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UBA SANI’S LEGACY OF A CHILD OF DESTINY

Published

2 months ago

September 9, 2026

By Abdullateef Bamgbose

Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State has, since its inauguration on May 29, 2023, pursued an agenda anchored on security, inclusive governance, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare, empowerment and investment.
From the beginning, Sani presented leadership as a calling rather than merely a political office. In his inaugural address, he acknowledged his predecessor and mentor, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, while describing the Kaduna he inherited as toxic and insecure.
He subsequently outlined an agenda focused on rebuilding trust, restoring peace, expanding economic opportunities and making Kaduna a state where farmers, investors, workers, women and young people can pursue their aspirations.
Peace and security
One of the most prominent aspects of the administration has been its emphasis on dialogue and community engagement as part of its security strategy.
Through what has become known as the Kaduna Peace Model, the administration has worked with traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations, civil society and security agencies to address longstanding conflicts.
The approach combines dialogue and reconciliation with security operations, with the objective of creating an environment where communities can return to farming, markets can reopen and residents can move freely.
The administration’s peacebuilding efforts have also focused on strengthening traditional institutions and encouraging communities to take responsibility for maintaining peace.
Education as the foundation of development
Education has remained another major pillar of the administration.
The government has invested in classrooms, school rehabilitation, teaching materials, teacher training and the expansion of opportunities for children who are outside the formal school system.
Its education agenda also extends to technical and vocational training, with skills-development centres established in parts of the state to equip young people with practical skills in areas including welding, aluminium fabrication, fashion design, solar-panel installation and information and communication technology.
At the tertiary level, the administration has pursued measures aimed at making state-owned institutions more affordable while increasing funding and expanding academic programmes.
The broader objective is to ensure that education is not merely about certificates but also about preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship and productive participation in the economy.
Agriculture and food security
Governor Sani’s agricultural agenda is designed to position Kaduna as a food-security powerhouse and an agro-industrial hub.
The administration has increased investment in agriculture, supported smallholder farmers with inputs, promoted irrigation and dry-season farming, and pursued mechanisation through partnerships with the private sector.
The government has also supported the development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, designed to connect agricultural production with processing, storage and distribution.
The strategy seeks to move Kaduna farmers beyond subsistence agriculture by creating opportunities for value addition, market access and employment in rural communities.
Healthcare transformation
The health sector has equally received significant attention.
The administration has upgraded primary healthcare facilities, rehabilitated general hospitals and completed the long-stalled 300-bed Specialist Hospital.
It has also invested in the supply of essential medicines, health-worker welfare, emergency medical services and health insurance.
The expansion of emergency response services is intended to make medical assistance available to residents across the 23 local government areas, particularly those living in hard-to-reach communities.
The administration has further introduced policies aimed at strengthening the health workforce and reducing the effects of the migration of medical professionals.
Infrastructure and transportation
Infrastructure development has been another defining feature of the administration.
The government has pursued road construction and rehabilitation across the 23 local government areas, while also supporting the development of a modern public transportation system.
The Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit project is part of the administration’s broader transport vision, alongside plans for light rail and the development of modern transport and logistics facilities.
The objective is to reduce travel time, improve road safety, decongest urban centres and position Kaduna as an important transportation and logistics hub in northern Nigeria.
Workers’ welfare and restoration of confidence
Governor Sani’s relationship with organised labour has also featured prominently in his administration.
Following the implementation of the new national minimum wage, the government announced a minimum wage structure for Kaduna workers while engaging labour unions on consequential adjustments.
The administration has also addressed issues involving gratuities, pensions, deductions and workers’ entitlements.
Another significant aspect has been the reinstatement of workers, including teachers and other categories of employees who were dismissed under the previous administration.
The process, according to labour stakeholders, represents an effort to correct what they consider errors of the past while ensuring that the financial implications of reinstatement are managed sustainably.
Empowerment and poverty reduction
The administration’s empowerment programmes have focused on helping vulnerable households, women and young people acquire the resources and skills needed to become economically independent.
Through programmes such as the Kaduna State Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme, beneficiaries receive combinations of cash support, livelihood training, micro-enterprise assistance, health and education support.
The government has also established skills-acquisition centres and implemented women-focused economic empowerment initiatives.
The philosophy behind the programmes is to move beyond temporary palliatives by providing people with the skills, resources and opportunities required to build sustainable livelihoods.
Inclusion and inter-religious harmony
At the heart of Governor Sani’s governance philosophy is the principle of inclusion.
From his inaugural address, he stressed the need to eliminate the settler-indigene dichotomy and run a government that belongs to every resident of Kaduna State.
His administration has consequently maintained engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, women and youth.
The emphasis on dialogue and shared responsibility has also formed a central component of his inter-religious peacebuilding efforts.
For a state historically affected by ethno-religious tensions, the administration considers peaceful coexistence a necessary foundation for economic and social development.
Investment and economic development
Governor Sani has also sought to make Kaduna more attractive to investors by improving the business environment and streamlining processes through the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency.
The administration’s investment strategy is based on combining incentives with visible infrastructure and economic projects capable of attracting private capital.
The broader objective is to create jobs, expand the state’s economic base and transform Kaduna into a competitive investment destination.
A legacy still unfolding
Taken together, the administration’s programmes represent an attempt to address Kaduna’s challenges through a combination of security, human-capital development, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, workers’ welfare, empowerment and economic investment.
For supporters of Governor Sani, these initiatives constitute the emerging legacy of a leader who inherited a state facing serious security and economic challenges and chose to respond through inclusion, dialogue and development.
The story of Uba Sani’s administration is therefore not limited to roads, schools, hospitals or agricultural projects. It is also about the attempt to rebuild confidence between government and citizens, restore peace to communities, empower vulnerable people and create opportunities for a new generation.
For a man who has repeatedly described leadership as a calling, the journey in Kaduna remains a continuing responsibility.
His supporters see the progress recorded so far as evidence of a child of destiny whose legacy is still being written — one project, one community and one citizen at a time.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

11 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

11 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”