As Sani Moves to Tackle Insecurity in Kaduna…

John Shiklam writes on various steps being taken by Governor Uba Sani, to tackle insecurity and unite the people of Kaduna state since he assumed office in May, 2023.

Governor Uba Sani’s policy of inclusiveness, fairness and equity has given renewed hope and new lease of life to residents of Kaduna state. His style of leadership is a far departure from the immediate past where the state was sharply divided.

Upon assumption of office over a year ago, Sani took bold steps by ensuring that every section of the state, especially, the Southern part of the  state which consistently accused the eight-year administration of former governor Nasir El-Rufai of alleged discrimination and marginalisation are united.

Upon assumption of office on May 29, 2023, the governor was emphatic about his desire for a peaceful and united Kaduna state.

He promised to reshape the state and make it a model of development, ethnic harmony and cooperation.

“We have committed ourselves to running a pro-people, pro-poor and all inclusive administration.

“Under my watch, equity and justice shall reign supreme in Kaduna state. Kaduna State is a miniature Nigeria.

“If you understand Kaduna State, chances are that you will understand Nigeria with its challenges, complexities and possibilities.

“There is no settler/indigene dichotomy in Kaduna state. We are all citizens of Kaduna state with equal rights, privileges and responsibilities”, the governor said while speaking at  a conference  on “Tackling poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.

He also put a stop to the demolition of houses, shops and markets, which destroyed the livelihoods of many people during the El-Rufai administration. Many victims of the demolition have not been able to recover from the destruction of their homes or means of livelihood.

According to Sani, the people remain the strength and inspiration to his administration. His desire to achieve  peace and security informed his decision to interface with key stakeholders, traditional and religious rulers, to chart the way forward for a peaceful Kaduna state.

Besides series of engaging town hall meetings with the citizenry, the governor rejuvenated the Kaduna Elders Forum, whose members are revered senior citizens of Kaduna state, co-chaired by the duo of Major General Zamani Lekwot (rtd) and a former head of service and former Organising secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha.

At a meeting with the governor in October 2023, the Forum declared its support for Sani, noting that he has started well.

The elders promised to lend their support to the governor towards his move to revitalizing agriculture and boosting the rural economy.

“As elders, we have promised to do our best to support him to succeed in order to take our state to the promised land”, Lekwot said after the meeting.

Since then, Sani has been leveraging on this relationship with the elders for counsel and support.

The  Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), an umbrella body for ethnic nationalities in the Southern part of the state, was among the various groups to declare support for the governor.

President of the union, Tabara Samuel Kato, while highlighting the importance of inclusive governance, during a visit to the governor in February 2024, said, “We appreciate the fair and inclusive manner in which projects are being executed, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of all citizens.”

Also the 10-man committee set up by the governor to resettle residents of Southern Kaduna who had been displaced following the long years of crisis in the area, has endeared him to them.

Kaduna is one of the North west states ravaged by banditry and kidnappings.

Until his assumption of office, hardly a day passed without attacks, killings or kidnappings in Kaduna state.

Besides identifying the root causes of the multifaceted problem of insecurity – ignorance, poverty, unemployment and poor leadership, Sani took steps to tackle the menace headlong.

His administration’s approach to insecurity and other related crimes, has contributed to the relative peace in the state.

The deadly activities of bandits have been drastically reduced in the state through the upgrading of security infrastructure.

The state government recruited and trained 7,000 Personnel of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to enhance security across the state.

The massive recruitment drive was aimed at augmenting the capacity of conventional security agencies, providing a much-needed grassroots presence in combating crime.

Members of the vigilantes who are drawn from local communities, are familiar with the terrain of the communities and making them a critical component in complimenting security agencies in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminal activity.

The state government also distributed 150 Hillux Security Vehicles and 500 Patrol Motorcycles to all security operatives in the state. The vehicles and motorcycles, were equipped with advanced technology, improve mobility and response times.

This enables security forces to respond swiftly to incidents and patrol in vast and often challenging terrains in communities.

This is a game-changer, ensuring that security personnel can cover more ground and reach troubled spots with greater efficiency.

A forensic Laboratory and Training Centre  has also been constructed.

The collaboration between the government and the security agencies has contributed in crushing many bandits resulting in a significant reduction in their criminal activities.

Governor Sani noted that his administration has ‘’recorded major milestones in the conflict – impacted Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Kachia, Kajuru and Kagarko LGAs.”

He said: ‘’Through the efforts of the Peace Dialogue Group,  jointly established by the Kaduna state government in collaboration with federal agencies and security services, peace has returned to Birnin Gwari.

‘’I was in Birnin Gwari on Thursday, 28th November 2028 to reopen the famous and strategic Kara Livestock Market, thus signaling the commencement of commercial activities. The long abandoned Birnin Gwari Road is now back to life.”

Sani’s proactive measures have not only strengthened the morale of the security forces but have also instilled a sense of hope and safety among the residents of Kaduna state.

These initiatives no doubt underscores the governor’s philosophy that without security there will be little or no development.

To address youths unemployment, Sani has embarked on the construction of a state of the art skills acquisition centre to address the issue.

Already the Skills Development Council has been inaugurated to provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the development of strategies and implementation.

According to the governor, the initiative is  a milestone in the efforts towards addressing  skills deficit and empowering citizens, especially, the  youths, to be relevant in a fast changing world.

“We are determined to decisively address the skills deficits of our people. We want our citizens to have the requisite skills to fill positions in the industries and other businesses we have attracted to the state”, the governor said.

According to him, the construction of the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba have reached advanced stages.

He noted that long-term impact of the centres in terms of employment generation and economic growth, will undoubtedly be far-reaching as the target beneficiaries would be equipped with the essential skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence.

He said, “The trainees will be equipped with a variety of vocational and technical skills including Welding and Fabrication, Articulated Vehicle Driving, Automobile Gas Conversion, Automotive Mechatronics, Solar Power Installation, Electrical Installation, Tiling, POP Making, Carpentry and Joinery, Fashion and Design, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Aluminum Fabrication, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

“The construction of the remodelled Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, is also progressing steadily.”

He added that the remodelled Panteka Market will be a major centre for skills acquisition and job creation as the youths will be trained in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work and other trades.

According to him, the Kaduna state government is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)  to provide the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification which is an instrument approved by the Federal Executive Council for the development, classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired through technical and vocational training.

“This is a globally recognised certification which will provide our youths with employment opportunities across various industries within and outside the country”, the governor stated.