Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has called for unity and peaceful coexistence among citizens, describing faith as a powerful bridge for healing and collective progress.
Gatekeepers News reports that the governor made the call on Sunday while speaking at the 2025 Christmas Carol organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government. The event took place at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre and was attended by various Christian denominations, with prayers offered and choristers rendering Christmas songs.
Governor Sani said his presence at the event was in fulfilment of a promise he made last year during the Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol held at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi High Cost, where he pledged to attend subsequent editions throughout his tenure.
“This is the third time I have shared in this sacred moment with the Christian family in our dear state,” the governor said.
“On each occasion, I am reminded with renewed clarity that faith remains one of the most enduring bridges to unity, healing, and collective progress in our society.”
He described Christmas as more than the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, noting that it is “a season that speaks, gently yet powerfully, of love, sacrifice, humility, compassion, and selfless service.”
“These virtues transcend religious boundaries and speak directly to our shared humanity,” he added. “Christmas challenges us not merely to rejoice, but to live differently; to become better neighbours, fairer leaders, and more compassionate citizens.”
Governor Sani said he attended the carol by “choice, conviction, and commitment,” stressing that such gatherings renew hope and reinforce values that unite the people.
“I stand before you not merely as your governor, but as a fellow citizen; one who seeks renewed inspiration at a season of profound meaning for Christians across the world,” he said.
He commended religious leaders and Christian faithful in the state, saying their prayers, counsel and commitment to peace have helped sustain stability.
“In moments of tension and uncertainty, you chose restraint over reaction, dialogue over division, unity over suspicion, and peace over provocation. These choices matter,” he stressed.
According to the governor, such decisions are shaping a more hopeful present and laying the foundation for a secure and harmonious future. He added that hosting the Christmas Carol symbolises openness, inclusion and progress.
“Let Kaduna continue to stand as a model; a place where faith builds bridges, diversity fuels progress, and unity secures our shared future,” he said.
Recalling his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Governor Sani said he vowed to govern Kaduna State without discrimination based on faith, ethnicity or political affiliation, adding that the vow remains unbroken.
He also highlighted achievements of his administration over the past two and a half years, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture.
“In the first phase of our road infrastructure programme, we completed or advanced work on 85 roads covering a total of 785 kilometres,” he said.
“In Phase Two, we launched over 50 additional roads and bridges spanning more than 550 kilometres. Rural communities and long-neglected areas are now connected to markets, healthcare facilities and urban centres.”
The governor disclosed that before he assumed office, 12 local government areas had not benefited from a single kilometre of motorable road in over a decade.
“Today, by the grace of God and the collective support of our people, at least 18 local government areas are linked with modern, durable roads, with work ongoing to connect all 23 local government areas,” he said.
On healthcare, Governor Sani said his administration has upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres to Level Two status — the highest achieved by any state in Nigeria — leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes. He added that a 300-bed Specialist Hospital, named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also been commissioned.
He noted that agriculture, which contributes over 42 per cent of Kaduna State’s Gross Domestic Product, is receiving unprecedented budgetary support.
“We inherited an agricultural budget allocation of less than one per cent in 2023, but have consistently allocated over 10 per cent in the last two years,” he said, adding that the figure has been increased to about 12 per cent in the 2026 budget, surpassing the Malabo Declaration target.
Governor Sani thanked President Tinubu for selecting Kaduna State as the pilot state for the Nigeria–China Poultry Project, describing the decision as “an extraordinary vote of confidence in Kaduna’s stability, capacity, and leadership.”
