Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has restated his administration’s resolve to mould a state where diversity is not a fault line but a binding glue, and where citizens are free to chase lives of dignity and opportunity.
The governor spoke on Saturday while playing host at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam (NAGI), under the umbrella of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
Sani said his roadmap for Kaduna is firmly planted on the tripod of unity, peace and sustainable development, noting that these ideals have shaped his government’s push on security and the rebuilding of public trust.
He observed that improved security has lifted the dark cloud over several communities, allowing residents to move about freely in areas once held hostage by fear.
The governor applauded the foresight of the organisation’s founding fathers, including the late Sultan of Sokoto, Sir Abubakar III; the late Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo; the late Sheikh Abubakar Gummi; and the Shattiman Katsina, Alhaji Muhammadu Ali Kaita.
He said, “Rhe founders understood with rare clarity that the strength of faith is measured not only by devotion, but by service to humanity.
“For five decades, this organisation has upheld that principle by advancing education, healthcare, social welfare and community development, touching lives across religious, ethnic and social lines.$”
Sani further described the involvement of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam and other sister bodies in Hajj operations as a shining example of discipline, unity and organisational finesse.
“Over the years, the group has evolved into a professional institution distinguished by its work in advocacy, public awareness and disaster management,” he added.
The governor also recalled that his administration had established three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, which, according to him, train about 32,000 youths every year and arm them with skills for productive and independent futures.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Aid Group for naming him its Patron and conferring on him an Award of Excellence, describing the honour as a nod to shared values of compassion, inclusion and development rather than personal glory.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, thanked the Kaduna State Government for hosting the golden jubilee ceremony.
Aliyu noted that the organisation, Nigeria’s first uniformed voluntary First Aid group, has grown steadily over the years without internal storms.
He said the Aid Group now operates across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, earning a reputation for swift and effective humanitarian response.
According to him, the organisation has chalked up major milestones in building schools, hospitals and other development projects, while also standing at the forefront of interfaith dialogue.
In his remarks, the Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, who donated N100 million, while his mother donated N50 million, underscored the group’s role in shaping youths.
Masari warned young people to steer clear of drug abuse, describing it as a slippery slope that fuels crime, radicalisation and social decay.
“No nation can prosper when its youths are derailed,” he said.
Also at the event, the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Chief Hope Uzodimma, donated N100 million, while the Governor of Yobe State, represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Gubana, contributed N50 million.
