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By Amos Kankardi
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, is righting the wrongs of many years one step at a time through deliberate and intentional policies that promote ‘healing and restoration’ throughout the state. For years, tension between Muslim and Christian communities, particularly in the southern part of the state, often exacerbated by policies perceived as favoring one group over another, festered. However, under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, a new chapter is gradually unfolding before our eyes – one marked by deliberate efforts to heal old wounds, foster inclusivity, and enthrone the principles of fairness, justice, and equity.
A pivotal symbol of this shift is the recent revival of the Christian pilgrimage program, which had been suspended for 11 years now. The suspension happened during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. By approving 50 Christians from Kaduna to embark on this holy journey, Governor Uba Sani is not just reinstating a religious initiative; he is extending an olive branch to the predominantly Christian population of Southern Kaduna, signaling that their voices are heard and their spiritual needs respected. This move has brought smiles back to the faces of many in Southern Kaduna, who have felt marginalized in the past, and it underscores the governor’s commitment to bridging divides and promoting unity.
Kaduna State, with its diverse population, has a history riddled with ethno-religious conflicts. Southern Kaduna, home to numerous ethnic groups that are largely Christian, has often borne the brunt of these tensions. During Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s administration, which spanned eight years from 2015 to 2023, several decisions stirred controversy within the Christian community. One such decision was the scrapping of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency, which effectively halted the state-sponsored Christian pilgrimage scheme. The last pilgrimage under state sponsorship occurred in November 2014, during the brief administration of Governor Ramalan Yero, when 567 pilgrims were airlifted to Israel. The suspension under El-Rufai was seen by many Christians as a deliberate sidelining of their religious practices, contributing to a sense of alienation and injustice.
The resumption of the program under Governor Uba Sani represents a stark departure from the era of perceived exclusion. Announced during the 2026 orientation program for intending pilgrims, the approval for 50 beneficiaries to travel under government sponsorship has been hailed by stakeholders and all as a bold step toward inclusive governance. This initiative is part of a broader policy framework designed by the Governor Uba Sani administration to address past wrongs and promote healing. From the outset of his tenure, Governor Uba Sani has emphasized inclusivity as a cornerstone of his governance. His administration’s policies aim to ensure that all segments of Kaduna’s population—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or geography—feel represented and valued. This includes equitable distribution of resources, appointments that reflect the state’s diversity, and programs that cater to the spiritual and social needs of various communities. The revival of the Christian pilgrimage is a tangible manifestation of this policy, demonstrating a commitment to fairness by rectifying a long-standing grievance.
Rev. Ma’aji Bawa, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), captured the sentiment of many in an interview he granted to a national newspaper. He described the governor’s decision as a “bold and inclusive move” that has “restored hope and strengthened the confidence of Christians in the state.” Rev. Bawa’s words resonate deeply, especially in Southern Kaduna, where Christians form the majority. For residents there, who have endured years of insecurity, economic marginalization, and perceived government neglect, this gesture is more than symbolic—it’s a beacon of renewed trust.
Rev. Bawa emphasized that while the initial number of 50 pilgrims is modest, it serves as a foundation upon which to build. He expressed optimism that future allocations would increase, allowing more faithful to participate in this spiritual exercise.
Importantly, Rev. Bawa clarified the true essence of pilgrimage, countering any misconceptions that it is merely a recreational outing. “Pilgrimage is not a jamboree. Those going are embarking on a spiritual journey to seek God’s face. They will pray for peace, unity, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he asserted. This perspective aligns with the administration’s vision of leveraging faith as a tool for societal progress. By sponsoring pilgrims, the government acknowledges the role of religion in fostering moral values, community cohesion, and even economic stability. The pilgrims are expected to intercede for the state, praying against the perennial issues of violence, poverty, and division that have plagued Kaduna. In this way, the program transcends individual spiritual fulfillment and contributes to the collective ‘healing’ that Governor Uba Sani’s policies seek to achieve.
The symbolic and spiritual significance of this revival cannot be overstated. As Rev. Bawa noted, it reflects the government’s recognition of religious diversity and its importance in societal development. “This gesture shows inclusiveness and respect for religious diversity. It strengthens the relationship between the government and the Christian community,” he added.
In a state like Kaduna, where interfaith relations have often been strained, actions like this are crucial for building bridges. Governor Uba Sani administration’s approach contrasts sharply with the past, where decisions like the scrapping of the pilgrims’ agency were viewed as divisive. Now, by reinstating the program, the governor is actively working to enthrone justice and equity, ensuring that Christians, particularly those in Southern Kaduna, are not left behind.
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This inclusivity extends beyond religion; it encompasses ethnic considerations, as Southern Kaduna’s diverse groups—such as the Bajju, Kataf, and Ham—stand to benefit from a more equitable share of state resources and opportunities.
Reactions from other state officials further reinforce the narrative of unity and fairness. During the orientation program, the Head of Service, Jimami Bako, commended Governor Uba Sani for restoring the initiative. She highlighted how this decision exemplifies leadership that balances spiritual and social wellbeing with economic and infrastructural development. Similarly, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, described the program as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to justice and unity. He urged the pilgrims to use their journey to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity—not just for Kaduna but for the entire nation. These endorsements from within the government underscore a unified front in promoting inclusivity, dispelling any notions of favoritism and instead projecting a holistic approach to governance.
For the beneficiaries themselves, the resumption is a confidence-building measure with the potential to enhance interfaith harmony. Many in Southern Kaduna, who have felt the sting of past policies, now see a government that is responsive to their needs. This is particularly poignant given the region’s history of conflicts, where religious differences have sometimes been exploited for political gain.
By sponsoring Christian pilgrims, Governor Uba Sani is signaling that his administration views faith communities as partners in progress rather than adversaries. This policy of ‘healing’ addresses not only spiritual voids but also social and emotional scars, fostering an environment where fairness prevails.
However, as with any initiative, transparency remains key to its success. Rev. Bawa has called for a credible and fair selection process, emphasizing that only spiritually committed and responsible individuals should be chosen. “We expect a credible and transparent process. Those selected must understand the purpose of pilgrimage and represent the state with dignity,” he said. This call for accountability aligns with the administration’s ethos of justice and equity, ensuring that the program benefits genuine pilgrims rather than becoming a tool for patronage.
Looking ahead, the resumption of the Christian pilgrimage holds promise for greater harmony, unity, and spiritual renewal across Kaduna State. As the initial 50 pilgrims prepare for their journey, they carry the hopes of many who see this as the beginning of a more equitable era. Governor Uba Sani’s administration, through such policies, is laying the groundwork for a Kaduna where past wrongs are acknowledged and rectified, where Southern Kaduna’s Christians can thrive alongside their Muslim counterparts, and where inclusivity is not just a slogan but a lived reality.
For the people of Southern Kaduna, this is a reason to smile again—a sign that their spiritual aspirations are valued in the broader quest for a united and prosperous state. This gesture proves that true leadership lies in bridging divides and uplifting all.
. Kankardi, a Chartered Surveyor, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna State.
Quote: “Under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, a new chapter is gradually unfolding before our eyes – one marked by deliberate efforts to heal old wounds, foster inclusivity, and enthrone the principles of fairness, justice, and equity.”
•Mr Dahiru is an Abuja-based journalist
