Breaking:
The Kaduna State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Senator @ubasanius approved the award of contracts for the following roads:
1. Construction of an Asphaltic Road from Durum to Kuruntumawa, Makarfi LGA.
2. Reconstruction of
GOVERNOR UBA SANIโS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
Today, Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, I had the honour of attending the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting for the month of March 2025, held at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
We are investing heavily in the rehabilitation and retrofitting of all water treatment plants in Kaduna State. We have been able to increase the water production from 5% to 30% in the last 20months while ensuring that we meet a target of 100% production rate by the end of the 4th quarter of 2025.
The strength and dominance of our great party was in full display at the Murtala Square, Kaduna today, as I chaired the Stakeholders Meeting and Grand Rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political big wigs from other parties who defected to the APC were formally received at the Grand Rally. The carnival-like event afforded me the opportunity of highlighting the giant strides of our administration in the areas of Rural Transformation, Infrastructural Development, Human Capital Development, and Security.
Stakeholders took turns to commend our administration for the milestones recorded in the areas of rural transformation, infrastructure development, education, health, agriculture, and security. They pledged to support and cooperate with our administration as we ramp up our developmental drives.
Today, I played host to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi and members of the National Council on Information and National Orientation. I also attended the closing ceremony of the 48th Edition of the Meeting of the National Council on Information and National Orientation held at Hotel 17, Kaduna.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, the Minister thanked the Kaduna State Government for hosting the meeting. He noted with delight how the atmosphere of Kaduna State has calmed down because of our administration's commitment to peace building and inclusive governance. Everybody in Kaduna State appears to belong to the same family, he said. He further stated that people in the information ecosystem are paying close attention to Kaduna State because of its strategic place in the politics and economy of the North and Nigeria in general.
In my remarks, I thanked the Honourable Minister and members of the National Council for choosing Kaduna to host the 48th edition of its meeting. Kaduna is synonymous with learning and information management. It is home to some of the famous media institutions in Nigeria. Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN) Kaduna and New Nigerian Newspapers are household names in journalism and broadcasting in Nigeria. For decades, they were the centers for the production of communicators. They have made immeasurable contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria. At a point in Nigeria, there were two major media centers, Lagos and Kaduna.
In line with our commitment to deepening citizens participation in governance, we held a Townhall Meeting on the 2025 Multi-Year Budget Draft tagged โSustaining Rural Transformation and Inclusive Developmentโ at Hotel Seventeen, Kaduna today.
Discussions at the Town Hall Meeting were open, robust and incisive. Stakeholders made suggestions and inputs into the proposed 2025 Budget. They also commended our administration for the implementation and high performance of the 2024 Budget which has impacted on the lives of the citizens of Kaduna State. We shall distil the collated suggestions, consider and incorporate them into the 2025 Multi-Year Budget.
I had the pleasure and honour of attending the 53rd National Day Celebration of one of our key partners, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abuja.
The colourful celebration which was hosted by the Ambassador of UAE to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed AlShamsi, attracted top personalities from the Federal and State Governments, Diplomatic Community, Business Community, Civil Society, and the Resident UAE Community in Abuja.
I congratulate the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ambassador of UAE to Nigeria, and the good people of UAE on this auspicious and historic day.
I had the honour today of reviewing the Independence Anniversary Parade which was held at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. The low - key but colorful ceremony was attended by top government officials, heads of security agencies, members of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, members of the business community, and other distinguished personalities.
In my Independence Message, I paid glowing tribute to Nigerian nationalists, workers and citizens who made sacrifices that enabled us to achieve independence. I also stated that in our journey as a nation, we have recorded successes, experienced low moments and missed opportunities. We must however give thanks to Almighty God for His protection and the fact that we have remained one nation despite security threats and agitations.
This 64th Independence Anniversary comes at a time of severe economic stress in many households. Our nation is grappling with economic difficulties due to the unfair global economic system and years of mismanagement. The Federal and state governments have stepped up short, medium and long term measures to mitigate the hardships of the citizens. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government has taken bold and painful economic measures to reinvent the economy and steady the ship of state. However, with patience and sustained support, our economy would bounce back and the socio-economic conditions of our people would improve.
Emotions ran high as I visited the LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kuriga. I was received by cheering students, teachers and appreciative members of the community.
I had a warm and robust engagement with the students on how they have been coping since they regained freedom and their progress in school. Their responses were positive and inspiring. I assured them of our total commitment to their safety and security. I am elated that the students have put the bitter experience of their abduction behind them and are concentrating on their studies.
I also seized the opportunity of the visit to inspect the remodelling work carried out at the school. The school has also been fully equipped. I am satisfied with the work done. It was executed to specification and of high quality.
