Ahmed Gero

In furtherance of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of our people, I had the privilege of inaugurating the Kaduna State Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Peace and Security Committee. This marks a decisive step in our ongoing efforts to consolidate peace and entrench sustainable security across Kaduna State. Kaduna State is also serving as the pilot state for this peace and security initiative, reflecting national confidence in the effectiveness and promise of our security framework. From the very outset, this administration has pursued a carefully balanced strategy; combining kinetic responses with thoughtful non-kinetic interventions, within what has come to be widely recognised as the Kaduna Peace Model. This approach is grounded in a clear understanding that insecurity is not merely a function of criminality, but often the consequence of deeper structural challenges, including poverty, exclusion, and limited economic opportunity. Through sustained collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies, we have recorded measurable progress. Intelligence coordination has been significantly strengthened; key transport corridors, including the Kaduna–Abuja highway, the Birnin Gwari axis and other previously flash points, are now markedly safer; economic activity is steadily rebounding across these places; markets have reopened; and our farmers are returning to their fields with renewed confidence. I am particularly encouraged by the commendation of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, ably represented by Ambassador Abimbola Wonosikou, who described the Kaduna Peace Model as worthy of emulation for its deliberate focus on addressing the underlying drivers of insecurity. The Committee, under the able leadership of the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meyare, brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders: government institutions, security agencies, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders. Its mandate is to guide the structured rehabilitation, skills development, and reintegration of individuals exiting violence, while fostering community trust and long-term stability. Together, we shall build a Kaduna State where peace is not merely promised, but lived; where security is shared by all; and where the future is defined not by fear, but by possibility. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State

I was deeply honoured to witness the Qur’anic graduation ceremony of 153 students of the Na’ibi Charity Foundation, established by the respected Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, national leader of JIBWIS. This inspiring milestone stands as a testament to the discipline, perseverance, and spiritual devotion of the graduands, who have committed themselves to the memorisation and living guidance of the Holy Qur’an. Their achievement is not merely academic; it is profoundly moral. I urged them to remain steadfast in the virtues they have imbibed: humility, integrity, compassion, and peace, and to reflect, in both word and deed, the true essence of Islam, which calls for justice, mercy, and harmonious coexistence among all people. I extend my sincere appreciation to Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau and other distinguished speakers for their gracious remarks and their recognition of our administration’s efforts to strengthen security and advance inclusive development across Kaduna State. I am particularly encouraged by their consistent emphasis on peaceful coexistence across religious and social divides. Their voices remain vital in nurturing unity and guiding our communities towards mutual respect and understanding. As a government, we remain committed to treating every citizen fairly and equitably, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. We stand firm against all forces of division and will continue to resist those who seek to profit from instability and disunity. Kaduna State will continue to support and partner with institutions and initiatives that foster peace, cohesion, and shared progress. We are convinced that enduring development can only take root in an environment defined by trust, stability, and collective purpose. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State.

I had the esteemed honor of commissioning the Renewed Hope 100-Bed Specialist Hospital in Zaria, a landmark intervention that affirms our collective resolve to advance the wellbeing of our people. This project stands as a compelling testament to the transformative force of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which continues to anchor purposeful, people-centred development across our nation. I commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Rt. Hon.Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, for his foresight and unwavering dedication in bringing this vital initiative to fruition. The gracious acknowledgements of the Kaduna State Government’s role in enabling and supporting this project are deeply appreciated. This facility is firmly aligned with our administration’s integrated healthcare reform agenda, designed to strengthen service delivery across every tier of care. Beyond this specialist hospital, we have upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres to Level-2 facilities and established 23 Centres of Excellence across the state. We have also commissioned the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital and upgraded 15 General Hospitals statewide. In the coming weeks, additional Centres of Excellence will commence in Babban Dodo and Chikaji, further extending access to quality care across Zaria and Sabon Gari. In addition to our support for this 100-bed facility, we have assured its management of enhanced security within the surrounding area, the provision of an operational vehicle, and other critical healthcare support to strengthen service delivery. Our objective remains clear: to ensure accessible, affordable, secure, and reliable healthcare for every citizen of Kaduna State. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State May 2, 2026

