Governor Uba Sani's first 100 days: A Tale of Promise, Progress and Paths to Prosperity

Written by Abdullahi L S Yakawada

As we celebrate this milestone of 100 days in office, due to our strong conviction and belief in the leadership of Governor Uba Sani and our continued support and loyalty to him, his government and policies, from our own end as members of the private sector, public service, civil society and actors in the international community, we are going to continue to show our solidarity and support to the governor and to his government. Our loyalty is unwavering and permanent. Right from the campaigns, we went from one local government to another and are aware of the messages and promises the Governor made to citizens of Kaduna state about his programs and policies and are optimistic that you will deliver and in the first 100 days, you have given us a reason to silence political jobbers, naysayers, opponents, opportunists and enemies of Kaduna state.

In the dynamic realm of leadership, where time marches on with unyielding swiftness, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, assumed the mantle of leadership in Kaduna State with unwavering determination and a resolute commitment to propel the state towards boundless progress. Like a sprinter at the starting blocks of a race, Governor Uba Sani wasted no precious moments. Recognizing the inherent brevity of his tenure, he swiftly assembled his cabinet, meticulously handpicking visionary leaders to join him on a journey marked by continuity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of transformative change.

What sets Governor Uba Sani apart is not merely his profound sense of humility, but also his unwavering confidence and sagacity in steering Kaduna State to greater heights. His purpose in government extends far beyond the allure of influence and political privilege; it is deeply rooted in a fervent desire to build upon the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, while also weaving his own distinctive tapestry of innovations that will stand as a testament to his time in office. In a landscape often marred by the unfortunate practice of new governments discarding the pearls of wisdom and progress initiated by their predecessors, Governor Uba Sani stands as a beacon of progressive continuity. He embraces the legacy of great ideas and transformative projects of the past administration while unfurling his visionary agenda for the accelerated development of Kaduna State. This exceptional commitment to harnessing the best of both worlds ensures that Kaduna's progress remains uninterrupted, ushering in an era where the sands of time bear the indelible mark of Governor Malam Uba Sani's exceptional leadership.

Governor Uba Sani's first 100 days in office have been marked by an unwavering commitment to transform Kaduna State on multiple fronts, from education to healthcare, job creation to governance. Let's delve into the significant moves, achievements, and policies that have defined this period.

From day one, Governor Uba Sani recognized that education is the bedrock of societal progress. His dedication to accessible higher education was evident as he fulfilled a significant campaign promise by reducing tuition fees at Kaduna State University by 50%, making higher education more affordable for all. But his vision extended beyond universities. Understanding the pivotal role of primary and secondary education, he initiated an infrastructural revitalization program that involves constructing 62 new schools, classrooms, laboratories, administrative blocks, and multi-purpose halls. His approval of a new campus annex for Kaduna State College of Education further demonstrated his commitment to nurturing the next generation of educators. His administration made moves to partner with TETFund to prioritize development of educational institutions in the state. His administration has also allocated 205 million for merit and need-based scholarships, easing the financial burden on students and promoting academic excellence.

In his pursuit of unprecedented growth and prosperity, the Governor's commitment to forming strategic partnerships and attracting foreign direct investments became a linchpin of his strategy. His proactive approach was evident in meetings with foreign ambassadors and leaders. His meeting with the Ambassador-designate of the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria pledged investments in crucial sectors like health and education. This signaled a profound potential for transforming Kaduna's social and economic landscape through foreign investments. The Governor's diplomacy extended globally, tapping into Cuba's expertise, exploring the potential of Kuwait Fund investments, and discussing strategic partnerships with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria. These efforts solidify Kaduna State's status as a prime investment destination.

