Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says the peace model introduced by his administration has led to economic growth in the state.
Speaking in Kaduna on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week, the governor, who was represented by Ahmed Maiyaki, the commissioner for information, said the state has recorded zero violent conflict since 2023.
He described the development as a milestone that has reinforced development gains across education, agriculture, skills acquisition and enterprise growth.
Sani said the achievement reflects the effectiveness of the peace model, which, according to him, is a homegrown framework that integrates dialogue, community engagement, early-warning systems and intelligence-led security with inclusive governance.
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He noted that the administration has deliberately positioned peace as a development strategy, recognising that stability is essential for social progress and economic growth.
“Peace is the foundation of development. By prioritising prevention, dialogue and community ownership, Kaduna has created the enabling environment for sustained growth,” the governor said.
Sani said the deployment of the conflict early warning and early response system (CEWERS), supported by development partners, has enabled early detection and resolution of tensions before escalation, strengthening public confidence and investor trust.
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He also noted that improved security has allowed the reopening of schools, health facilities, markets and farmlands across the state.
He cited the return of over 300,000 out-of-school children to classrooms, a 40 percent reduction in tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, and the expansion of technical, vocational and digital skills programmes for youths as key gains of the Kaduna peace model.
In agriculture, Sani said sustained peace has boosted productivity and rural livelihoods through increased budgetary investment, fertiliser distribution across all local government areas and the development of agro-industrial infrastructure to enhance food security.
He added that job creation and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) support remain central to sustaining peace, with ongoing enterprise financing and skills initiatives designed to reduce unemployment and social vulnerability.
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Sani also described the media as a strategic partner in the peace and development architecture, urging journalists to embrace conflict-sensitive reporting, counter misinformation and amplify stories of reconciliation, progress and opportunity.
AbdulGafar Alabelewe, chairman of the NUJ, Kaduna state council, said the union honoured Sani with a recognition award for exemplary leadership, citing his administration’s commitment to peacebuilding, inclusive governance and press freedom.
