From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani attended the 2025 Christmas Carol organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, fulfilling his promise from last year.
The event took place at the Umaru Yarádua Conference Centre and was attended by various Christian denominations, featuring prayers and songs performed by different choirs.
It is worth noting that the Governor had attended last year’s Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church in Narayi High Cost, where he pledged to continue attending the event for the duration of his tenure.
Speaking at the event on Sunday, Governor Uba Sani remarked that this was his third time sharing in the “sacred moment” with the Christian community in the state.
He stated that “each occasion reminds me that faith is one of the most enduring bridges to unity, healing, and collective progress in our society.”
The Governor emphasized that Christmas is not merely a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also a season that powerfully conveys messages of love, sacrifice, humility, compassion, and selfless service.
“These virtues transcend religious boundaries and speak directly to our shared humanity. Christmas challenges us not just to rejoice but to live differently; to become better neighbors, fairer leaders, and more compassionate citizens,” he added.
Governor Sani expressed that he attended the Christmas Carol out of choice, conviction, and commitment, noting that such gatherings “renew hope and reconnect us to the timeless values that bind us together as a people.”
“I stand before you not only as your Governor but also as a fellow citizen, seeking renewed inspiration during this season of profound meaning for Christians worldwide,” he said.
In appreciating religious leaders and the faithful across Kaduna State, the Governor acknowledged their “prayers, counsel, and steadfast commitment to peace,” which have played a crucial role in sustaining stability in the state.
“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 noted.
The Governor argued that these choices “are shaping a more hopeful present and laying the foundations for a more secure and harmonious future for our people.”
He pointed out that hosting the Christmas Carol symbolizes openness, inclusion, and progress, stating, “Let Kaduna continue to stand as a model; a place where faith builds bridges, diversity fuels progress, and unity secures our shared future.”
He recalled, “From my first day in office, on May 29, 2023, I made a solemn vow to serve as Governor for all the people of Kaduna State, without fear or favor and irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation.”
According to him, that vow remains unbroken, as he has committed himself to fairness, justice, equity, and inclusive governance.
Governor Uba Sani also provided a progress report on his administration over the past two and a half years.
“In the first phase of our road infrastructure program, we completed or advanced work on 85 roads covering a total of 785 kilometers. In Phase Two, we launched over 50 additional roads and bridges spanning more than 550 kilometers. Rural communities and previously neglected areas are now connected to markets, healthcare facilities, and urban centers,” he added.
The Governor highlighted that before he took office, “12 local government areas had not benefited from a single kilometer 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, and work is ongoing to connect all 23 local government areas,” he explained.
Additionally, he stated that his administration has upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres to Level Two status, the highest number achieved by any state in Nigeria.
This upgrade has brought quality healthcare closer to the people, leading to significantly improved maternal and child health outcomes, as pregnant women now have access to well-equipped and adequately staffed facilities within their communities.
“A landmark achievement in this sector is the commissioning of a 300-bed Specialist Hospital named in honor of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
Governor Uba Sani maintained that Agriculture, which contributes over 42 percent of Kaduna State’s Gross Domestic Product, is receiving one of the largest budgetary allocations in its history.
He mentioned that his government inherited an agricultural budget allocation of less than one percent in 2023 but has consistently allocated over ten percent to the sector in the last two years.
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