I had the honour today of officially launching the Kaduna State Climate Change Policy and Position Statement. The policy is a product of intensive consultations with critical stakeholders aimed at transforming Kaduna State into a model of climate resilience and sustainability.
The event which took place at Yar'Adua Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna had in attendance the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, top government officials, climate change activists and other key stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Environment highlighted some of the dangers of climate change, while enumerating some important steps taken to address the challenges by the Federal Government. He also assured the Kaduna State Government of the Ministryโs commitment to forging a stronger partnership in the implementation of the Climate Change Policy.
Kaduna State is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, including unpredictable weather, increased extreme weather, and Natural Resource degradation, impacting both livelihoods and sustainability. Environmental degradation can have serious consequences for human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. Failure to address this existential threat will have dire consequences for current and future generations.
The Kaduna State Climate Change Policy/Policy Statement outlines our vision for a Climate-Resilient Kaduna State, detailing objectives, strategies, and targets for key areas such as sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Water Resource Management, and Biodiversity Preservation, amongst others. The Policy's overall goal is to promote a low-carbon, climate-resilient, gender-responsive and sustainable socioeconomic development in Kaduna State.
Today, we ramped up our rural transformation drive with the groundbreaking for the construction of important roads across four local governments.
I performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a 13km access road connecting Turawa to Dinya through Da'a and Kadage in Soba Local Government. In Kaduna North Local Government, I performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a 6km asphalt road from Rafin Guza to Hayin Naiya to Malalin Gabas, linking the ongoing construction at KASU permanent site.
Today's activities was rounded off with the groundbreaking for the construction of a 21km access road connecting Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government to Wusar and to Gwaraji in Igabi Local Government.
In continuation of activities marking our one year in office, we went round to commission and inspect projects, as well as distribute agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors in Zone 3.
Our administration's sustained drive for investment is fast gaining traction. On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, I commissioned the new Lithium Processing Plant, Kangimi, a partnership between the Kaduna State Government and Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nigeria Ltd. The current investment is 20 Million Dollars. The investment will hit 50 Million Dollars in the next one year. The project has provided over 3000 job opportunities to our teeming population.
I had the honor of commissioning the all important Kaduna State Forensic Laboratory and Training Centre, the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
There are 4 Units, out of 6 in the Forensic Laboratory, namely: (i) Crime Scene Unit (ii) Ballistic Unit (iii) Question Document Examination & Fingerprints Capture Unit, and
(iv) Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Unit.
This Forensic Centre will be a major source of revenue generation for Kaduna State because personnel from various States and organizations will register to train their staff in the centre to acquire the basic knowledge in detecting criminal activities. The installation of the Forensic Laboratory Equipment will enhance expert testimony in law courts and generally help in the administration of both Criminal and Civil Justice.
Our administration shall continue to support our security forces and criminal justice institutions in Kaduna State through the provision of modern scientific equipment, communication gadgets and patrol vehicles.
Senator Uba Sani,
Governor, Kaduna State.
Today, we took a major step towards reinvigorating the fight against criminality in Kaduna State as I performed the commissioning and distribution of 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles to security forces and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS).
The National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka (National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the NSA) commended our administration for donating the vehicles and motorcycles, stating that It will not only boost the morale of security personnel, but will enhance their operational effectiveness and efficiency. The Special Guest of Honour at today's event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, gave a firm commitment that security agencies will make effective use of the operational vehicles and motorcycles to enhance the security of Kaduna State. He said the gesture by our administration underscores the strong partnership that exists between the Kaduna State Government and security agencies.
The occasion was witnessed by top dignitaries including the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar (represented by Air Vice Marshall Ananaba), the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja (represented by the Garrison Commander 1 Division, Brig. Gen. MA Kana), the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (represented by DIG. M. Bello), the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Amb. Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Malam Zubair Jibril Maigwari 11, Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Ali Dabigi, the Director, DSS, Kaduna State, Abdul Adamu Eneche, and the Commander of Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), Brig. Gen. Umar Ibrahim (Rtd.)
The safety and security of our citizens remains paramount. We recognize the challenges confronting our security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swiftly accessing remote areas. Improved mobility means that security operatives can respond faster and more efficiently to distress calls. It means that our security forces can more easily seize the initiative. It also means that citizens can feel safer because of the more visible security presence.
It was a very busy day for us as we criss-crossed Kaduna State commissioning and inspecting projects as part of activities marking our first year in office.
I was in Nasarawan-Rigachikun, Kaduna to commission the newly constructed Government Senior Secondary School. This project is part of the 62 secondary schools construction projects undertaken by our administration to provide access to education and conducive learning environment for our children, especially children of the poor, vulnerable and the underserved. The occasion was witnessed by a large crowd of students and residents.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO DEEPENING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNANCE IN KADUNA STATE
As we mark this year's Open Government Partnership (OGP), I wish to salute the commitment and tenacity of change sponsors and champions who have devoted their lives to sustained advocacy for the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in governance. They have spared no efforts in agitating for an open society.
