Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Sunday delivered a strong message of unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as he joined Christian faithful at the 2025 Unity Christmas Carol organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government.
The annual event, which took place at the Umaru Yar’Adua Conference Centre in Kaduna, attracted a large gathering of Christian leaders from different denominations, senior government officials, traditional rulers, and worshippers drawn from across the state. The programme featured prayers for peace, stability, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large, as well as soul lifting renditions of Christmas hymns and carols by various church choirs.
Addressing the audience, Governor Sani said his participation in the carol was in fulfilment of a pledge he made in 2024 to attend subsequent editions of the Unity Christmas Carol throughout his tenure as governor. He noted that the 2025 event marked the third consecutive time he was celebrating the season with the Christian community in the state.
“This is the third time I am sharing in this sacred moment with the Christian family in our dear state,” the governor said. “I am here by choice, conviction, and commitment.”
Governor Sani described faith as one of the most powerful and enduring instruments for fostering unity and healing divisions within society. According to him, religious gatherings such as the Unity Christmas Carol provide opportunities for reflection, reconciliation, and the strengthening of shared values among citizens of diverse backgrounds.
“Faith remains one of the most enduring bridges to unity, healing, and collective progress in our society,” he said. “Moments like this remind us of who we are and who we can become when we choose peace over conflict and understanding over suspicion.”
The governor emphasised that Christmas represents more than the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, noting that it embodies universal virtues that resonate beyond religious boundaries. He listed love, sacrifice, humility, compassion, forgiveness, and selfless service as core values associated with the season.
“These virtues transcend religious boundaries and speak directly to our shared humanity,” Sani said. “Christmas challenges us not merely to rejoice, but to live differently, to become better neighbours, fairer leaders, and more compassionate citizens.”
He added that his presence at the event was not merely ceremonial, but a reflection of his personal belief in the power of unity and shared values to drive societal progress.
“I stand before you not merely as your governor, but as a fellow citizen, one who seeks renewed inspiration at a season of profound meaning for Christians across the world,” he told the gathering.
Governor Sani commended Christian leaders and believers in Kaduna State for their constructive roles in sustaining peace and stability, particularly during periods of tension and uncertainty. He acknowledged that their prayers, guidance, and commitment to peaceful engagement had contributed significantly to the relative calm being enjoyed in the state.
“In moments of tension and uncertainty, you chose restraint over reaction, dialogue over division, unity over suspicion, and peace over provocation,” he said. “These choices are shaping a hopeful present and laying the foundation for a more secure and harmonious future for Kaduna State.”
The governor noted that the Unity Christmas Carol symbolised openness, inclusion, and progress, describing it as a reflection of Kaduna State’s aspiration to serve as a model of peaceful coexistence in a plural society.
He urged residents to continue to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political differences.
“Kaduna must continue to stand as a beacon of unity and peaceful coexistence,” Sani said. “Our diversity should always be our strength, never a source of division.”
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, the governor reiterated his pledge to serve all residents of Kaduna State without discrimination.
“From my first day in office on May 29, 2023, I made a solemn vow to serve as governor for all the people of Kaduna State, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation,” he said. “That commitment remains unshaken.”
Governor Sani also took the opportunity to highlight key achievements of his administration, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, which he said were central to promoting development and improving the quality of life of citizens.
He disclosed that in the first phase of his administration’s road infrastructure programme, 85 roads covering a total distance of 785 kilometres had either been completed or were nearing completion across the state. According to him, these projects have improved connectivity, enhanced economic activities, and eased the movement of people and goods.
In the second phase, he said the government had launched over 50 additional roads and bridges spanning more than 550 kilometres, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.
On healthcare, the governor said 255 Primary Health Care Centres across the state had been upgraded to Level Two status, improving access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural communities.
He also announced the commissioning of a 300 bed specialist hospital named after President Bola Tinubu, describing the facility as a major boost to the state’s healthcare system and a testament to the collaboration between the state and federal governments.
In the agricultural sector, Governor Sani said his administration had increased funding to ensure food security and economic empowerment, noting that agriculture now receives more than 10 per cent of the state’s annual budget.
He said the investment in agriculture was aimed at supporting farmers, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening the state’s economy.
The governor concluded by calling on residents to carry the message of peace and unity beyond the festive season, urging them to translate the values of Christmas into everyday actions.
“As we celebrate, let us commit ourselves anew to the ideals of peace, love, and service,” he said. “Together, we can build a Kaduna State where every citizen feels safe, valued, and included.”
The Unity Christmas Carol ended with prayers for continued peace in Kaduna State and Nigeria, as well as goodwill messages from religious leaders and community representatives.
