By Tony Adams
Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, is on a roll. In a hurry to reverse the years of setback, he is tirelessly working, on all cylinders. And all his efforts are not going unnoticed. Recently, The Nation newspaper reported that the Kaduna State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) felicitated with Sani as OrderPaper Nigeria, a legislation and policy-based institution, honoured Sani as an Icon of the Fourth Republic for his “exceptional record in public service, vigorous legislative engagements, and unwavering dedication to good governance.”
They described the award as a testament to Sani’s commitment to democratic ideals in the country. In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the Chairmen described the governor’s time as a Senator representing Kaduna Central as impactful with ‘landmark bills aimed at strengthening national security, advancing anti-corruption reforms, and modernising Nigeria’s legal structures.’
ALGON highlighted the governor’s strategic focus on security, rural development, agricultural revitalisation, expanded healthcare access and human capital investment. They also commended Sani for enabling the local governments and encouraging development at the grassroots.
“His Excellency is widely regarded as the People’s Governor for his commitment to inclusive governance that touches every community,” the statement read. In January, Sani was recognised as the ‘Governor of the Year’ at the 30th anniversary of ThisDay newspaper. At the event, Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of the newspaper, said that Sani was “very frugal in managing resources” and “gradually restoring peace to Kaduna.”
Of course, the Kaduna Model whereby all stakeholders in communities like Traditional, Political, Religious, Union and Youth leaders, and other state and federal officials including vigilantes, police, immigration, DSS, army and air force came together to restore peace in hitherto troubled regions is testament of his efforts.
A few days after he bagged the ThisDay award, Sani was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Entrepreneurship (Honoris Causa) by the Federal University of Technology, Minna in Niger State at its 33rd Convocation Ceremony. The Governing Council of the university bestowed the honour on the governor for his “lifetime dedication to entrepreneurship, human capital development, and economic empowerment.”
The awards recognise the governor’s dedication to achieving excellence. In the early days of his administration, Sani hinted to other state government officials and appointees that they would suffer deprivations such as new vehicles in order to provide more public goods. To the governor, the latter was of more importance.
Hence, two years later in office, his scorecard revealed a long list of achievements. Former bandit havens like Birnin Gwari are now safe with abandoned markets re-opened while farmers are able to go to their farms without fear. Large scale investment in agriculture and support to farmers is on the rise. Repairs of General Hospitals and Primary Health Care centres across the state are ongoing. He is building new schools, providing school furniture, as well as securing the schools. There has also been a focus on regulating and commercialising mining activities as well as other industrial interventions in the state.
And with emphasis on human capital development, the Sani-led administration focused on building three Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Centers in Soba, Igabi, and Zangon Kataf local government areas. Also, under him, Kaduna State embarked on remodelling Panteka Market to be a major skill acquisition hub which would engage about 40, 000 globally certified artisans. These interventions and others endear Sani to Kaduna residents. However, the most visible of all might be the provision of roads.
At the commissioning of an abandoned major arterial road in Unguwan Sarki in Kaduna North local government in May, the Sarkin Unguwan Sarki, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa, expressed joy. He said the road leads to the Sultan of Sokoto’s Kaduna home, adding that with the construction of the road, Unguwan Sarki has bounced back to its bustling self and business is now booming. The revival of the long stretch of road from Federal Government College, Malali, through FRCN quarters to Unguwan Dosa has also brought succour to the people in that axis. And in appreciation, the Chairman of Kaduna North local government, Alhaji Muhammad Gambo, named the road after Governor Uba Sani. Ironically, Unguwan Sarki is the ward of former Governor Nasir El Rufai.
In Igabi local government area, the Sani-led administration also constructed the Rafin Guza-Malalin Gabas road. Hitherto, it was cumbersome for residents to travel to Kawo, with travel time reaching about two hours. While admitting that Igabi holds a special place in Sani’s heart, the Chairman of Igabi local Government, Alhaji Sani Abdul Zangon Aya, appreciated the siting of one of the six Science Secondary Schools in Igabi. He also lauded the siting of one of the three Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centres at Rigachukun, which is in Igabi local government area.
However, while the Youth leader in Unguwan Sarki, Aliyu Faruk, applauded Sani’s intervention in road infrastructure, he pleaded with Sani to restore water supply to the area because water pipes were destroyed during the Urban Renewal Programme. Responding, Sani revealed that Kaduna has invested over ₦100 billion in the last six months to tackle water scarcity across all local governments, including repairs. “We have already spent over ₦400 million to repair and replace destroyed water pipelines,” said Sani. “By the end of this year, Kaduna will enjoy uninterrupted water supply.”
While campaigning to become governor, Sani had promised to construct at least 50 kilometres of road in the 23 local governments of the state. “In the past 20 months, our administration has initiated over 78 road projects across Kaduna State, covering a total of approximately 775 kilometres,” Sani said. “We are steadily fulfilling our promises to the good people of Kaduna State. We are simultaneously transforming rural and urban poor communities that have often been overlooked.”
And recognising the importance of agriculture as the highest employer and revenue generator, the state government placed a premium emphasis on building rural roads. The logic of linking more farmers to their farms and markets birthed the nearly 22 kilometre Madauchi–Madakiya–Kafanchan route. Likewise, the construction of 327 kilometres of roads from Anguwan Dosa through to the Eastern Bypass weaves together urban and rural zones, invoking growth galore in agri-business and commerce.
Little wonder the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) chose Kaduna to launch and site the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program in Nigeria. This $538 million initiative aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector by promoting agro-industrial development and food security. For providing road infrastructures, quite a number of Kaduna residents like the Igbai LGA Chairman, Alhaji Aya, openly call for his return as governor in 2027. They are right but they don’t get the full picture.
Beyond roads, Sani is silently imprinting his name as in midwifing the rebirth of Kaduna as a northern Nigerian economic powerhouse. Under him, the state is recording serial successes with what seems to be his ability to turn everything he touches into Gold. Just like Midas. That may be closer to the real picture of why Kaduna people want Sani back.
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