Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has donated 39 vehicles to the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and various Islamic and Christian denominations to strengthen advocacy for peaceful coexistence and promote religious harmony across the state.
The vehicles were presented during a distribution ceremony in Kaduna, where the governor said the donation was also aimed at supporting campaigns for peaceful, free and fair elections.
Sani, who was represented by the Director-General of Interfaith, Tahir Umar Tahir, expressed concern over alleged plans by some politicians anticipating electoral defeat to disrupt public peace before, during and after the forthcoming elections.
He explained that the donation followed an earlier request by the First Aid Group of Fityanul Islam for six buses to support its peacebuilding activities during its national seminar and award ceremony held in August.
According to the governor, he had initially pledged four buses to the group, with two designated for its national body and Kaduna State chapter.
He, however, extended the gesture to other religious organisations, including First Aid Groups of different Islamic sects and the Boys Brigade of the Christian faith.
The governor also directed that the Kaduna State chapters of JNI and CAN be included among the beneficiaries, with each organisation expected to receive a Hummer bus.
He further instructed that other Islamic sects and Christian denominations under CAN should receive vehicles to facilitate their religious and community activities.
Sani assured religious groups that those not included in the current distribution would be considered in subsequent rounds of donations.
The governor noted that his administration had maintained close relationships with religious leaders and various faith-based organisations since assuming office more than three years ago.
He said the administration had consistently involved leaders of both major religions in the distribution of democratic dividends, including free fertiliser and political appointments.
Sani also appealed to Muslim faithful to reciprocate the gesture through prayers, stressing that those unable to repay acts of kindness should remember their benefactors in their supplications.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Tahir urged religious leaders and their followers to pray for Sani’s re-election, expressing confidence that a second term would enable him to deliver even greater benefits to the people.
He said, “In Christianity, believers are commanded to pray for their leaders. We are asking for your prayers. We are pleading with you to pray for the governor’s re-election because he will surpass the good things that he is doing in his second term.”
