…Governor Sani has done what many thought impossible. A story worth telling
By Emmanuel Kwada
In a region once synonymous with ethno-religious strife, banditry, and insecurity, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has emerged as a transformative force, rewriting the state’s narrative with a vision of unity, peace, and progress.
In just two years since assuming office in May 2023, Sani has spearheaded reforms that have not only quelled violence but also fostered an unprecedented sense of togetherness among Kaduna’s diverse communities.
“This is a story worth telling,” declares Tom Garba, a prominent Kaduna publisher and proud son of the state, who marvels at the governor’s ability to turn the tide against decades of division and unrest.
Kaduna State, a microcosm of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity, has long been a flashpoint for conflict in the Northwest. Tensions between Muslim and Christian communities, particularly in Southern Kaduna, coupled with farmer-herder clashes and rampant banditry in areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa, once made the state a symbol of instability.
Governor Sani has done what many thought impossible. He’s united Kaduna in a way that’s inspiring the nation.
Markets were shuttered, farmers extorted, and communities lived in fear. Yet, under Governor Sani’s leadership, Kaduna is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, with peace returning to volatile regions and residents embracing coexistence.
“Governor Sani has done what many thought impossible,” Garba enthuses. “He’s united Kaduna in a way that’s inspiring the nation.”
The best of Kaduna culture and tradition were on display today as I formally presented the Staff of Office to the newly installed 5th Chief of Moro’a, His Highness, Mr. Ishaku Tagwai Sambo at Manchok, Kaura Local Government, Kaduna State.
The coronation ceremony which attracted… pic.twitter.com/RQbno3xw0s
— Senator Uba Sani (@ubasanius) June 14, 2025
A defining moment in Sani’s tenure came on June 15, 2025, when he presented a first-class staff of office to His Royal Highness Isiaku Tagwai Sambo, the newly installed Chief of Moro’a in Kaura Local Government Area.
The coronation, attended by dignitaries from across the state, was more than a ceremonial event—it symbolized Sani’s commitment to empowering traditional institutions as pillars of peace and unity.
Speaking at the event, Sani underscored the vital role of traditional rulers: “They are custodians of peace, drivers of grassroots mobilization, and key partners in policy implementation.”
Sani’s innovative non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity, has been a game-changer
His support for these institutions has been a cornerstone of his strategy to rebuild trust and foster collaboration among Kaduna’s diverse groups.
The “Kaduna Model,” Sani’s innovative non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity, has been a game-changer. By combining disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration with investments in rural development and conflict resolution, Sani has addressed both the symptoms and root causes of violence.
Read Also: Tom Garba Hails Uba Sani’s 2 Years: ‘A Builder of Bridges, Champion of Progress
The results are striking: on November 29, 2024, Sani reopened the Birnin Gwari livestock market, closed for a decade due to banditry, marking a triumphant return to economic normalcy.
Similarly, the revitalization of the Kidandan market in Giwa has boosted local commerce and restored community confidence.
I am not a governor for any religion or ethnicity; I am a governor for everyone in Kaduna
“These are not just markets reopening,” Garba notes. “They’re symbols of hope, proof that Sani’s vision is working.”
Sani’s inclusive governance has been equally transformative. “I am not a governor for any religion or ethnicity; I am a governor for everyone in Kaduna,” he declared in a 2025 interview.
This ethos is reflected in his equitable distribution of resources, with 60% of the 26 completed road projects out of 79 initiated under his administration located in rural areas, benefiting communities across Northern, Central, and Southern Kaduna.
His administration’s engagement with both Muslim and Christian communities, exemplified by his attendance at the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Christmas Carol in December 2024, has dismantled the walls of segregation that once divided Kaduna.
“Kaduna town is no longer split between Muslims and Christians,” Sani remarked, urging residents to reject ethnic and religious bigots.
Southern Kaduna, long a hotspot for violence, has seen a dramatic turnaround. “No more killings in Southern Kaduna because I’m leading without religious or ethnic sentiments,” Sani stated in May 2025.
Kaduna town is no longer split between Muslims and Christians
His inclusive approach has earned praise from religious leaders like Rev. Dr. Ayuba Malam Job Bagat, President of ECWA Worldwide, who noted that Sani’s leadership has provided “succor to Southern Kaduna, which was almost totally neglected in past regimes.”
Read Also: Gov Uba Sani, Kaduna’s Unifier, Deliverer of Promises: A Beacon of Peace, Progress, Writes Tom Garba
Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha of the Kaduna Elders Forum echoed this sentiment, hailing Sani for making Kaduna “a shining example of ethno-religious harmony.”
Traditional leaders have been central to Sani’s success. By empowering figures like the Chief of Moro’a, who pledged to lead with transparency and unity at his coronation, Sani has strengthened community-level governance.
“We shall work together as one united family,” the new chief declared, aligning with Sani’s vision. This partnership has facilitated intelligence-sharing and community cohesion, contributing to Kaduna’s newfound stability.
“The governor’s respect for traditional institutions is a masterstroke,” Garba says. “It’s brought governance closer to the people.”
His administration has upgraded 62 primary health centers to Level 2 status, improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas
Beyond security, Sani has addressed Kaduna’s infrastructural and human capital deficits. His administration has upgraded 62 primary health centers to Level 2 status, improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.
Critical road projects have enhanced connectivity, spurring economic activity. “Kaduna is once again a united people,” a Kaduna resident said, reflecting widespread public support.
Garba agrees: “Sani’s reforms are not just about security—they’re about giving every Kadunan a stake in the state’s progress.”
I had the honor of commissioning the newly remodeled, upgraded and equipped Kachia General Hospital, Kachia Local Government, Kaduna. The commissioning was not just an event but a promise fulfilled.
When we assumed office in May 2023, we made a solemn pledge: to improve access… pic.twitter.com/medaU0L0qS
— Senator Uba Sani (@ubasanius) May 30, 2025
Sani’s achievements have earned him national recognition, including the 2024 Governor of the Year award from a leading Nigerian newspaper. “This is a leader who listens, acts, and delivers,” Garba says.
“Kaduna’s story under Sani is one of hope, unity, and progress—a story worth telling.” By fostering trust across ethnic and religious lines, investing in development, and empowering communities, Governor Uba Sani is not only transforming Kaduna but also setting a blueprint for other states. As Kaduna moves forward, the “Sani Solution” stands as a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve in the face of adversity.
