The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained why Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, was honoured as Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), describing him as a leader deeply aligned with strategic communication and public engagement.
Idris made the remarks shortly after the governor’s investiture at the Brigadier General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall, located within Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
He noted that Governor Uba Sani has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to communication-driven governance, making him a natural choice for the honour bestowed by NIPR.
According to the minister, one of the defining moments of the governor’s communication-friendly approach was the swift restoration of the Kaduna State Ministry of Information in May 2025.
He recalled that the ministry had been scrapped by the previous administration and remained inactive for about a decade before its re-establishment.
Idris explained that during the National Council on Information and National Orientation meeting in December 2024, Kaduna was among the few states without a functional Ministry of Information.
He said following advice given at the meeting, Governor Uba Sani acted promptly to restore the ministry, demonstrating responsiveness and appreciation for effective information management.
The minister added that the governor’s recognition of public relations as a vital governance tool further justified his selection as NIPR Patron.
He also revealed that when approached about hosting the 2026 NIPR Week, the governor did not hesitate after understanding the significance of the event.
Speaking after his investiture, Governor Uba Sani said the theme of the 2026 Nigerian Public Relations Week aligns with his administration’s development priorities.
The theme, “Nigeria’s Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plates – The Imperatives of Public Relations,” focuses on bridging the gap between policy formulation and tangible outcomes.
The governor stressed that his administration is committed to translating policies into real impact, particularly in agriculture, which he described as central to Kaduna’s economic agenda.
He said Kaduna is positioning itself as a hub for agricultural productivity, community empowerment, and resilient value chains.
Governor Sani emphasized that effective communication is essential in ensuring policies are understood, trusted, and embraced by citizens.
He argued that public relations should be treated as a core pillar of governance rather than a peripheral function.
Highlighting achievements in agriculture, the governor disclosed that budgetary allocation to the sector rose significantly from ₦1.48 billion in 2023 to over ₦108 billion in 2026, surpassing international benchmarks.
He also outlined key interventions, including support for over 120,000 farmers, large-scale fertiliser distribution, and the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems across the state.
The governor maintained that his administration’s philosophy is anchored on making agriculture continuous, inclusive, and impactful for all citizens.
