Uba Sani: The debt Kaduna owed, the promise he kept, by Sani Abdulrazak – THISAGE

Three years ago we crisscrossed the beautiful state of Kaduna carrying not just a political message, but a belief. We knocked on doors, stood in the scorching sun, spoke in crowded markets, silent villages and courtyards, and sold a candidacy we sincerely believed in.

We told the good people of Kaduna State that Senator Uba Sani could be trusted. We told them that beyond the speeches and slogans was a man whose conception of governance was rooted in service, whose politics were built on empathy, and whose leadership was forged through years of engagement with ordinary people.

I have often described him as the proverbial Lannister of our time, not because of wealth or power, but because he understood the sacred obligation of debt. The debt he owed was not to political godfathers or elite interests; it was due to the people. And we assured the citizens of Kaduna that if he were entrusted with power, he would repay the debt in full through service, dedication and purposeful governance. While the victory came, it was far from sensational. The shadows of the past hung heavily over the elections. Skepticism filled the air. Doubts resonated throughout the communities. Yet, in the midst of the uncertainty there was a man who carried the weight of the expectations and hope of a people longing for a new chapter.

Then came governance.

Boom! He gave it his all and, before many could properly voice their criticisms, he began dismantling his opponents’ arguments. One project after another emerged. One policy after another took shape. Even abandoned villages, long accustomed to promises, suddenly found themselves witnessing action.

I always believed he was the right man for the job because I had studied his political philosophy and written extensively about his leadership style. What I hadn’t fully anticipated, however, was the scale of the transformation that would occur in such a short period. Today, three years later, the results are visible not only in government reports but in people’s daily lives.

One of the most significant areas in which Governor Uba Sani’s administration has left an indelible mark is that of security. When he assumed office, Kaduna State was grappling with profound security challenges. Entire communities lived under the constant threat of attacks, kidnappings and displacements. Economic activities were disrupted and fear had become a regular companion in many rural areas.

Instead of addressing the problem solely through rhetoric, the administration has adopted a strategy focused on collaboration, intelligence gathering, community engagement, and support for security agencies. Through sustained efforts and strategic partnerships, many previously inaccessible areas have become safer, allowing residents to return to their farms, businesses and daily routines. While security challenges remain a national concern, the progress seen in Kaduna State demonstrates what focused leadership and collective action can achieve.

Education has equally benefited from deliberate and visionary leadership. Governor Uba Sani understands that no society can rise above the quality of its education system. His administration has invested significantly in improving educational infrastructure, expanding access, and creating an environment where learning can thrive. Across the state, schools are receiving attention through the renovation, construction and provision of educational facilities. In addition to infrastructure, efforts have also been directed at increasing enrollment and reducing barriers that prevent children from accessing education. In a state with a young population, such investments are not simply expenses; they are strategic repositories for Kaduna’s future prosperity and stability.

The healthcare sector tells another compelling story. For years, access to quality healthcare has remained a challenge for many communities, particularly in rural areas. Recognizing that a healthy population is the foundation of development, the Administration is committed to strengthening health care across the State. Primary health centers have received renewed attention, while investments in medical infrastructure and staff continue to improve service delivery.

Maternal and child health programs have been strengthened, bringing relief and hope to thousands of families. The importance of these interventions cannot be overstated. Every renovated facility, every life-saving treatment, and every baby born safely represents a government fulfilling one of its most sacred responsibilities.

Transport infrastructure has also seen notable progress. Roads are more than physical structures; they are the arteries through which economic growth flows. They connect farmers to markets, students to schools, patients to hospitals, and communities to opportunities.

Understanding this reality, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has pursued an ambitious road construction and rehabilitation programme. In urban and rural communities, road projects are improving connectivity, stimulating commerce and enhancing mobility. Better transport networks not only reduce travel times, but also attract investment and create the conditions for sustainable economic growth.

Agriculture, the backbone of Kaduna State’s economy, has remained a priority under this administration. For countless families, farming is not simply an occupation; it’s a lifestyle. Yet, for many years, insecurity, inadequate support and infrastructure deficits have limited agricultural productivity.

Through targeted interventions, support programs, and efforts to restore security in farming communities, the Administration has helped create a more conducive environment for agricultural activities. Farmers are increasingly able to return to their fields with renewed confidence. By strengthening agriculture, the government not only supports livelihoods, but also contributes to food security, economic diversification and rural development.

Housing is another sector where great strides have been made. Rapid urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in a growing state like Kaduna. Access to affordable and decent housing remains essential for social stability and economic development. The administration’s commitment to housing development reflects an understanding that housing is more than a physical necessity; it is a source of dignity, security and belonging. Through various initiatives to expand housing opportunities and improve urban development, the government is helping more citizens realize the dream of homeownership, while laying the foundation for more organized and sustainable communities.

Of course, governance is never a finished journey. Challenges remain. Expectations continue to grow. There are communities still waiting for projects, citizens still hoping for solutions, and sectors that require further attention. However, leadership should not be judged by perfection, but by direction, commitment and measurable progress. By this standard, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has demonstrated a seriousness of purpose that deserves recognition.

As we celebrate three years of this administration, one truth stands out clearly. The promise we made to the people of Kaduna was not out of place. The confidence we expressed was no exaggeration. The trust in which we asked citizens to invest has borne fruit.

Like a patient farmer who understands that the harvest follows the seasons of work, Uba Sani planted hope where desperation once flourished and nurtured possibility where uncertainty had taken root. Today, across the hills, plains, cities and villages of Kaduna State, the fruits of this labor are becoming increasingly visible.

History, after all, remembers not those who simply held office, but those who used office to improve lives. And as the winds of time continue their journey across our beloved state, they bring with them a growing testimony: that when leadership is anchored in service, when governance is guided by compassion, and when promises are matched by action, transformation ceases to be a dream and becomes a living reality.

Three years ago we asked Kaduna to believe it. Today Kaduna has reasons to do so.

Sani Abdulrazak, PhD, is a researcher, writer and public commentator based in Kaduna state.



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