I had the pleasure of receiving a delegation from the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 19, Syndicate 4, led by their Team Lead, Uduak Uduak Ituen, during a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. The delegation is in the state as part of its ongoing security study tour. I was particularly encouraged by their thoughtful engagement and their commendation of our administration’s peace and security framework. Their recognition of the now famous Kaduna Peace Model, as a template worthy of study and possible replication, underscores the quiet but determined work we have undertaken to stabilise our communities and rebuild trust in public institutions. I am equally mindful of their observation that our progress in security, inclusive governance, and people-centred development contributed to my recognition as the recipient of the “2026 Governor of the Year Award” by the National Leadership Summit Group. In my remarks, I expressed sincere appreciation for their generous assessment, while reaffirming a principle that continues to guide our approach: that sustainable security cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. It must be anchored in credible intelligence, strengthened by inter-agency cooperation, and sustained through trust between government and the governed. I further emphasised the intrinsic link between security and development. Our investments in infrastructure, education, and social protection are deliberately designed not only to respond to immediate challenges, but to address the underlying conditions that give rise to instability. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State.

I had the pleasure of receiving the management team of Kaduna Polytechnic, an institution I am proud to call one of my alma maters. The delegation, ably led by the Rector, Dr. Suleiman Umar, conveyed thoughtful reflections on our administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition the education sector in Kaduna State. Their gracious acknowledgment of our initiatives: ranging from the reduction of school fees and decisive action against the scourge of out-of-school children, to the construction of new schools, the recruitment and retraining of teachers, and the steady upgrading of educational infrastructure, was deeply appreciated. Our engagement afforded me an opportunity to reflect on my formative years at the Polytechnic, where I acquired not only knowledge but also enduring values that continue to guide my public service. I commended the management for their steadfast commitment to preserving the institution’s standards and urged them to remain resolute in their pursuit of excellence and innovation. I was particularly honoured by the iconic institution’s invitation to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the forthcoming Convocation Ceremony and 70th Anniversary celebration of the Polytechnic, a milestone of enduring significance that I look forward to celebrating with pride. I was equally humbled by the management’s decision to confer on me the prestigious title of Fellow of the Polytechnic, the highest honour bestowed by the institution. I assured the management of our administration’s resolve to further upgrade, reconstruct and rehabilitate infrastructures within the institution in order to provide a more conducive learning environment for both staff and students. I reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Kaduna State Government to supporting the welfare of staff and students, and to strengthening the Polytechnic’s capacity to deliver quality, future-ready education. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State

Today, I had the honour of standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of dedicated men and women at the 2026 May Day celebration in Kaduna; an event thoughtfully convened by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to recognise the enduring contributions of workers to the growth and vitality of our state. That this marks the third consecutive peaceful Workers’ Day in Kaduna is not incidental; it is a quiet but powerful testament to a renewed climate of trust, stability, and constructive engagement between government and organised labour. I was particularly heartened by the thoughtful commendations from labour leaders, who acknowledged our administration’s sustained commitment to workers’ welfare and people-centred governance. Their recognition of our interventions across critical sectors affirms the direction we have chosen. From the upgrading of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres and the reconstruction of general hospitals, to the recruitment of 10,000 teachers and 1,800 health workers, we have sought to strengthen both service delivery and human capital. Equally significant is the disbursement of ₦17.796 billion in pensions, gratuities, and death benefits; an obligation we consider not merely financial, but moral. The implementation of CONHESS and CONMESS, alongside our investments in school infrastructure and workforce expansion, reflects a deliberate effort to restore dignity and efficiency across public service. Labour’s commendation of the free CNG Bus Mass Transit initiative is equally encouraging. By easing transportation costs and improving mobility, this intervention has offered practical relief to workers and citizens alike, while reinforcing our broader commitment to inclusive economic support. Their acknowledgement of our progress in restoring peace and strengthening security across previously troubled communities further underscores the interdependence between stability and prosperity. I reminded our workers that my journey has always been rooted in solidarity. As a lifelong advocate for justice and civil rights, I stood with labour in the defining moments of our democratic struggle. That bond endures. I remain, as ever, committed to advancing the dignity, welfare, and aspirations of every worker in Kaduna State. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State. May 1, 2026

Ya Allah! As we look to the future with hope, we pray for Your guidance and mercy. Grant us the courage to face every challenge with faith and resilience, and unite our people in the pursuit of peace, progress, and the common good. May forgiveness, love, patience, kindness, compassion, and mercy continue to guide our actions and strengthen our communities. Ameen. JUMA’AT MUBARAK

@ubasanius Al'umma Jahar Kaduna na mika godiya ga President @officialABAT ya hannun Balaraben Gwamna @ubasanius

