…Says I am a lucky President to have him as Kaduna Gov
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
In the heart of troubled North-West geopolitical zone, Kaduna State has been undergoing a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani. Just two years into his tenure, Sani has defied expectations, bringing peace, stability, and development to a state once plagued by political, ethnic and religious tensions.
His inclusive governance style, people-centered policies, and commitment to transparency have earned him widespread acclaim, positioning him strongly for a second term in office by 2027.
So, when President Bola Tinubu came to Kaduna on June 19, 2025 to commission some projects executed by Governor Uba Sani, he was overwhelmed by the transformation of the state under two years of the governor’s administration.
President Tinubu did not waste time to call on other state governors to emulate the Kaduna State Governor in projects execution, especially in the establishment of skills acquisition centre.
Tinubu described Uba Sani as an agent of change, stability, love and progress.
“I think I am a lucky President to have you as the governor of Kaduna State, the great people of Kaduna love you and that extends to our commitment to democracy, justice and dignity of life. You are a good leader and I am very happy we have to work with you.
“I am proud to say that Kaduna is rising again and we will work with you.
For this, in every aspect of your development agenda we will do our best to ensure we achieve the vision of progress, prosperity. Don’t forget the fact that the light rail project is there on our focus, we are going to do it and we will do it together.
“I have seen example of people-oriented commitment development agenda in the governor who has established not only critical sector to change and develop the minds of our youths leaving schools, as well as providing them with skills and opportunities to excel.
“I have seen Governor Uba Sani, an agent of change, stability, love, unity and progress. Uba Sani has performed wonders and changed the environment from toxic, uncontrollable environment to a state of life, progress and development. I say thank you my comrade.
“I am pleased to be back here in Kaduna State. I share a very long standing and meaningful connection throughout my journey in life in politics, business and the pursuit of democracy and fundamental rights.
“I am particularly impressed with the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in this state. I remember when I came for campaigns, we had to go to Birnin Gwari with a battalion of security.
“I have it on good authority that you can move to Birnin Gwari today around midnight without fear of attack. Peace is the hallmark of development, that is why you are able to channel a system that is yielding results. Thank you, Governor Uba Sani for the good job you are doing,” Tinubu said.
Indeed, President Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna State for the commissioning of projects has boosted Sani’s confidence, demonstrating the president’s support for his administration’s efforts. This development, analysts say, has further solidified Sani’s position and reinforced his chances of securing a second term in office.
However, Sani’s path to re-election may not be without challenges. His predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been vocal about his intentions to work against his (Sani) re-election bid in 2027. This development has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Sani’s chances of securing a second term.
Despite this challenge, Sani’s inclusive governance style, some Kaduna residents say, has helped to build a broad coalition of support that transcends ethnic and religious lines. By prioritising the needs of citizens and engaging with local leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and faith-based actors, Sani, they further argued, has earned widespread acclaim and positioned himself strongly for re-election.
“As the 2027 gubernatorial election approaches, Sani’s achievements are likely to earn him a second term in office. His ability to balance competing interests and prioritise the needs of his citizens has earned him widespread acclaim, positioning him strongly for another round of office tenure in 2027,” one of the APC chieftains, added.
Governor Sani had earlier welcomed President Tinubu to Kaduna, and commended him for commissioning projects in the state.
According to Sani, the president’s presence in Kaduna was a testament to his commitment to transforming the lives of Nigerians.
Interestingly, many political observers noted that President Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna State was a significant development in the state’s history, with many residents expressing hope that his leadership will bring about positive change in the state and the country at large.
It was further observed that the president’s commissioning of projects in Kaduna State is expected to boost the state’s economy and improve the lives of its residents.
The projects, which were commissioned, are part of the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and provide essential services to the people, the governor said.
Daily Sun recalls that when Governor Sani took office, Kaduna was grappling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a struggling economy.
However, the governor’s vision for a “Kaduna Renaissance” has been nothing short of transformative, some of the residents say. Through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic measures, Governor Sani is said to have improved security across the state, fostering community engagements and conflict resolution.
His efforts have reclaimed abandoned farmlands, reopened schools, and restored economic activities in previously volatile areas like Birnin Gwari.
According to a senior citizen of the state, one of Governor Sani’s most significant achievements has been his commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state.
He added that despite the state’s diverse religious landscape, Sani has worked tirelessly to promote interfaith harmony, often participating in Christian activities like Christmas carols and other significant events. This approach, he noted, has helped to build trust and understanding between the two major religious groups, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose among Kaduna’s citizens.
“During Christmas celebrations, Governor Sani has been known to join Christians in their carol celebrations, demonstrating his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony. This gesture has been widely appreciated by the Christian community, who see it as a sign of the governor’s respect for their faith and traditions.
“Another of Sani’s most significant achievements has been his commitment to education. By reducing tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 30 percent and 50 percent, he has made education more accessible and affordable for Kaduna’s youth.
“The results are telling: Kaduna State has risen from 12th to 7th in WAEC rankings, a testament to the governor’s focus on improving academic performance. Additionally, Sani has constructed and upgraded schools, including 62 new secondary schools and 1,049 classrooms, providing a conducive learning environment for thousands of students.
“Healthcare has also received significant attention under Sani’s administration. The governor has upgraded 250 primary health centres to level two, improving maternal and child health services and recruiting 2,000 additional personnel to staff these facilities. Furthermore, he has approved the conversion of Kafanchan General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, expanding access to quality healthcare services for citizens.
“Infrastructure development has been another key area of focus for Sani’s administration. The governor has invested heavily in road construction and rehabilitation, linking rural areas to urban centres and improving access to markets, schools, and hospitals. The launch of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Kaduna has also enhanced transportation infrastructure, making it easier for citizens to move around the state,” the senior citizen added.
Investigations also revealed that Governor Sani’s economic policies have also produced some fruits. It was gathered that through the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), he has attracted billions of naira in domestic and foreign investment, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The governor’s financial inclusion programmes have also had a significant impact, opening bank accounts for over 2.5 million citizens and registering nearly seven million for National Identification Numbers (NIN).
Daily Sun further learnt that a key factor in Governor Sani’s success has been his commitment to transparency and accountability. The governor has re-established the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, promoting public engagement and transparency. He has also digitised public procurement and contracting processes, reducing corruption and ensuring that government contracts are awarded fairly and transparently. Regular publication of financial disclosures has demonstrated Governor Sani’s commitment to fiscal discipline and accountability.