Kaduna hosts flag-off as Uba Sani hails intervention as a bold step toward easing hardship and strengthening social support across 19 Northern states and the FCT.

A major relief initiative targeting vulnerable households across Northern Nigeria has been launched, with 100 trucks of rice and ₦1.2 billion in palliative support set for distribution across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The flag-off ceremony took place in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani hosted Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking the official rollout of the large-scale intervention.

Describing the event as more than a ceremonial gathering, Governor Sani said it represents “compassion translated into action” at a time many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is steadily driving economic recovery, promoting social inclusion, and restoring public confidence.

The governor also praised the First Lady’s commitment to humanitarian initiatives, noting that her interventions go beyond policy to directly impact lives, restore dignity, and bridge divides across communities.

Sani highlighted the collaboration between key stakeholders, including the Muslim Intellectuals Forum and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, led by Hon. Ibrahim Masari, as a model of effective partnership in delivering targeted support.

Reaffirming Kaduna’s strategic importance, the governor noted that being described as the “heartbeat of Northern Nigeria” reinforces the state’s role in fostering unity and driving regional progress.

He also appreciated the First Lady’s recognition of the newly commissioned Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall as a hub for dialogue and development.

Governor Sani further acknowledged the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and social cohesion, pledging his administration’s continued commitment to policies and partnerships that enhance resilience, reduce hardship, and deliver inclusive development across Kaduna State.