STATEMENT OF APPRECIATION TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE AWARD OF STRATEGIC CONTRACTS WORTH OVER ₦1 TRILLION AND ₦178 BILLION IN KADUNA STATE On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Executive Council for the gracious approval and award of transformative infrastructure contracts that will indelibly reshape the economic and social landscape of our state. Foremost among these is the Kaduna Light Rail Project; an ambitious undertaking spanning a 30-kilometre corridor from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, alongside a 20-kilometre line from Millennium City to Rigasa, forming a 50-kilometre metropolitan network with an estimated value of One Trillion Naira. Complementing this is the critical reconstruction of the Mando–Kaduna–Birnin Gwari road, a 122-kilometre artery valued at ₦178 billion. Together, these projects represent not merely investments in infrastructure, but a deliberate re-engineering of mobility, security, and economic vitality across Kaduna State. The Federal Government’s support for the light rail project is both historic and catalytic. It reinforces our vision of an integrated transport ecosystem, anchored by the 24-kilometre Bus Rapid Transit system currently underway. Kaduna has taken a pioneering role in Northern Nigeria by articulating a comprehensive State Transport Policy, one that privileges efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, and affordability. Through initiatives such as subsidised Compressed Natural Gas buses, modern terminals, and structured transit corridors, we are systematically positioning Kaduna as a premier hub for transportation and logistics. That Kaduna has been selected to lead this transformation; emerging as only the second state in the federation to embark on a light rail system, speaks to the confidence reposed in our vision and our capacity for execution. It is a testament to a leadership philosophy at the centre that recognises potential, rewards preparedness, and advances development without prejudice. Equally significant is the rehabilitation of the Mando–Birnin Gwari road, a project imbued with both symbolic and practical importance. I recall, with clarity and respect, Mr. President’s visit to Birnin Gwari in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, at a time when the area was beset by insecurity and infrastructural neglect. His promise then was unequivocal. Today, that promise is being fulfilled. This road will not only enhance connectivity but also strengthen security, facilitate agricultural productivity, and restore confidence to communities long burdened by isolation. Kaduna State remains resolute in its commitment to the diligent execution of these projects. We view them not as isolated interventions, but as enduring legacies; foundations upon which a more prosperous, secure, and connected future will be built. We thank Mr. President for his steadfast commitment to Kaduna State and to the equitable development of our nation. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor of Kaduna State

Governor Uba Sani Orders Immediate Completion of Western Bypass, Sets Up Task Force After Fatal Accidents The Kaduna State Government has issued a firm directive for the immediate acceleration and completion of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass, declaring ongoing delays “completely unacceptable” in the wake of repeated fatal accidents along the corridor. The decision followed an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened at the instance of Governor Uba Sani, who expressed grave concern over the rising number of crashes on the 21.5-kilometre expressway stretching from Command Junction through the bypass to Mando Roundabout. Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information & Culture, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki, conveyed the Governor’s deep concern and urgency: “His Excellency is profoundly disturbed by the tragic loss of lives recorded on this highway. No level of progress can justify the continued loss of even a single life. This situation is intolerable, and decisive action must be taken immediately.” The high-level meeting brought together critical stakeholders, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), KASTELEA, the main contractor Dangote Industries, subcontractors Dantata & Sawoe, and leadership of transport unions such as NARTO, NURTW, and ACCOMORAN. Maiyaki noted that although the project was awarded in 2021, prior to the current administration, progress had been sluggish until Governor Uba Sani personally intervened. “Since the Governor’s direct engagement, we have seen a marked improvement in the pace of work. However, progress alone is not enough—timely completion is now non-negotiable.” According to updates from the Federal Controller of Highways and contractors, approximately 19 kilometres of the road have been completed. Despite the official delivery timeline of December 2026, the Governor has now issued a clear directive for an earlier completion date. “His Excellency has made it unequivocally clear: this project must be delivered ahead of schedule. Any further delay will not be tolerated.” To ensure strict compliance, the government has established a multi-agency task force to monitor construction and enforce safety measures around the clock, particularly during the rainy season. The task force, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, includes the FRSC, KASTELEA, Federal Ministry of Works officials, contractors, community representatives, traditional leaders, and transport unions. The Ministry of Information has been mandated to lead an aggressive public awareness and behavioral change campaign. Maiyaki underscored that unsafe road use has been a major contributing factor to the accidents, noting that several high-risk crossing points have been identified. “Beyond infrastructure, human behaviour remains a critical challenge. We are working closely with communities to enforce safer road usage. Recklessness on our roads must stop.” He further stressed that both construction standards and road usage must align with global best practices: “We are committed to ensuring that this road meets international safety standards—not just in design, but in how it is used.” The government’s intervention follows mounting pressure from community leaders and youth groups, who have described the situation along the bypass as a “serious public safety emergency” with far-reaching economic and social consequences. With the new directive and enforcement mechanisms in place, the Kaduna State Government says it is determined to restore safety, accelerate delivery, and ensure that the Western Bypass serves its intended purpose without further loss of life.

