When he took over the steering wheel of Kaduna State on the 29th of May 2023 from former Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, the immediate past Senator representing Kaduna Central, Malam Uba Sani was not unaware of the global economic realities, particularly the financial standing of the State he aspired to govern. But, like other great leaders of international repute he accepted the daunting challenge to lead Kaduna to a greater height.
Despite his predecessor’s scary valedictory speech, which exposed Kaduna as the second most indebted state in Nigeria, Governor Uba Sani in his inauguration address gave hope to the citizens of Kaduna State. Even when he acknowledged the challenges he was inheriting, Governor Sani expressed belief in his knowledge, commitment and determination to navigate the State out of troubled waters.
Former Governor El-Rufa’i declared before the mammoth crowd that came to witness Sani’s inauguration at the Murtala Mohammed Square, that he was leaving the state better than when he assumed office in 2015, adding that his administration initiated legacy projects that would empower the citizens, but he openly admitted that he left a domestic debt of N80.60 billion naira and a foreign debt of $577.32 million dollars for the Uba Sani administration.
According to ex-governor El-Rufa’i: “As of the last financial year, Kaduna State has the following liabilities -Domestic debt: N64.54bn, Other Contingent Liabilities: N16.06bn and Foreign debts: US $577.32m.”
However, rather than play politics with the challenges at hand as some of his colleagues across the country are doing, the new Kaduna Governor rolled up his sleeves and swung into positive actions that will change the statistics, having realized that, he was not voted to come and lament.
At inception, Governor Sani promised that his administration will run a people oriented government and work hard to speedily achieve a secured, peaceful and united Kaduna State that guarantees investment in its economy as well as hope and certainty for the future.
His words, “I am close to the people enough to know that things have become so tough for many families that they have become anxious and are even beginning to lose hope. For these people, I say to you that I know you, I see you, and I hear you loud and clear. I vow to you today, that as your Governor, I shall work round the clock, deploying all my God-given talents, modern governance tools and the most gifted personnel that this state can boast of, to not only alleviate your condition but to give the majority of our people sustained prosperity and hope again.”
Within the past six months, political observers have noted the convergence of Governor Sani’s seal and commitment for development in many fronts including, infrastructural, human capital and job creation, wealth creation and employment, which led to him seeking investments from investors and businessmen across the world.
Beyond rhetorics, Governor Sani has been very pragmatic in his developmental strides. He has been able to match his words with action; as part of his promise to address housing deficit in the state, Sani’s government, has secured a tripartite partnership with Qatar Charity Foundation and Qatar owned Sanabil Foundation, to establish an economic city and build houses for 500,000 low income earners in Kaduna State.
Just few weeks after signing of the accord, Governor Sani brought down the Qatari Ambassador to perform the groundbreaking of the two projects at the Millennium City area of the state capital. He said, the Economic City is designed to establish world-class infrastructure, positioning Kaduna as a benchmark for contemporary affordable living. “It will offer a secured environment and a conducive atmosphere for thriving business activities. The City would facilitate global trade and simultaneously serve as a nurturing platform for local entrepreneurs and traders.”
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