2. The week of 27th to 31st May 2024 will be the first OGP Week of our administration. A major pillar of our Governance Agenda in Kaduna State is Nurturing Citizens Engagement. We want to carry the people along in decision making processes, especially on how their resources are allocated and expended. We recognize the important and strategic role of citizens, especially organized civil society in holding government accountable and accelerating growth and development. This is because achieving substantial dividends in terms of (i) delivery and allocation of social/public goods (ii) transparency and accountability, and (iii) tackling corruption are contingent on civic and political forces creating demand -side pressure for changes in public policy.
3. As servants of the people, we place great premium on accountability. The Kaduna State Government through @ogpkaduna has taken certain steps to institutionalize transparency and accountability in the public sector. It has created effective policy and legal frameworks, strengthened the public procurement process, and has been strategically engaging civil society organizations. The measures taken are as follows:
i. Kaduna State is the first sub-national to sign on to the Open Government Partnership (@opengovpart) in Nigeria. OGP is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. Kaduna State is also the first sub-national in Nigeria to join COST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative. COST is one of the leading global initiatives improving transparency and accountability in public infrastructure. CoST works with government, private sector and civil society to promote the disclosure, validation and interpretation of data from infrastructure projects.
ii. Kaduna State has adopted the International Public Sector Accountability Standards (IPSAS) developed by the International Public Sector Accountability Standards Board (IPSASB). IPSAS are a set of accounting standards for use by public sector entities in the preparation of financial statements. The adoption of IPSAS has improved accountability and decision making in Kaduna State. Kaduna State is the first state to migrate from cash basis to accrual basis of accounting in Nigeria. Accrual basis accounting recognizes revenue and matching expenses when they are generated, not when money actually changes hands.
iii. Our administration recently signed the Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) and the Kaduna State Government. The Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) aims to improve coordination between the Donor Community and Kaduna State, and support the delivery of the Kaduna State Development Plan 2021 - 2025. Through KaMAF, we shall monitor concrete reforms that support good governance, peace and security, reduce poverty through human capital development (particularly Health, Education, Social Protection), and improve economic recovery and investments in Kaduna State. The MOU will further strengthen our partnership, enhance transparency and accountability, and impact positively on the lives of our citizens.
The Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima today led a high powered Federal Government delegation to condole us on the loss of my younger brother, Pharm. Mukhtar Lawal Ismail. On the delegation were the Minister of Defence, H.E. Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Bello Matawalle, former Senate President, H.E. Senator Dr. Ahmad Lawan, and the Special Adviser (Political Matters) to the Vice President, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed amongst others.
The Vice President prayed for the repose of the soul of Pharm. Mukhtar and for Almighty Allah to give us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
I had the singular honour today of hosting and chairing the Inaugural APC North West Stakeholders as the Coordinating Governor of the North West Zone.
The meeting which held at the Yar'Adua Conference Hall, Murtala Square, Kaduna took a critical look at the state of the party in the North - West, activated its internal dispute resolution mechanism to resolve pending issues, and charted the pathway to a more formidable zonal structure that will ensure victory for our dear party in future elections.
The Meeting commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his steadfast commitment to the fulfilment of his campaign promises to the Nigerian people. The meeting noted the decisive steps so far taken by the President in tackling Nigeria's multitude of security and developmental challenges, and the far-reaching reforms he has initiated to reflate the economy and combat soaring inflation.
The meeting observed that Mr. President's Development Agenda has positively impacted the North West Zone, especially in the areas of Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Education, Poverty Alleviation, and Infrastructural Development. The meeting further stated that in view of the enormity of the developmental challenges facing the North West, stakeholders from the zone will continue to seek the gracious support, assistance and intervention of Mr. President.
The meeting commended Mr. President for his commitment towards the speedy completion of key projects in the North West Zone, including the Abuja - Kaduna - Kano Highway, the Sokoto - Badagry Road Project, the Sokoto - Zamfara - Katsina - Kaduna Road Project, the Kano - Katsina Dual Carriageway, the Ajaokuta - Kaduna - Kano Gas Pipeline, the Lagos - Kaduna - Kano - Katsina - Maradi Rail Project. These projects have the potentials of boosting economic activities, mitigating poverty, enhancing security, and helping in the forging of understanding and friendship among the citizens of Nigeria.
Ya Allah! We pray that You approve our innermost good wishes. Purify our intentions. Remove our fears and tears. Forgive our errors and sins. Accept our prayers. Grant us a graceful long life and prosperity and make Aljannah Firdaus our final home. Ameen
JUMA'AT MUBARAK