Can Uba Sani deliver security and prosperity to Kaduna?

BY AUDU USMAN

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, the governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, attended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) annual Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol—the continuation of a tradition he started in 2023, where he attended a similar carol.

In a state previously marked by ethnic and religious tension, the gesture by Uba Sani did not only herald the beginning of a new dawn for Kaduna; it also symbolised a new chapter for the state, where tolerance, respect for ethnic and religious identity, and peaceful coexistence are the new order. Everyone, including those within and outside Kaduna, described Uba Sani’s warm gesture as a sharp contrast from the past and a commitment by his government to rebuild trust and return Kaduna to the foundations of good governance.

Prior to 2023, Kaduna was a hotbed of violence as a result of ethnic and communal attacks, especially in southern Kaduna. From Chikun, Kajuru to Zango Kataf, the situation was the same. The region experienced frequent communal clashes and banditry that left many internally displaced and made several other people flee for their lives. However, on the heels of Sen. Uba Sani’s assumption of office in May 2023, Kaduna South and other parts of Kaduna have begun to enjoy relative calm—the banditry and violent attacks have slowed down, earning the governor the alias man of peace, from admirers within and outside Kaduna.

It was important to highlight these efforts because the idea of development without peace is elusive—in other words, peace is a precondition for prosperity. Sen. Uba Sani’s approach of rebuilding trust, reconciliation, and open engagement with ethnic and religious groups has brought stability to Kaduna and also allowed his government the headroom to focus on delivering economic growth and democratic dividends to the people of Kaduna.

And so far, the governor has managed to deliver the greatest good within the shortest possible time. Through his SUSTAIN agenda, he is expanding government presence to regions that have experienced minimal or the least government presence and bridging the rural-urban gap. The Governor has already recorded tangible progress in the areas of direct investment, infrastructure upgrade, and human capital development. It was as a result of these modest and tangible efforts that the governor was named by ThisDay Newspaper in January as Governor of the Year 2024.

On foreign direct investments (FDIs), Kaduna State stands tall as one of the few states in Nigeria, attracting consistent investment despite the global economic headwinds. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), only four states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) attracted foreign investment in Q3 2024.

Some of the investments that Kaduna has attracted under Sen. Uba Sani include the Lithium Processing Plant in Kaduna, a partnership between the Kaduna State Government and Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nigeria Ltd., with an initial capacity of 1500 metric tonnes per day. Another major investment is the construction of the $50 million Soya Bean Oil Refining Plant by Sunagrow International Oil Ltd. at Kutungare, Igabi Local Government, with a production capacity of 500,000 litres per day. These investments have had a multiplier effect on the economy of the state, especially in the areas of job creation, government revenue, and commercial activities around the areas where the industries are located.

In the area of infrastructure, the governor believes that no region must be left behind. He has frequently expressed his commitment to bridging the rural-urban divide and ensuring that infrastructure projects spread across the state. At last count, the government is currently constructing more than 54 roads across Kaduna State, estimated at 679.5 km. Examples include the 35 km road from Gadan Gayan through Gwaraji to Kujama Junction, linking Igabi and Chikun Local Governments; the 18 km road in Gwantu through Kiban, linking Sanga to Jama’a Local Government Area; the 35.6 km road from Bagoma to Gagumi through Ungwan Fari, Idi Labo, Awaro, Tashan Keji, and Sabon Layi in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area; among other key projects.

One of the government’s seven-point agenda is investment in human capital. As a demonstration of this commitment, the government is constructing three Vocational and Technological Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samarun Kataf, and Soba that will provide technical and vocational skills to young people in Kaduna. Some of the skills on offer include welding and fabrication, articulated vehicle driving, automobile gas conversion, automotive mechatronics, solar power installation, electrical installation, tiling, fashion and design, among others.

To standardise the vocational and technical schools, the Kaduna State government is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification to formalise the knowledge and skills that would be acquired at the centres.

Without any doubt, Sen. Uba Sani is delivering security and prosperity to the people of Kaduna through his SUSTAIN agenda. Sen. Uba Sani’s quiet but bold leadership has restored public trust, unity, and stability to Kaduna State, which has formed the foundation for good governance and accelerated development. And irrespective of political leaning, there is a growing consensus that this is the beginning of a new dawn for Kaduna.

Audu Usman writes from Kaduna.