Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive society where diversity is harnessed as a source of strength and every citizen is guaranteed dignity and opportunity.
Governor Sani stated this on Saturday while hosting the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), where he said his vision for Kaduna State is firmly anchored on unity, peace and sustainable development.
According to him, this guiding philosophy has shaped his government’s priorities, particularly in the area of security, restoring public confidence and enabling the free movement of people and goods across communities previously affected by fear and insecurity.
The governor paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the Aid Group, notably 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 the founders demonstrated a profound understanding that faith must go beyond devotion to active service to humanity.
“For five decades, this organisation has remained true to that vision by advancing education, healthcare, social welfare and community development, touching lives across religious, ethnic and social divides,” the governor said.
Governor Sani also commended the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam and other sister organisations for their role in coordinating Hajj operations, describing it as a testament to discipline, unity and organisational excellence.
He added that the group has grown into a professional institution renowned for its advocacy, public awareness initiatives and disaster management interventions.
Highlighting his administration’s youth empowerment drive, the governor disclosed that three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development have been established across the state, with a combined capacity to train about 32,000 youths annually and prepare them for productive livelihoods.
He thanked the leadership of the Aid Group for honouring him with the position of Patron and for conferring on him an Award of Excellence, noting that the recognition was not a personal accolade but an acknowledgment of collective commitment to compassion, inclusion and development.
Earlier, the Secretary General of JNI, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government for hosting the historic event.
He described the Aid Group as Nigeria’s first uniformed First Aid voluntary organisation, noting that it has grown steadily over the years without internal crises.
Professor Aliyu said the organisation has a presence in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and is widely respected for providing timely and effective humanitarian assistance.
He added that the Aid Group has recorded significant milestones, including the establishment of schools, hospitals and other development projects, while also playing a leading role in promoting interfaith dialogue.
Also speaking, the Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, who donated N100 million personally and another N50 million on behalf of his mother, underscored the organisation’s role in youth development.
He urged young people to shun drug abuse, which he described as a major driver of crime, radicalisation and social disintegration.
According to him, no nation can achieve sustainable progress if its youths are derailed by substance abuse.
In a show of solidarity, the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Chief Hope Uzodimma, donated N100 million, while the Yobe State Governor, represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, donated N50 million towards the activities of the Aid Group.
