‘We’ll treat you equally’ — Uba Sani pledges support for Igbo community in Kaduna

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, says the Igbo community will receive equal treatment and support under his administration.

Sani spoke at the annual Igbo cultural celebration on Saturday in Kaduna, where he was honoured with the title “Ezi Enyi Ndigbo” by the community.

The governor praised the Igbos as “people of culture” who have held onto to their rich heritage “despite the pressures of modernisation”.

He described them as “industrious, hard working, resilient, resourceful, and accommodative.”

“You have continued to make immeasurable contributions to the development of our dear state,” he said.

“Despite challenges, your faith remained unshaken. I urge you to continue to invest in critical sectors in the state.”

Sani thanked the community for the title, calling it a testament to his “long-standing relationship with the Igbos”.

He emphasised his administration’s efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen security, forging unity and creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

“Our economic agenda is designed to sustain Kaduna State’s enviable status as a premier investment destination in Nigeria,” he said.

“We aim to attract investments across diverse sectors, create jobs, and facilitate technology and skills transfer, making the labour force more skilled.

“We are willing to partner with Igbo industrialists and entrepreneurs. We offer very attractive incentives. We are one of the leading states with ease of doing business in Nigeria.”

He announced that “a large expanse of land” will be allocated for the construction of a spare parts market in the state.

“The Igbos will be the greatest beneficiaries of plots of land for the market,” Sani said.

“The allocation papers are being perfected by the Kaduna State Geographic Information System (KADGIS).

“I will personally perform the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the market. You have contributed peace and development in Kaduna state. As a government, what I can do for you is to ensure that everyone in Kaduna is treated equally.

“We don’t believe in indigene dichotomy. Everyone who lives in Kaduna and pays tax will be treated equally. When I was elected governor, we made it clear that we don’t believe in ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

“We are one people created by God. I can assure you that we will continue to carry everyone along in our government, regardless of our differences.

”I can say without fear of contradiction that we are the most cosmopolitan state in the whole of Nigeria.

“We are going to use that as our strength in Kaduna state. That is why I welcome everyone, whether Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, or any other tribe. No one will be discriminated against.”

Uba said he has appointed four individuals from the south-east geopolitical zone, and asked the community to nominate one more person for another position.

Sani also donated a bus to the community to aid their activities.