Governor Uba Sani has been conferred with a Chieftaincy by the Igbo Community in Kaduna state.
Sani was honoured with the title: Ezi Enyi Ndigbo” (Special FriendIgbos) on Saturday at the annual Igbo Community cultural celebration, which held at the Nigerian Prisons Staff College, Barnawa, Kaduna.
Speaking shortly after he was conferred with the title, the governor commended the Igbo Community for contributing to the development of the Kaduna state.
He described the Igbos as people of culture who have remained committed to sustaining their rich cultural heritage despite the pressures of modernisation.
He noted that the Igbo are “industrious, hard working, resilient, resourceful, and accommodative.”
“You have continued to make immeasurable contributions to the development of our dear state.
“Despite challenges, your faith remained unshaken. I urge you to continue to invest in critical sectors in the state, “the governor said.
He thanked the community for conferring the Chieftaincy title on him, saying it is a fitting tribute on his long-standing relationship with the Igbos and a recognition of his administration’s efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen security, forging unity and creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.
“Our economic agenda is designed to sustain Kaduna State’s enviable status as a premier investment destination in Nigeria.
“We aimed to attract investments across diversed sectors, create jobs, and facilitate technology and skills transfer, making the labour force more skilled.
“We are willing to partner with Igbo industrialists and entrepreneurs.
“We offer very attractive incentives. We are one of the leading states with ease of doing business in Nigeria, “Sani said.
He disclosed that there is a large expands of land for allocation for the building of a spare part market in Kaduna and assured that the Igbos will be the greatest beneficiaries of plots of land for the market.
Sani said, “The allocation papers are being perfected by the Kaduna State Geographic Information System (KADGIS).
“I will personally perform the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the market.
“You have contributed peace and development in Kaduna state. As a government, what I can do for you is to ensure that everyone in Kaduna is treated equally.
“We don’t believe in indigene dichotomy. Everyone that lives in Kaduna and pay tax will be treated equally.
“When I was elected governor, we made it clear that we don’t believe in ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
“We are one people created by God, I can assure you that we will continue to carry everyone along in our government, regardless of our differences.
“I can say without fear of contradiction that we are the most cosmopolitan state in the whole of Nigeria.
“We are going to use that as our strength in Kaduna state. That is why I welcome everyone, whether Hausa or Igbo or Yoruba or Tiv or any tribe. No body will be descriminated. ”
Responding to request by the community to appoint one of them in his government as he promised during the campaigns, Sani he had already appointed four Igbos in his administration.
He, however, asked the community to nominate one person and submit the name to him by Monday for additional appointment.
Sani also donated a bus to the community to facilitate their activities.