The ex-Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Portal Welby, has commended Kaduna State for the significant progress it has made in restoring peace, unity and stability, noting a clear departure from the ethno-religious tensions that once defined the state.
Archbishop Welby made the observation during a courtesy visit to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, where he was received by the Kaduna State Governor, on the sidelines of his engagement as Guest Speaker at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria Convocation Lecture.
Reflecting on his first visit to Kaduna in 2002, the Archbishop recalled a period marked by deep divisions and recurrent crisis. He noted that the contrast between that experience and the present reality of relative calm and cohesion informed his decision to visit the Government House, describing the current atmosphere as a testament to deliberate efforts at reconciliation and inclusive leadership.
According to him, the progress recorded in Kaduna under Uba Sani serves as encouragement for leaders and communities to remain committed to peacebuilding, dialogue, and mutual understanding, particularly in plural societies.
In response, Governor Uba Sani expressed appreciation for the Archbishop’s visit and remarks, describing them as both an honour and an affirmation of the state’s ongoing peace efforts. He outlined the principles of the Kaduna Peace Model, an approach centred on dialogue, inclusion, equity, and fairness, which he said has guided governance over the past two and a half years.
The Governor noted that the absence of ethno-religious conflict during this period, in a state previously associated with such tensions, was the result of intentional policies and a firm commitment to inclusive governance that rejects identity-based divisions.
He added that his administration has prioritised dialogue over discord, participation over exclusion, and development that reaches all communities, with the aim of replacing fear with trust and fostering a shared sense of purpose.
Kaduna, he reaffirmed, remains committed to consolidating the gains of peace, strengthening unity across differences, and building a future anchored on collective progress, harmony, and sustainable development.
