Uba Sani calls for unity at Kaduna Christmas Carol

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Sunday attended the 2025 Christmas Carol organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, reaffirming his commitment to unity and inclusive governance.

The event, which brought together various Christian denominations, was held at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre. It featured prayers and musical renditions by different church choirs.

Governor Sani recalled that he had attended the Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol last year at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi High Cost, where he pledged to participate in subsequent editions throughout his tenure. Sunday’s event marked the third time he would be celebrating the occasion with the Christian community in the state.

Speaking at the gathering, the Governor said each occasion reminded him that faith remains “one of the most enduring bridges to unity, healing, and collective progress” in society. He described Christmas not only as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, humility, compassion, and selfless service.

According to him, these values transcend religious boundaries and speak to shared humanity, challenging citizens to become better neighbours, fairer leaders, and more compassionate people.

Governor Sani explained that his presence at the carol was driven by choice, conviction, and commitment, noting that such gatherings renew hope and reconnect society to timeless values that bind people together. He added that he attended not only as Governor but also as a citizen seeking inspiration during a season of deep significance to Christians worldwide.

He commended religious leaders and worshippers across Kaduna State for their prayers, counsel, and dedication to peace, stressing that their commitment had played a crucial role in maintaining stability in the state. He praised their choice of dialogue over division and unity over suspicion, noting that these decisions are shaping a more hopeful present and a secure future.

The Governor said hosting the Christmas Carol symbolised openness, inclusion, and progress, urging Kaduna to remain a model where faith builds bridges, diversity drives development, and unity safeguards the future.

Reiterating his pledge made on May 29, 2023, Governor Sani said he remains committed to serving all residents of Kaduna State without fear or favour, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation, guided by fairness, justice, equity, and inclusiveness.

Highlighting achievements of his administration over the past two and a half years, he disclosed that 85 roads spanning 785 kilometres were completed or advanced in the first phase of the state’s road infrastructure programme. In the second phase, over 50 additional roads and bridges covering more than 550 kilometres were launched, improving connectivity for rural and previously neglected communities.

He noted that before his administration, 12 local government areas had not benefited from a single kilometre of motorable road in over a decade. Today, at least 18 local government areas are linked with modern roads, with ongoing efforts to cover all 23 local councils.

In the health sector, the Governor said his administration has upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres to Level Two status—the highest number achieved by any state in Nigeria—bringing quality healthcare closer to the people and improving maternal and child health outcomes. He also highlighted the commissioning of a 300-bed Specialist Hospital named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Sani added that agriculture, which contributes over 42 per cent of Kaduna State’s GDP, now receives one of the largest budgetary allocations in the state’s history. He said the sector’s allocation rose from less than one per cent in 2023 to over ten per cent in the last two years, increasing further to about twelve per cent in the 2026 budget—surpassing the Malabo Declaration target.

He thanked President Tinubu for selecting Kaduna as the pilot state for the Nigeria–China Poultry Project, describing the decision as a strong vote of confidence in the state’s stability, capacity, and leadership.