Uba Sani is not your everyday politician. He grew from a modest background into one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders, carrying with him the spirit of activism, the mind of an engineer, and the heart of a reformer.
Today, as the Governor of Kaduna State, he is celebrated both at home and abroad for his visionary leadership and dedication to social impact.
Just recently, at the Brampton City Hall in Canada, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stood tall on the global stage.
He was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership & Development Award at the prestigious Headlamp Awards 2025, a recognition of his visionary leadership, social impact, and unwavering commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Alongside this honour, he also received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Brampton, highlighting his contributions to community building and cultural diversity.
This moment was not just about international applause.
It was the culmination of decades of activism, political struggle, and a career defined by service, resilience, and determination.
From Zaria to Public Life
Born on December 31, 1970, in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Uba Sani’s journey to public life began with his love for learning and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Trained as a mechanical engineer at Kaduna Polytechnic, he went on to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Calabar.
Armed with both technical expertise and financial knowledge, Sani ventured into business, establishing successful enterprises in telecommunications and estate management.
Yet, beyond the boardrooms, he was driven by a desire to use his skills and influence for the betterment of society.
Uba Sani’s Civil Rights Activism and Entry into Politics
Uba Sani made his mark during Nigeria’s turbulent transition to democracy in the late 1990s. As a committed pro-democracy activist, he worked with movements such as the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and the Joint Action Committee (JACON), standing firmly against dictatorship and advocating for the rights of ordinary Nigerians.
When Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, he lent his support to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who later appointed him Special Adviser on Public Affairs.
His political path would later take him to the Federal Capital Territory Administration as Special Adviser (Political) under Nasir El-Rufai, and subsequently to Kaduna State, where he served as Special Adviser on Political and Intergovernmental Affairs.
His Political Career
In 2019, Uba Sani was elected to represent Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone under the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the Senate, he became Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, where he played a key role in driving financial reforms.
Over his four years in the National Assembly, he sponsored more than 32 bills, with several becoming law. His focus on social justice, economic empowerment, and financial regulation earned him respect across party lines.
Uba Sani’s political career reached its peak in March 2023, when he was elected Governor of Kaduna State. Taking over from Nasir El-Rufai, he set out to consolidate gains and chart a new course for the state.
His administration has prioritised infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation. Roads and housing projects have been rolled out across the state, schools are being renovated, and healthcare facilities upgraded.
Recognising the need for economic transformation, his government has attracted more than $500 million in investments, including agro-processing and mineral development projects.
In the security sector, he launched a community policing initiative, recruiting thousands of local personnel and equipping them with vehicles and motorcycles to boost surveillance and safety.
His “A Kori Talauchi” empowerment program has supported thousands of women and small businesses, ensuring that economic growth translates into improved livelihoods for the grassroots.
Uba Sani’s Philanthropy and Social Impact Beyond Politics
Long before he became governor, Uba Sani was already empowering the less privileged through the Uba Sani Foundation, which provides training in entrepreneurship and vocational skills for youths, women, and vulnerable groups.
The foundation also supports education, healthcare access, and poverty alleviation initiatives.
He is Recognised at Home and Abroad
The recognition in Canada adds to a growing list of honours that reflect his impact. By receiving the Outstanding Leadership & Development Award at the Headlamp Awards, and the Certificate of Recognition from the City of Brampton, Sani’s work in Kaduna has gained international visibility.
The award citation commended his visionary leadership, his ability to reshape communities in line with the SDGs, and his role in strengthening cultural diversity.
It was a moment that not only placed Uba Sani but also Kaduna State on the global map of progressive governance.
Uba Sani’s family and personal life
Beyond the rigours of governance, Uba Sani is a family man. He is married to Hafsat Uba Sani, the First Lady of Kaduna State, who is also actively involved in advocacy and public service.
He holds the traditional Igbo title of Ezi–Enyi Ndigbo, meaning “True Friend of the Igbos,” a recognition of his bridge-building leadership and respect for Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Governor Sani will receive the honorary ‘Frontier Leadership Excellence Award’ at the MOI Awards 2025, on November 29, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.
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