In just 100 days, Governor Uba Sani's tenure has marked a turning point in healthcare. A monumental achievement was the distribution of medical equipment to 290 upgraded Primary Health Care facilities, enhancing healthcare accessibility and infrastructure. Implementing the consolidated medical salary scale for resident doctors showcased his commitment to retaining top medical talent in Kaduna. Allocating 15% of the state's budget to the healthcare sector demonstrated his prioritization of a healthy population as the bedrock of development. Within this same period, Governor Uba Sani's visionary leadership has attracted high-profile investors and empowered women and young girls with digital skills. A significant achievement was his partnership with Google Africa to empower 5000 women and young girls with digital skills, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic self-sufficiency. His role in facilitating the opening of Shoprite Nigeria in Kaduna highlighted his dedication to creating a business-friendly environment. His encouragement to Shoprite to prioritize local product sourcing points to a commitment for the support of the state's agricultural sector and job opportunities for local producers in the state. As a tip of the iceberg, the governor performed the groundbreaking of the Qatar Sanabil project; a mass housing project for low-income earners and an economic city for trade and investment with potentials to create thousands of jobs. This project will provide 500,000 houses for low-income people.

Governor Uba Sani's governance approach prioritizes the welfare of citizens. His three-phase palliative distribution measure addresses the effects of fuel subsidy removal, providing immediate relief and ensuring sustainable well-being. Proposed improvements in civil servants' welfare reflect his commitment to supporting those who contribute to the state's progress.

It is worthy to mention that Governor Uba Sani has shown that his leadership will transform Kaduna State through infrastructural development. He performed the groundbreaking for the Construction of 36 rural roads covering about 406 kilometers across 23 local government areas of the state and also developed a rural transformation framework for Kaduna state to accelerate infrastructural development for sustainable growth in rural areas. Also, the Governor's security strategy aims to create a secure and stable environment for economic growth. He has made important steps by engaging with security chiefs, mediating with troubled communities, and recruiting 7000 youths into the Kaduna Vigilance service empower young people and enhance security.

The Governor envisions making Kaduna State a technology hub in Nigeria. Engaging with global tech giant Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Ltd reflects his commitment to harnessing technology for innovation and economic development. In the same vein, the commissioning of the Women and Child Centre showcases the Governor's dedication to protecting and empowering vulnerable women and children, ensuring they have access to essential services and support. Talking about inclusion, his first Executive Order on "Financial Inclusion in Kaduna State" outlines strategies to benefit 2.1 million underserved citizens, ensuring they have access to financial services and social intervention programs.

Going by his first 100 days, Governor Uba Sani has emerged as a beacon of transformative leadership in his first 100 days in office. His unwavering dedication, visionary approach, and resolute commitment to the people of Kaduna State have set a new standard for governance. In this short span, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges facing the state and has charted a course towards a brighter future. His performance surpasses that of his peers, standing out as a shining example of effective governance. With an impressive array of initiatives and a comprehensive agenda that touches every facet of development, Governor Uba Sani has already begun to reshape the landscape of Kaduna State. His vision for Kaduna is not just about incremental change; it is about a profound transformation that encompasses education, economic growth, healthcare, security, welfare, and governance. His ability to forge strategic partnerships, attract investments, and drive job creation highlights his acumen for economic development. His proactive measures demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the safety and stability of Kaduna State. His focus on the welfare of the people is evident through initiatives that provide support and empowerment, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. Indeed, this leadership is not just about making promises; it's about delivering results. His style reflects a forward-thinking approach that aims to uplift marginalized communities and foster financial inclusion.

In his first 100 days, Governor Uba Sani has shown that he possesses the vision, determination, and leadership qualities to steer Kaduna State towards a future of progress and prosperity. Kaduna state has never had a better first 100 days in its history. This remarkable performance has left an indelible mark on the state, setting a precedent for what governance can achieve when driven by a genuine desire to serve and transform. Kaduna State is indeed fortunate to have a leader of his caliber at its helm.

We will continue to be loyal to the governor no matter the tides. We are on this journey to make history together to ensure that the governor succeeds because if the governor succeeds, the APC succeeds, Kaduna state succeeds and if Kaduna state succeeds, Nigeria succeeds. We are committed to contributing our quota to ensuring that Governor Uba Sani succeeds, and the APC succeeds because if this happens, we will continue to win elections in Kaduna state and Nigeria as a whole.