As National Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, I was deeply honoured to stand in solidarity with the discerning and steadfast people of Ekiti State at the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial campaign in Ado-Ekiti. The occasion transcended its ceremonial significance; it was, in essence, a compelling affirmation of collective purpose, marked by an unmistakable spirit of unity and an abiding faith in the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The remarkable turnout and the sincerity of public engagement offered a clear testament to a people resolute in their commitment to continuity, stability, and enduring progress. Earlier in the day, I had the privilege of inaugurating a free medical outreach thoughtfully convened by members of the National Assembly from Ekiti State in honour of the Governor. This initiative, both humane and strategic, exemplifies a governance ethos grounded in empathy, collaboration, and measurable impact. It reflects a leadership model that not only prioritises the welfare of citizens but also galvanises institutions toward shared developmental goals.

“A MAN FOR THE AGES” By Sam Omatseye It was a gathering of memory but also for memory because it was a time to toast an icon. Who better to do that than the people who fought with him, hoped with him, hid fears and cradled courage. Men who looked gun in the eye and underwrote death. It was in honour of Gani Fawehinmi. His daughter, Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku, was presenting a book, Gani Fawehinmi and The Nigerian Press, to mark his birthday. And in attendance, of course, were the members of the two divisions of his soldiery: the media and civil rights. Media fighters from the Tell magazine and The News were like ghosts in the Abacha era. They unleashed salvos but were not seen. So unseen were they that the goons besieged the American embassy in Lagos to confiscate copies of the magazines. They were matadors in the shadows. The goons thought they printed the subversive literature in the entrails of a foreign house. Their unfledged intelligence did not know, as Femi Falana mocked, that they might have unveiled them in the dingy lair of Mushin. In the hall were Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dare Babarinsa, Onome Osifo-Whiskey. Femi Falana, Shehu Sani and a few others clocked in for civil rights. There was a lone politician and former governor in Iroko, that is Olusegun Mimiko. But the cynosure of all eyes was from the civil rights but also a member of the Fawehinmi family. He is the Kaduna State Governor, the ebullient Uba Sani. He told three stories that few knew. One, that he lived with the lawyer. “My room was next to that of Mama,” he says. Basirat also recalls her father often asking if Sani had eaten and if he was feeling at home. “He only allowed two people to live in his house. Myself and Femi Aborisade,” he recalled. The other story was Gani’s scholarship scheme. He was one of the selection judges for the  scheme to fund indigent students through the university. Yours Truly was once a judge under Itse Sagay as chairman. Governor Sani said over three hundred youths benefited. “Gani asked me what I thought about the exercise. I told him I was not happy,” he replied. The reason was that only about 20 of the recipients were from northern Nigeria. Fawehinmi then commissioned him to set up a panel to interview potential candidates. He went to Zaria, and Gani flew over with two hundred cheques. There were over four hundred students eligible for the scholarships, and Comrade Sani persuaded him that all should benefit, and Fawehinmi obliged. This story underlined the humanity of the man beyond his public image as a pugilist for justice and the law Sani also told the story of his role in opening the political space for a truly multi-party democracy. In 1998, after the death of Sani Abacha, the Abdulsalam Abubakar transition regime decided to register only three political parties, the PDP, APP and AD. Fawehinmi had tried to persuade them to register others, including his Nigerian Conscience Party. Sani asked him if they should organise protest. Gani said no. We were now in a democracy, and he would entrust the matter to the outraged majesty of the courts. The matter was a three-year slog in the court. But he prevailed in 2002. That is why we have so many parties today in the country. Fawehinmi saw, as in the words of the Prophet Isaiah, that the children came to the birth but there was no strength to deliver them. Gani pulled it off with the law. He demonstrated, as Governor Sani stressed, that the court have saved justice for democracy and democracy for justice. Gov Sani wanted the world to know that he is one of the sons of the civil rights man of war, who turned the law into a document of justice. He gave plaudits to those who soldiered for democratic justice, including some of the Tell and The News stars. He witnessed the Bagauda Kaltho’s hour of expiry who perished in a bomb. He and Shehu Sani might have walked into smithereens that hour. They were a few metres away from Kaltho’s martyr’s flesh. thenationonlineng.net/a-man-for-the-…

