Uba Sani: My administration succeeding because we run an open government

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says his administration is building human capital and bridging the infrastructural deficit because he runs an open government.

Speaking during a visit by the Kaduna elders forum at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Sunday, Sani highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the state’s progress.

He expressed gratitude to the forum, led by Abubakar Mustapha, the co-chairman, for their support and contributions.

“You have not failed us since when we called on you to work with our government, by giving us advice and making inputs, because of your vast experiences,” the governor said.

He said the forum’s members, including retired civil servants, security service personnel, former diplomats, and individuals with political experience at state and federal levels, have been instrumental in moving the state forward.

Sani said collaborating with the forum has been pivotal in addressing security challenges.

“Without your support, we wouldn’t have addressed the issue of insecurity as easy as we have done,” he added.

The governor also outlined investments in agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, underscoring the state’s commitment to comprehensive development.

Sani said of the 79 road projects initiated, 26 have been completed, with 60 percent of these in rural areas.

In healthcare, the governor said his administration has renovated and equipped 15 of 32 general hospitals, with five already commissioned and nine more expected to be completed soon.

Sani said healthcare is a fundamental human right, particularly for the vulnerable in the state.

He said the state’s agricultural sector has also seen substantial investment, with the budget increasing from N1.4 billion to over N84 billion, meeting the Malabo Declaration’s 10 percent benchmark.

The governor said the sector contributes 43 percent to the state’s GDP and employs 60 percent of its workforce.

In education, he said the state has constructed 62 new secondary schools and over 2,340 primary school classrooms in the past two years, alongside recruiting and training more teachers.

“As we are speaking, we have reached the Malabo Declaration of ensuring that at least 10% of the total budget is earmarked for agriculture. Today in Kaduna state, we have budgeted over N84 billion in agriculture, meeting the Malabo benchmark,’’ he said.

“In two years, we built additional 62 secondary schools. We built over 2,340 primary school classes. We have recruited more teachers, trained them and ensured that our schools are supplied with basic facilities.”