Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a united and inclusive state where diversity is harnessed as a source of strength and every citizen can live with dignity and opportunity.
The governor spoke on Saturday while hosting the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam (NAGI), under the umbrella of Jama’atu Nasril Islam.
Sani said his vision for Kaduna State is rooted in unity, peace and sustainable development, noting that this philosophy has shaped his administration’s focus on security and the restoration of public confidence. He explained that improved security has allowed free movement across communities previously affected by fear and insecurity.
The governor praised 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 Shattiman Katsina, Alhaji Muhammadu Ali Kaita.
According to him, the founders recognised that the true strength of faith lies not only in devotion but also in service to humanity. He said for five decades, the Aid Group has demonstrated this principle through its contributions to education, healthcare, social welfare and community development across religious, ethnic and social divides.
Sani also highlighted the role of the Nigeria Aid Group of Islam and similar organisations in coordinating Hajj operations, describing it as a model of discipline, unity and organisational excellence. He added that the group has grown into a professional institution with notable achievements in advocacy, public enlightenment and disaster management.
The governor disclosed that his administration has established three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development, which train about 32,000 youths annually and equip them with skills for meaningful livelihoods.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Aid Group for appointing him as its Patron and conferring on him an Award of Excellence, saying the honour reflects shared values of compassion, inclusion and development rather than personal achievement.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, thanked the Kaduna State Government for hosting the event. He described the Aid Group as Nigeria’s first uniformed voluntary first aid organisation, noting that it has grown steadily over the years without internal crises.
Aliyu said the organisation operates in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a strong reputation for timely and efficient humanitarian response. He added that the group has recorded significant milestones in establishing schools, hospitals and other development projects, while also promoting interfaith dialogue.
In his remarks, the Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, who donated N100 million, with his mother contributing an additional N50 million, emphasised the organisation’s role in youth development. He urged young people to shun drug abuse, describing it as a key factor in crime, radicalisation and social decay.
“No nation can prosper when its youths are derailed,” Masari 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, donated N50 million.
