Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has urged citizens to instill in their children the values of tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that peace is the foundation for justice, development, and human dignity.
Speaking on Sunday during the 2025 International Day of Peace commemoration, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Suleiman Shuaibu, said the day offered an opportunity to showcase the Kaduna Peace Model, a homegrown initiative designed to bridge divides and heal wounds across the state.
“Here in Kaduna, we have confronted many challenges arising from diversity, competing interests, and the scars of past conflicts. But rather than allow these challenges to divide us, we have chosen dialogue over division, collaboration over confrontation, and reconciliation over recrimination.
“Our peace model is anchored on inclusiveness, justice, and shared responsibility. Peace requires constant nurturing, and it cannot be left to governments alone. Every citizen must act now by embracing dialogue, rejecting violence, and promoting respect for human dignity.” Governor Sani said.
He emphasized the role of families, schools, and places of worship in teaching children the value of peace and urged communities to remain united in building a future of tolerance and mutual respect.
The event also featured the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria honoring Governor Sani with the Peace Champion of Unity in Diversity Award for his strides in promoting peace, dialogue, and inclusiveness.
Presenting the award, the Foundation’s Country Director, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the governor as “an extraordinary leader whose inclusive governance and unwavering passion for justice have transformed Kaduna State.”
Hayab noted that before Sani assumed office in 2023, the state was visibly polarized along religious lines, with communities segregated by faith. But through fairness, justice, and dialogue, the governor had rebuilt trust, doused tensions, and given all groups regardless of faith or ethnicity a seat at the table.
“This bold embrace of dialogue over division and inclusion over exclusion has reduced insecurity and restored citizens’ confidence in the future of Kaduna State.
“This award is not just a plaque or a title it is a testament to your enduring legacy as a leader who chose peace over conflict and inclusivity over marginalization”, Hayab said.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the Kaduna Peace Model as a beacon of hope for Nigeria and Africa at large.
“May Kaduna continue to stand as a shining example of peace, unity, and resilience. And may our collective actions inspire a more peaceful Nigeria and a better world for generations to come,” he said.