Following my appointment by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, I arrived in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the official flag-off rally with a clear sense of responsibility. I was warmly received by the Governor of Ekiti State and our gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. I held a strategic meeting with Governor Oyebanji and key stakeholders to review our preparedness, refine campaign plans, and strengthen coordination across the state. Thereafter, I conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the rally venue, which reflected strong organisation, enthusiasm, and readiness among party faithful. I am impressed by the visible development across Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, which provides a solid foundation for our campaign. His purposeful governance and connection with the people present a compelling case for continuity. As Chairman, I remain committed to delivering on this mandate by mobilising grassroots support and ensuring a successful campaign. This effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and I am confident that, with unity and dedication, victory is assured. Senator Uba Sani, CON Governor, Kaduna State.

Following his appointment by the @OfficialAPCNg as Chairman of the Ekiti Governorship Campaign Council, Gov. Uba Sani, CON, has arrived in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the official flag-off rally.

The NIPR Week extended beyond formal sessions to include strategic engagements aimed at strengthening governance and social cohesion. A key highlight was the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Strategic Forum, led by the Emir of Zazzau, HRH Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli. The forum introduced the “Kaduna Peace Model,” which positions traditional institutions as active participants in communication and conflict resolution efforts. Another important component was the High-Level Government Communication Workshop, which focused on enhancing internal coordination and improving the clarity of public messaging. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, the ability of government institutions to communicate effectively is essential for maintaining credibility and trust. An extensive project tour for NIPR leadership further complemented the week’s activities. Participants visited key facilities, including the Command and Control Centre of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service and the Emergency Call Centre. These visits offered firsthand insight into ongoing reforms and helped to contextualise discussions about governance and security. Perceptions of insecurity in Kaduna were also addressed during the event. Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Chairman of the NIPR Week Planning Committee, noted that such perceptions are often exaggerated. According to him, the reality observed during the visit; marked by relative stability and hospitality, contrasts with narratives that dominate public discourse. This highlights the importance of direct engagement in shaping accurate perceptions. These observations are particularly relevant given Kaduna’s recent history, which has included periods of security challenges and social tension. The ability of the state to host a major national event reflects efforts to stabilise the environment, strengthen institutions, and rebuild public confidence. Participants from the public relations community offered balanced perspectives, acknowledging both progress and remaining challenges. Their insights underscored the importance of professional communication in bridging the gap between perception and reality, and in supporting governance processes. The intersection of infrastructure and discourse is central to understanding the significance of this moment. The Banquet Hall represents an investment in physical space, while the NIPR Week represents an investment in ideas and communication. Together, they illustrate a governance approach that recognises the interdependence of policy, infrastructure, and public engagement. Governor Sani’s keynote address reinforced this perspective, particularly in relation to food security. He emphasised that effective policy must move beyond documentation to implementation, reaching farmers, markets, and households. Communication, in this context, is essential for ensuring that policies achieve their intended impact. Kaduna’s agricultural strategy provides a practical example. The sector has been prioritised through increased funding and targeted interventions aimed at improving productivity. Smallholder farmers have received support in the form of inputs, mechanisation, and access to resources, contributing to enhanced agricultural output. Efforts to expand fertiliser distribution and irrigation infrastructure are enabling more consistent farming cycles, while cooperative-based livestock programmes are improving resilience. These initiatives reflect a coordinated approach to agricultural development. The administration has also demonstrated responsiveness to sector-specific challenges. In response to ginger crop losses caused by blight, targeted support was provided to affected farmers, helping to restore livelihoods and maintain confidence in the sector. READ MORE: thisdaylive.com/2026/04/26/in-…

