Why NIPR chose Uba Sani as patron – Information Minister

Governor Uba Sani Honored as Patron of Public Relations Institute

KADUNA, Nigeria — Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, commended Governor Uba Sani for his approachable nature and effective communication, which contributed to his recent designation as Patron of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

The minister made the remarks during the governor’s investiture, held at the newly inaugurated Brigadier General Abba Kyari Banquet Hall on Tuesday. He recalled the revival of the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, which was reestablished in May 2025 following a decade of its discontinuation.

“In December 2024, Governor Uba Sani attended the National Council on Information and National Orientation meeting when the Kaduna state had no Ministry of Information. After I advised him to restore the Ministry, he quickly acted on it,” Idris said.

Idris added that Sani’s commitment to effective information management and public relations principles were key factors in the NIPR’s decision to honor him. He noted that when approached about hosting the NIPR Week, Sani was quick to agree, indicating his support for the initiative.

Following the investiture, Governor Sani highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme for NIPR Week, “Nigeria’s Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plates – The Imperatives of Public Relations.” The event featured Ambassador Dr. Brylyne Chitsunge, a food security expert from South Africa, as the keynote speaker.

Sani expressed that the theme aligns with his administration’s goal of achieving a food-secure Kaduna, emphasizing the necessity for policies to translate into productive outcomes.

“Hosting this conference signals Kaduna’s readiness to lead significant conversations and reinforces our belief in the power of communication to drive development. Collaboration between government and professionals is vital for national progress,” he stated.

The governor clarified that the journey from policy to practical application is not automatic and requires trust and understanding from the public. He argued that public relations should be viewed as a fundamental component of governance, bridging gaps between intention and outcome.

Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to agricultural reform, noting that agriculture had been marginalized in policy discussions until recently. He disclosed that the 2023 budget allocated only N1.48 billion to agriculture, which represented 0.4% of the state’s total budget. However, subsequent budgets saw a dramatic increase, with allocations reaching N108 billion by 2026.

The governor emphasized that simply investing in agriculture is insufficient unless it effectively translates into productivity. Through initiatives such as the Tallafin Noma program, over 120,000 smallholder farmers have received support, including improved seeds and fertilizers.

Furthermore, Sani mentioned the distribution of solar-powered water pumping machines to enhance irrigation efforts. He concluded by asserting that his administration views agriculture as a continuous and inclusive endeavor, essential for sustainable development in Kaduna State.

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