In a recent interview with African Leadership Magazine, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State shed light on his administration’s achievements and future plans for the state. From job creation in the agricultural sector to educational reforms, infrastructure development, and enhanced security measures, Senator Uba Sani’s first 100 days in office have been marked by substantial progress and a commitment to the welfare of the people across various sectors of the state’s economy.
Job Creation and Agricultural Sector Development
Governor Uba Sani began by emphasising the importance of rural development as the foundation of his administration’s strategy. He acknowledged the significance of agribusiness in reducing poverty and providing employment opportunities in Kaduna State. With the state’s abundant resources, including a favourable climate, fertile land, and hard-working youth engaged in farming activities, the governor outlined several initiatives to boost the agricultural sector.
One key focus is strengthening the extension support system by integrating the public and private sectors to reach more farmers. The government is also working on cleaning up and strengthening farmers’ databases and prioritising crops for industrial and export markets. Investment in commodity exchanges and agricultural processing facilities will enhance market access and support both medium- and large-scale farmers, who will, in turn, mentor smaller farmers in their communities.
Governor Uba Sani also highlighted the importance of gender, environmental, and youth compliance in their agricultural policy. The administration aims to shift from rain-fed agriculture to dry-season irrigated agriculture by utilising the state’s limited irrigation facilities and extensive network of water bodies.
Kaduna State is already a leading grain producer, boasting significant output in maize, soybeans, sorghum, rice, and ginger. Governor Uba Sani’s administration plans to introduce more youths to agribusiness through training, access to tools, and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for farms, with increased funding for agriculture.
Education and Human Capital Development
Education was another critical area of discussion during the interview. Governor Uba Sani reiterated his commitment to providing free and quality education for all children in Kaduna State, expanding access to higher education, enhancing teacher welfare, improving school infrastructure, and promoting ICT competence from primary to secondary school levels.
The governor also emphasised the importance of girl-child education and addressing the issue of out-of-school children by establishing additional primary and secondary schools across the state. Significant investments have been made in upgrading school infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, administrative blocks, and multi-purpose halls.
Additionally, the government has lowered school fees in state-owned tertiary institutions to reduce the financial burden on parents and increase access to higher education. Scholarships and the payment of JAMB registration fees for students within the senatorial zone further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to affordable education.
Infrastructure Development and Rural Transformation
Infrastructure development is a key driver of economic growth, and Governor Uba Sani’s administration is keen on accelerating progress in this area. They have embarked on the Rural Transformation Agenda, which includes extending infrastructure to all local government areas. Key projects include road construction with effective drainage, the installation of solar street lights, and deploying solar mini-grid systems to enhance economic activities in rural communities.
Local markets are being upgraded to serve as commercial and agricultural aggregation centres, and primary healthcare facilities and schools in local government headquarters are being equipped and rehabilitated to support human development and provide basic services.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security was a prominent topic during the interview. Governor Uba Sani highlighted the importance of synergy among security agencies and the provision of logistical support to enhance security in the state. The government initiated the training of 7,000 recruits for the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), a complementary security outfit aimed at providing actionable intelligence and local knowledge to tackle criminal elements.
The administration has been collaborating closely with traditional rulers, elders, youth, and women groups to enhance grassroots intelligence gathering and security efforts. Citizen engagement is a key component of their strategy to combat insecurity.
The Uba Sani Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives
The Uba Sani Foundation, established by Governor Uba Sani, has been actively involved in humanitarian assistance, with a focus on empowering the poor and vulnerable. Initiatives include entrepreneurship schemes, employability and career fair programmes, vocational training, women’s empowerment, scholarships, and an annual essay competition for students.
Executive Orders and Financial Inclusion
Governor Uba Sani clarified that he has signed one executive order that focuses on financial inclusion. The order aims to integrate the poor, underserved, and vulnerable citizens into financial services to benefit from social intervention programmes.
The Road Ahead: Expectations for Governor Uba Sani’s Tenure
As Governor Uba Sani approaches the next phase of his tenure, the people of Kaduna State can look forward to a future marked by continued progress and transformative change. The governor expressed his dogged commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the citizens and leaving a positive legacy for the state.
Key highlights of the governor’s achievements during his first 100 days in office include the commencement of palliative measures in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, the distribution of essential goods to vulnerable households, and the signing of an executive order on financial inclusion to integrate marginalised citizens into financial services.
Additionally, the state government has embarked on massive infrastructural projects, such as road construction and upgrading markets, aimed at boosting rural development and bridging the gap between rural and urban communities. These efforts are expected to enhance economic activities and improve the overall quality of life in rural areas.
On the path of education, Governor Uba Sani has prioritised access to quality schooling for all children in Kaduna State, with a focus on improving school infrastructure and teacher welfare. Lowering school fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and providing scholarships are steps towards ensuring affordable access to higher education.
Enhanced security measures, including the training of 7,000 recruits for the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) and collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders for grassroots intelligence gathering, demonstrate the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and safeguarding the well-being of the people.
The Uba Sani Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives, which empower vulnerable individuals and communities, complement the government’s efforts to uplift the less privileged.
Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has shown promise in these critical areas, setting a solid foundation for the future of Kaduna State. As the administration moves forward, the people can expect continued dedication to job creation, human capital development, infrastructure improvement, and security enhancement.
In his first 100 days in office, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated a strong commitment to progress and prosperity in Kaduna State. His administration’s initiatives in agriculture, education, infrastructure development, security, and humanitarian assistance reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of the people. With a focus on inclusivity and sustainable development, Kaduna State is on a path to becoming a model of progress in Nigeria.
Coupled With the recent victory of the governor at the election tribunal, Governor Uba Sani’s first 100 days in office have set a positive tone for the rest of his tenure. His comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of the state’s population and his commitment to progress and prosperity underscore his determination to transform Kaduna State into a model of development in Nigeria. With the support and cooperation of the citizens, the state is poised for a brighter and more prosperous future under his leadership.
