Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called upon the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to maintain its crucial role as the intellectual driving force for Northern Nigeria. The governor emphasized that the organization must continue guiding governance, shaping policies, fostering dialogue, and preserving regional unity.
Celebrating 25 Years of Northern Leadership
The governor delivered this significant message during his remarks as Chief Host at the ACF's 25th anniversary celebration. Represented by his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Sani reminded attendees that the Forum remains a vital platform for the region's stability and advancement.
Governor Sani traced the courageous origins of ACF back to March 7, 2000, in Kaduna, where the organization was first established. "As we celebrate this historic milestone, let us recommit ourselves to the founding ideals of the Forum, which are unity, justice, dialogue, and the pursuit of collective progress," he stated.
The governor expressed optimism for the organization's future, praying that "the next 25 years bring even greater achievements, deeper cohesion, and a stronger, more peaceful Northern Nigeria."
Building a Secure and Prosperous North
Governor Sani made firm commitments to collaborative development, promising to "work with the ACF, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our sister states, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to build a north that is secure, inclusive, prosperous, and globally competitive."
He specifically acknowledged President Tinubu's leadership, noting that the President is "leading, courageously and strategically, the drive to better secure Nigeria, promote national reforms, and ensure the economic reengineering of our nation."
The Kaduna Peace Model in Action
Speaking on his administration's approach in Kaduna State, Governor Sani revealed that "our administration has embraced a leadership approach rooted in inclusion, transparency, reconciliation, and citizen participation." He emphasized that these principles are effectively rebuilding trust and deepening engagements across communities.
The governor detailed his administration's security strategy, known as the Kaduna Peace Model, which combines inclusive governance, community engagement, and infrastructural development. "The Kaduna Peace Model recognises that peace is not enforced, it is engineered. It is built through the equitable distribution of projects, participatory budgeting, human capital development, and the deliberate redesign of public spaces to promote coexistence," he explained.
Governor Sani added that this model "is anchored in the belief that design, planning, and governance are powerful instruments for social harmony."
Tangible Results and Sectoral Achievements
The governor reported significant progress in restoring calm across vulnerable communities through:
- Intelligence-driven coordination
- Robust support for security agencies
- Empowerment of local institutions
- Integration of technology
He highlighted that "farmers have returned to their farmlands with renewed hope, supported by our programs in mechanisation, modern inputs, extension services, and market access. Kaduna State continues to uphold its reputation as a food basket for the region."
Governor Sani also outlined achievements in key sectors since assuming office:
Healthcare: "We have upgraded secondary hospitals, revitalised primary healthcare centres, and strengthened maternal and child health programs. Our vision is a Kaduna State where no citizen is denied healthcare because of distance or poverty."
Education: "Our commitment to education is unwavering. We are expanding enrollment, improving facilities, training teachers, equipping schools, and strengthening technical and tertiary institutions. Education remains the bedrock of our long-term peace and development strategy."
Infrastructure: "Infrastructure development is being delivered equitably across all 23 local government areas, with a strong focus on rural-urban balance."