“IN KADUNA’s NEW BANQUET HALL, UBA SANI PARTNERS NIPR TO RECAST NIGERIA’s IMAGE” By Ibrahim Jibo Yusuf There are moments in the life of a polity when governance rises above routine administration and acquires a deeper symbolic resonance. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Kaduna, was one such moment; an occasion where structure became statement and public leadership found expression through deliberate, purposeful action. At the centre of this convergence stood Governor Uba Sani, whose administration continues to project a steady, reform-oriented vision for the state. The inauguration of the new Banquet Hall at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House was, in immediate terms, the unveiling of a major public facility. Yet its broader significance lies in what it represents: a space intentionally designed not just for ceremonial use, but as a platform for engagement, policy dialogue, and institutional interaction. It reflects an understanding that governance today requires environments that can convene diverse actors: government officials, private sector leaders, civil society, and development partners, in pursuit of shared objectives. Set on 2.7 hectares and covering about 5,000 square metres, the Banquet Hall embodies both scale and restraint. Its capacity, accommodating between 800 and 1,000 guests in banquet format and up to 1,300 in theatre arrangement, signals readiness for large-scale gatherings. However, the significance of the structure lies less in its size than in the intentionality of its design. The facility integrates multiple meeting rooms, a conference suite, and a dedicated Governor’s Office, ensuring that governance functions can proceed seamlessly alongside formal events. Supporting infrastructure; including modern kitchens, service areas, and security systems aligned with global standards, further underscores a design philosophy anchored in efficiency and purpose. The result is a space where aesthetics and functionality are balanced, and where every element contributes to a coherent operational vision. Naming the hall after Brigadier General Abba Kyari (rtd), a former Military Governor of the old North Central State, adds a historical dimension to the project. This decision reflects a deliberate effort to connect present initiatives with past leadership legacies, reinforcing continuity in governance. It also underscores the importance of institutional memory in shaping contemporary public administration. The Banquet Hall’s significance became more evident as it hosted key events of the 3rd Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Week (Croc City 2026), organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. The theme,“Food Security: From Policy Paper to Plate – The Imperative of Public Relations”, captured a central challenge in Nigeria’s development landscape: translating policy intentions into measurable outcomes. By hosting this event, Kaduna positioned itself as both a venue and a participant in a national conversation about governance, communication, and development. In a context where public trust is often shaped by perception as much as by performance, the role of communication becomes critical. Policies must not only be well designed; they must also be clearly articulated, widely understood, and consistently implemented. The presence of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, added national weight to the occasion. In his remarks, he framed the Banquet Hall as more than a physical structure, describing it as evidence of what disciplined leadership can achieve. This perspective situates the project within a broader narrative of governance reform and institutional strengthening. Infrastructure, when guided by purpose, serves functions beyond its physical utility. It becomes a signal of intent, projecting confidence and inviting engagement. The Banquet Hall exemplifies this dynamic, acting as both a venue for dialogue and a symbol of Kaduna’s developmental aspirations. thisdaylive.com/2026/04/26/in-…

@ubasanius Thank you for standing for the democracy we are all enjoying today @ubasanius

I seized the opportunity provided by the Book Presentation and Launching of the Book "Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press" in Lagos to recall our long drawn out battle for expansion of democratic space in Nigeria. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, GCON, Alhaji MD Yusufu, Alhaji Balarabe Musa (all of blessed memory), my humble self, Lanre Banjo, and other comrades took the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court for deregistering the National Conscience Party (NCP) and other political parties. A Federal High Court in Lagos ruled against us. The Court of Appeal ruled in our favour but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appealed the judgement. We eventually secured victory at the Supreme Court. That victory resulted in the expansion of the political space and the strengthening of our multiparty democracy.

It was a profound honour to attend the launch and public presentation of the book, “Gani Fawehinmi and the Nigerian Press” in Lagos, an occasion that also marked the 88th posthumous birthday of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. This thoughtful and timely work by Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku not only preserves his legacy, but also deepens our understanding of a life defined by courage, intellect, and an unyielding commitment to justice. In addressing the distinguished gathering, I reflected on my personal journey with Chief Fawehinmi. His mentorship, generosity of spirit, and abiding faith in the transformative power of knowledge helped shape both my intellectual formation and my approach to public service. He was not only a towering figure in the legal profession, but also a resolute defender of civil liberties and a principled ally of the Nigerian press, which he saw as indispensable to democracy and public accountability. I also recalled the difficult years of the June 12 struggle, when many of us endured detention and repression in pursuit of democratic ideals. Throughout that period, his courage never faltered. His vision, anchored in justice, equity, and national unity, continues to inspire. It was during this time that I had the privilege of working alongside him in the effort to expand Nigeria’s political space. That struggle, which involved a protracted legal battle lasting over three years, culminated in a landmark outcome that paved the way for the registration of multiple political parties in Nigeria.

Gov. @ubasanius named Honorary Fellow & Patron of @niprofficial, and World PR Forum Governance Ambassador. He reaffirmed trust, transparency and responsible communication as key to sustainable governance, and Kaduna’s readiness to host NIPR Week. #WorkingforKaduna