Non indigenes give kudos to Uba Sani’s policy of inclusion

Governor Uba Sani has been commended for his exemplary leadership, inclusive governance style, and an unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property in Kaduna State.

In a statement issued by the Non-Indigenes Association of Kaduna State, the group also praised his pro-poor policies, infrastructural development that spans both urban and rural areas.

The statement, which was issued on Thursday, was signed by the trio of Chief Lazarus Ndu Ama, the Convener the association, Chief Niyi Folabi, the Co-Convener, Chief Johnny Nwankwere and Mary Okon Nkwo, the Secretary and Public Relations Officer respectively.

’Since assuming office, Governor Uba Sani has continued to demonstrate that Kaduna State belongs to everyone who lives, works, and contributes to its development, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations, or state of origin,’’ the statement added.

According to the Association, the Governor’s ‘’deliberate policies and programmes have created an enabling environment where non-indigenes, both Christians and Muslims, feel accepted, valued, and integrated into the social and economic life of the state.’’

’We particularly applaud the Governor’s proactive approach to improving security, enhancing community peacebuilding, and strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

‘’These efforts have resulted in significant improvements in safety and stability across many parts of the state,’’ the Association of Non Indigenes maintained.

The statement also recognized ‘’the Governor’s support for vulnerable groups, empowerment initiatives, job creation efforts, and investments in education and health sectors, which continue to benefit both indigenes and non-indigenes alike.’’

The Association reiterated its commitment ‘’to sustaining peaceful coexistence and contributing to the growth and development of Kaduna State as a model of unity in diversity.’’

The statement also gave kudos to the Governor for the prevailing atmosphere of peace, unity, and religious harmony currently being experienced across the state.

The Non Indigenes recalled that Kaduna State was once unfairly portrayed as a state divided along religious and ethnic lines, adding that ‘’in recent years witnessed a remarkable transformation.’’

‘’Christians and Muslims now live, work, and interact freely without fear or suspicion. Interfaith collaborations, community engagements, and government-led peacebuilding initiatives have significantly deepened understanding and strengthened trust among the people,’’ it noted.

According to the statement, worship centres across the state now operate peacefully, while inter-religious marriages and community celebrations continue to thrive, reflecting genuine unity among the people.

While affirming its support for the Governor’s laudable initiatives, the Association called ‘’on stakeholders, religious leaders, community leaders, and citizens to continue partnering with the administration to sustain the progress being recorded.’’

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, the Chairman of Board of Trustees, said that the ACF delegation was at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House to formally notify Governor Uba Sani of its forthcoming 25th Anniversary celebrations which will hold in Kaduna from 20th to 22nd November.

The BoT Chairman thanked the Governor for all the support that he has been extending to the pan northern socio-cultural group since he assume office more than two years ago.

‘’Since its establishment, the ACF operated from offices belonging to the Kaduna State Government. When you assumed office, you graciously allocated the property to us permanently. We sincerely appreciate this generosity. For the first time, we are operating from premises we can call our own,’’ he added.

The Chairman disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as Special Guest at the occasion, adding that he promised that all ministers of northern extraction will attend.

‘’As Chief Host, Your Excellency, we also seek your support in inviting your colleagues to give the celebration greater weight, productivity, and opportunities for meaningful exchange of ideas,’’ he told the Governor.

According to him, ACF has also ‘’ reached out to socio-cultural groups in both the North and the South. We invited respected independent personalities to join us, exchange ideas, and—perhaps for the first time—open new avenues for building stronger national cohesion.

‘’We want to begin sustained dialogue with our brothers and sisters in the South, to share experiences and learn from each other, all in the spirit of promoting a strong, united Nigeria,’’ he added.

Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu who is also former Minister of Steel Development, disclosed that ACF has visited His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saáad Abubakar III, who promised to invited emirs from across the northern states.

’We have engaged the leadership of Jumma’at mosques, the Deputy President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other officials. We have circulated notices to state chapters across the region,’’ he added.

According to him, the Guest Speaker will be Alhaji Aliko Dangote who has been given option to speak on any topic or even about himself, reminding that ‘’his life story—marked by resilience and the overcoming of great obstacles—will be a source of inspiration to many.’’

’We have also resolved to establish an endowment fund. For 25 years, ACF has spoken on behalf of the North. We believe the time has come to move beyond advocacy and begin implementing tangible community-based projects. This endowment will help us initiate programmes that provide social and economic upliftment,’’ he disclosed.