Bashir Aliyu: How Kaduna is taking shape under Uba Sani

For a long time, Kaduna was associated with divisions and worries. Since Governor Uba Sani assumed office in May 2023, the narrative has shifted. People now discuss roads, clinics, classrooms, and most importantly, a peace that was previously unattainable. Peace is the foundation upon which everything else in Kaduna rests, making it the ideal starting point.

Governor Sani asserts that the state has remained free from ethno-religious crises for more than two and a half years. He attributes this success to inclusive governance, engagement with traditional rulers, and an Interfaith Council established to promote dialogue among different religious and ethnic groups. The governor's efforts have not gone unnoticed internationally, as the United Kingdom recently lowered its travel advisory for Kaduna from red to amber.

In December 2025, Governor Sani attended the Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria, accompanied by his entire cabinet. This gesture of inclusivity, sitting with Christian leaders and his entire government, sends a powerful message that words alone cannot convey. Religious leaders have also taken note of the improved relations between Christians and Muslims.

At a recent interfaith dialogue, leaders from both faiths expressed their appreciation for the enhanced relationships and recalled the governor's solemn commitment to govern fairly, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations.

The tangible impact of the governor's policies is evident in the infrastructure development. Kaduna is witnessing the construction of 140 road projects spanning 1,335 kilometres, with 66 projects already completed. This effort extends beyond the state capital, with a notable 35-kilometre road connecting over 76 farming communities.

The governor emphasizes the positive ripple effect, as new filling stations, markets, and small businesses emerge along the corridor. For some communities, the wait for a reliable road has lasted nearly 50 years.

In the healthcare sector, Kaduna has made remarkable strides. All 255 primary healthcare centers have been upgraded to Level II status, making Kaduna the first state in the federation to achieve this milestone. Additionally, 23 centers of excellence have been established, one in each local government area. The state has maintained the CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for doctors and eligible health professionals, ensuring the continued dedication of the healthcare workforce.

Education has not been overlooked either. The governor's administration has built 736 new classrooms, renovated over 1,200, recruited 10,000 teachers, and trained more than 33,000 education personnel in modern teaching methods and digital skills. At the tertiary level, the governor's first Executive Order reduced tuition fees by 50 percent in all state-owned tertiary institutions, alleviating financial burdens for many families.

Efforts are also being made to prepare young people for the workforce through the establishment of vocational and technology skills acquisition cities in Soba, Rigachikun, and Samarun Kataf.

Governor Sani has coined the term "Kaduna Peace Model," which centers on the idea that peace must be cultivated rather than imposed. He emphasizes that lasting peace necessitates social justice, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. While the state acknowledges that not every problem has been solved, it recognizes that Kaduna is moving in a hopeful direction.

Governments are judged by their ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people. Residents who can access functioning clinics, students whose fees have been reduced, farmers with access to new roads, and neighbors of diverse faiths coexisting peacefully all serve as testament to the governor's accomplishments.