UK commends Uba Sani on improved security

The United Kingdom has commended  Governor Uba Sani’s  efforts  in tackling security challenges in Kaduna State and as a result, it has moved the State from red to amber in the UK travel advisory advice.

The Head of UK Development Cooperation, Foreign,  Commonwealth and Development, Ms Cynthia Rowe, disclosed this at  the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework Dialogue on Wednesday.

In her  goodwill message, Ms Rowe argued   that security  is a key enabler of growth and development, ‘’and Kaduna has weathered period of heightened security challenges.’’

According to her, Governor Uba Sani has recorded real achievement with the improved  security  in Kaduna State.

Ms Rowe further disclosed that ‘’building on this momentum, Kaduna will be host to the FCDO SPRiNG programme (Strengthening Peace, Resilience and Inclusive Governance).’’

She said, “SPRiNG is designed to address drivers of conflict, strengthen peacebuilding mechanisms, and support inclusive governance. ‘’

‘’Through SPRiNG, we will share tailored support to consolidate peace gains, promote social cohesion, and help communities most affected by past insecurity thrive,’’ she added.

Ms Rowe maintained that the  ‘’UK Government remains firmly committed to supporting Kaduna’s State development aspirations, and I am delighted to be here in Kaduna again with government colleagues, our delivery partners, and non-government stakeholders to continue to chart the way forward.’’

She maintained that the  joint ambition of UK and Kaduna State is  economic growth that improves the lives of the  citizens, adding that the UK Government will focus on strengthening growth and prosperity.

Ms Rowe promised that ‘’we will do this by deepening private sector involvement and working with agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to boost investment across critical sectors of the State’s economy for a fairer, more resilient economy. ‘’

In his keynote address, Governor Uba Sani noted FCDO and  Kaduna State Government have developed a strong partnership based on trust and a shared vision for progress.

‘’This collaboration has strengthened governance, driven development initiatives, and improved human capital and living standards. These joint efforts have yielded tangible results in infrastructure and social services, fostering resilience and opportunities in communities, ‘’ he added.

He listed  key achievements of the K-MAF  to include expanded access to quality care, reduced maternal and child mortality rates, and enhanced responses to public health emergencies.

In education, there has been  increased enrolment, improved school infrastructure, better teacher training, and improved learning outcomes, including opportunity for entrepreneurial skills, he added.

According to him, ‘’Agriculture has experienced significant growth, receiving over 10% of the total 2025 Budget, the highest allocation in recent years. This funding aims to align with FCDO and other partners’ interventions to enhance productivity in crops and livestock. ‘’

‘’The focus is on supporting smallholder farmers and promoting food 2 security through modern techniques, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain development,’’ he further said.

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