Open governance, stakeholders’ engagement driving Kaduna’s development — Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani has attributed the successes of his administration in Kaduna State to open governance and inclusive leadership. Speaking on Sunday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House during a Sallah homage by members of the Kaduna Elders Forum, the Governor highlighted the strides his government has made in human capital development and infrastructure.

Governor Sani emphasized that his commitment to engaging citizens and stakeholders has been central to the administration’s achievements.

“We promised to deepen citizen engagement from day one, and we have kept that promise by actively involving key stakeholders in our governance process,” he said.

He thanked members of the Kaduna Elders Forum, led by Co-Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, for their continued support and valuable contributions.

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“You have stood by us with your advice and experience, and we are grateful,” the Governor said, also acknowledging the role of the Forum’s other Co-Chairman, General Zamani Lekwot (Rtd).

Governor Sani praised the forum, which comprises retired civil servants, former security personnel, diplomats, and seasoned public officials, for playing a crucial role in tackling insecurity and supporting development initiatives in the state.

Highlighting his administration’s investments, the Governor said significant efforts have gone into improving agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare.

“When we assumed office, there was a major infrastructure gap, especially between rural and urban areas. Out of 79 road projects flagged off, 26 have been completed, with 60% located in rural communities,” he noted.

In healthcare, the Governor revealed that only two of the state’s 32 general hospitals were fully functional when he took office.

“We have renovated, equipped, and remodeled 15 hospitals, and just last week we commissioned five of them. In a few weeks, nine more will be ready,” he stated.

He also emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare, describing it as a fundamental right.

“Kaduna is the only state that has upgraded its Primary Health Centres (PHCs) from Level 1 to Level 2—about 250 facilities in total. This achievement recently earned us a $500,000 award from the Federal Ministry of Health,” he added.

On agriculture, which contributes 43% of Kaduna’s GDP and employs 60% of its workforce, Governor Sani said his administration significantly increased the sector’s funding.

“We moved from just N1.4 billion in the previous budget to over N84 billion today, meeting the Malabo Declaration benchmark of allocating at least 10% of the budget to agriculture,” he said.

Education is another top priority. “It’s a leveller and a tool for empowerment.

In two years, we’ve built 62 new secondary schools and over 2,340 primary school classrooms. We’ve also recruited and trained more teachers and improved school facilities,” the Governor said.

In his remarks, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha commended Governor Sani for fostering unity and promoting democracy in Kaduna State.

“Under your leadership, Kaduna is now a model of ethno-religious harmony and genuine democracy. You’ve made remarkable progress in education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure,” he said.

Other members of the Kaduna Elders Forum present included Ambassador Sule Buba, Dr. Yusuf Bature Aliyu, Bawa Sani Yariman Marwa, Alhaji Abubakar Musa Soba, Chief Peter Buba, Hon. Danbaba Chiroman Kwasam, Alhaji Rabiu Bako, Mr. Habila Dogo, and Prof. Matoh Dogara.