Our diversity must unite us — Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his commitment to building a state where diversity is embraced as a source of strength and every citizen is given the opportunity to live with dignity.

The governor spoke on Saturday as the Chief Host at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), where he said his administration’s vision is anchored on unity, peace, and sustainable development.

Governor Uba Sani said this commitment informed his government’s prioritisation of security, noting that improved safety has restored confidence and enabled free movement across communities previously affected by fear and insecurity.

He commended the foresight of the organisation’s founding fathers, including the late Sultan of Sokoto, Sir Abubakar III; the late Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo; the late Sheikh Abubakar Gummi; and Shattiman Katsina, Alhaji Muhammadu Ali Kaita, noting that they understood that true faith is reflected in service to humanity.

According to him, for five decades the Aid Group has contributed to education, healthcare, social welfare, and community development, impacting lives across religious, ethnic, and social divides.

The governor also highlighted the role of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam and other sister organisations in coordinating Hajj operations, describing it as a symbol of discipline, unity, and organisational excellence. He added that the group has grown into a professional institution active in advocacy, public enlightenment, and disaster management.

Uba Sani disclosed that his administration has established three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, which train about 32,000 youths annually and equip them with skills for productive livelihoods.

He thanked the leadership of the Aid Group for appointing him as Patron and for conferring on him an award of excellence, describing the honour as recognition of a shared commitment to compassion, inclusion, and development rather than personal achievement.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, thanked the governor for hosting the event, noting that the Aid Group is Nigeria’s first uniformed voluntary first-aid organisation, which has grown steadily without internal crises.

He said the organisation has a presence in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and has earned a reputation for timely and effective humanitarian response, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other development projects, as well as promoting interfaith dialogue.

Also speaking, the Political Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, who donated ₦100 million and ₦50 million on behalf of himself and his mother respectively, emphasised the group’s role in youth development and urged young people to shun drug abuse, which he described as a major driver of crime and social breakdown.

At the event, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chief Hope Uzodimma, donated ₦100 million, while Yobe State Governor, represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, donated ₦50 million.