the vehicles were provided by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), adding that the latest tranche marks the fourth phase of a wider distribution plan.

    He added that 23 vehicles have now been allocated, following an initial phase which was done during Ramadan, when vehicles were distributed to emirs, district heads, and senior traditional figures in Zaria.

    “These vehicles are not just for ceremonial purposes,” Abbas said, adding that “they are meant to serve as essential working tools vehicles to aid our traditional rulers in reaching every part of their chiefdoms and emirates. This is critical in helping them maintain peace and ensure security throughout Kaduna State.”

    The Speaker also announced that the initiative has been captured in the 2025 federal budget, with plans to extend vehicle support and renovation of palaces across all three senatorial districts in the state.

    “Starting with the emirates covering 11 out of the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State, such renovation projects have already been initiated. Not less than 10 district heads and emirates have benefitted within the past year,” he revealed.

    The Speaker said that the ongoing Constitution Amendment will include provisions to grant traditional rulers a formal role in Nigeria’s governance structure.

    “I want to assure you that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to carve out a prominent role for our traditional rulers beginning from 2026,” he said.

  • Sani’s bluntness on North’s woes

    Sani’s bluntness on North’s woes

    Sir:  Governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani is neither just a complainant who seeks to hide under past failures to underperform nor a compliant leader who sustains retrogressive systems, but a kind of realist who adequately appreciates challenges and strives to surmount them. He not only avoids indulgence in escapism and skepticism, both of which hinder attainment of tangible results, but commits himself to the expansion of scope of governance as a strategy for the delivery of democracy dividends.

    As the member of the 9th Senate and current governor of Kaduna State who also belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Sani holds a position that is most critical to the peace and development of the North and therefore absolutely qualified to respond to the views of others on the region and the whole country. He reserves the right to, either as a counter-argument or simple clarification, respond to the issues being raised against the government of Kaduna State or even the Federal Government by some political opponents.

    It is, therefore, with the usual courage for which he is known that he acknowledges the predicaments of the North in particular and Nigeria in general, but always strongly attributes the persistence of the identified problems to the prolonged neglect that the North suffered when most of those critics were in positions of authority and could therefore have dealt with them.

    Atiku Abubakar who was a very powerful vice president, Nasir El-Rufai who was at various times the director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term governor of Kaduna State as well as some others like them who have turned themselves into regular attackers of even the most well-intentioned policies of the APC-controlled government are, by his judgement, guilty in this regard.

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    The bluntness with which he speaks about the North’s woes; tracing them to their sources, depicting their magnitude and proffering solutions, shows that he is prepared to tackle them to the extent that his position allows. As he continuously and desirably exposes the complacency of most of those critics at the time a lot of the challenges surfaced or even their complicity in the noticeable escalation of same, the Northerners and, by extension, all Nigerians are speedily becoming more knowledgeable about the origin and dimensions of the deterioration.

    By taking the blame for the underdevelopment of the North to the doorsteps of the critics and even advising them to apologise to the victims of their inaction, Governor Sani has fully spoken the minds of all well-meaning Northerners. It has already been widely realised that  succour for the North can be found only when such a realistic approach to the challenging issues is adopted and sustained.

    What is, perhaps, most laudable is his effort to make a difference by introducing measures for the integration of the neglected persons in Kaduna State into the financial circles to enable them benefit from the empowerment programmes and other services offered by governmental and non-governmental institutions. The inclusion, so far, of millions of people of Kaduna State in the social register as a result of which financial services have now become accessible to them is a giant and most desirable step towards poverty reduction, especially among the underprivileged members of the society.

    •Shuaibu Gimishuaibugimi1966@gmail.com