Gov. Sani pushes humanity-first approach to peace in Jaba

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, reconciliation, and inclusive governance, saying humanity must come before ethnic, religious, or political identity in resolving conflicts across the state.
He spoke through his Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Danlami Adamu, who represented him at the Jaba Local Government Security and Peace Summit in Kafanchan, said lasting peace can only be built on shared humanity.
“We are first humans before becoming Fulani, Jaba, Muslims, or Christians.
“ Humanity must guide our actions if we truly desire justice and peaceful coexistence,” Sani told participants.
He described peace as a continuous process, stressing that conflicts will always have triggers that require sustained dialogue and collective action.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to guarantee citizens’ well-being, ensure security, and create equal development opportunities,” he added.
The summit, themed _“Bridging the Divide: Uniting Farmers, Herders, and Youth for a Prosperous Community,”_ was convened to strengthen unity among critical groups in Jaba and address recurring insecurity that has disrupted livelihoods and development.
Executive Chairman of Jaba Local Government, Mrs. Larai Sylvia Ishaku, said the forum was necessary because insecurity and communal clashes had slowed growth and weakened social cohesion in many communities.
She urged farmers, herders, and youths to reject violence, ethnic and religious divisions, and instead embrace dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation.
According to her, the summit is expected to promote trust, early warning mechanisms, peaceful dispute resolution, and community policing. “Sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment,” Ishaku said, while commending Governor Sani for prioritizing peace and inclusive governance.
Guest speaker, Mr. Nehemiah Abu Bamai, Senior Special Assistant on Security and Technical Aide to the Kaduna Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, praised the council chairman for bringing together farmers, herders, youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups, and security agencies.
He said the broad participation would help strengthen social cohesion and support sustainable development in Jaba.
Chairman of the occasion, retired Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke described the theme as timely and warned that no meaningful development can occur without adequate security.
He said Southern Kaduna has enormous agricultural and economic potential that can only be realized in a peaceful atmosphere.
Dauke called on farmers and herders to embrace dialogue and urged youths to lead community development and peace-building efforts. He also appealed to political, traditional, and religious leaders to promote inclusiveness, reject hate speech, and encourage mutual respect.
“Forgiveness, reconciliation, and collaboration remain essential for addressing unemployment, insecurity, educational challenges, and underdevelopment,” he stated.