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Governance, they say, is a Herculean task reserved only for the brave. However, it is even more so in Nigeria, where governance defies all logic known to man. As the great golden voice of Africa, the late Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule, aptly stated, Nigeria is like a silk gown—when you fold one side up, another side inevitably falls.
On the 29th of May, 2023, having tirelessly worked towards the victory of a man I profoundly believed would transform the lives of the people of Kaduna State, I found myself seated very close the podium. From this vantage point, I watched as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, took the oath of office amidst fanfare and celebration. Yet, my feelings were entirely distinct from the jubilant atmosphere. This was a man I had no doubt would excel in governance, but he was assuming office at a time when the hurdles and challenges were nothing short of extraordinary.
How could one address farmer-herder clashes in the South, relentless banditry in the North, a crushing debt burden, deeply entrenched religious and ethnic tensions, and a near complete mistrust of government by the populace? Moreover, scattered across the three senatorial zones of the state were a handful uncompleted infrastructural projects. While the revelry unfolded, these pressing concerns occupied my mind. Like many with a nuanced understanding of governance, I resolved not to comment prematurely on the unfolding journey but to reserve my reflections until the passage of time allowed for an informed review.
From the outset, Governor Uba Sani hit the ground running. He strategically appointed dynamic and resourceful youths to pivotal positions in his administration, entrusting them with the affairs of the state. These young individuals, who had been central to his campaign, were staunch believers in his vision. Recognizing their dedication, he entrusted them with the implementation of his SUSTAIN agenda. And, oh, how remarkably they have risen to the occasion!
The Governor has diligently managed the state’s inherited debt without resorting to additional borrowing—a commendable feat. Simultaneously, he has systematically reduced the cost of governance while exploring innovative ways to bolster the state’s revenue generation. Under his leadership, Kaduna State has achieved financial stability, evidenced by the proliferation of capital projects across its regions. The upward trajectory is not only visible but also inspiring.
In the education sector, he honored his pledge to Kaduna State students by slashing tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by half. Demonstrating his commitment further, he established the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters and appointed an astute administrator to oversee its functions. This office has exceeded expectations, consistently delivering impactful results.
Additionally, his administration has constructed numerous classrooms and schools, equipping them with the requisite infrastructure and personnel to ensure the delivery of quality education to the state’s residents.
Progress, however, is unattainable without peace and harmony. In a remarkable feat of leadership, Senator Uba Sani has successfully fostered unity among the diverse religious and ethnic groups in Kaduna State. For me, this accomplishment stands as his most significant contribution. The once-persistent farmer-herder clashes have been substantially mitigated, and their complete eradication now seems within reach.
He has consistently been providing all the necessary support to the Nigerian security forces in the fight against insecurities in his state. Stakeholders like traditional rulers, religious leaders, student leaders and community elders have all been engaged by the state in an effort to find and sustain a lasting peace in the state and bring back the lost pride of Kaduna state.
The housing sector, too, has witnessed a transformation. To expand opportunities in this critical area, his administration organised the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition, the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria and arguably the most impactful housing exhibition the country has ever seen, attracting investors from across the globe. The event significantly opened up the state to a plethora of investments within the housing value chain. Furthermore, thousands of long-standing land disputes have been amicably resolved under his tenure.
In the health sector, substantial progress has been made. Existing hospitals are being renovated and equipped with modern facilities, while new ones are under construction. With peace restored, the state is experiencing a surge in investments and opportunities. Just recently, civil servants felt the tangible benefits of his administration’s commitment through the implementation of the ₦72,000 minimum wage he had promised.
Magnificence is one thing, competence is another, and they do not always coalesce, Senator Uba Sani typifies that homogenous concrescence. He dovetails humility and charisma and his people are sempiternally grateful to the Governor they now consider a Sui generis. The people of Kaduna State are all singing from the same hymn sheet chanting Voila! Governor Uba Sani did not inherit a disarrayed state—far from it. However, he was confronted with challenges that few would have had the fortitude to surmount. In just 18 months, he has skillfully steered the ship of Kaduna State towards safety and stability. While the road ahead remains arduous and leaves little room for complacency, there is no denying the tremendous strides already made. Much work remains, but one thing is clear: Kaduna State is not merely in safe hands—it is in better hands.
