The commendation was delivered by Uduak Uduak Ituen, Team Lead of Executive Intelligence Management Course 19, Syndicate 4, during a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday.

Ituen explained that the team was in Kaduna on a study tour aimed at connecting academic knowledge with practical governance and security realities.

She stated that the lessons and insights gathered during the visit would strengthen their syndicate papers and support practical recommendations for enhancing Nigeria’s national security framework.

According to her, Governor Uba Sani’s achievements through the Kaduna Peace Model were instrumental in his emergence as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Governor of the Year Award conferred in March by the National Leadership Summit Group.

She noted that the honour reflected his strong commitment to security, inclusive governance, and people-focused development in Kaduna State.

Responding, Governor Uba Sani said Kaduna’s experience has demonstrated that lasting security cannot rely on force alone but must also be built on intelligence, trust, and inclusiveness.

He explained that through intelligence-driven operations, improved collaboration among security agencies, and sustained community engagement, the state has made measurable progress in restoring peace and rebuilding public confidence.

The governor also stressed that security and development are closely linked, noting that instability often thrives where economic opportunities are lacking.

He said Kaduna’s strategy has therefore been comprehensive, combining security measures with investments in infrastructure, education, and social welfare to address both immediate threats and the root causes of insecurity.

Uba Sani described the visit by the Executive Intelligence Management Course team as timely and valuable, saying it provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, policy evaluation, and the sharing of practical strategies that can strengthen security systems at both state and national levels.

He added that such engagements are crucial for building a more responsive and resilient security architecture.

The governor further encouraged the team to maximise the study tour by engaging deeply, asking critical questions, and exploring collaborative solutions that can improve Nigeria’s collective security capacity.

Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kwankwaso, a former presidential flagbearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were received by enthusiastic supporters upon their arrival.

Both political figures, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, are expected to engage in a consultative meeting with the leadership of the party.

Peter Obi had earlier confirmed his departure from the ADC, citing an increasingly hostile and discouraging political environment.

He explained that even within political alliances, individuals can encounter unexpected criticism and resistance.

Obi clarified that his exit was not due to personal disagreements with prominent party figures such as David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Rather, he attributed his decision to persistent internal crises and legal disputes within the party.

Drawing parallels with his previous experiences in the Labour Party, Obi reiterated his conviction that leadership should be rooted in service, stressing that he has never used authority to oppress others.

He also rejected claims that his political decisions were motivated by personal ambition, maintaining that his priority remains the improvement of national security, economic stability, and the overall welfare of Nigerians.

The appeal was made by the association’s National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, in a statement released on Sunday in Damaturu and made available to journalists.

He said the prolonged security crisis had led to the avoidable deaths of thousands of Nigerians, destruction of property valued in trillions of naira, and the large-scale rustling of livestock.

Bello also raised concern over reported human rights abuses in Kwara State, as highlighted by Amnesty International, alleging that several pastoralists, including women and children, were arrested and held at an NYSC orientation camp in one local government area. He further noted claims that more than 150 detainees died due to illness and poor conditions.

According to him, northern Nigeria has the capacity and resources to resolve its security challenges if leaders work together in unity and sincerity.

He stressed that the region is home to former Heads of State, top political figures, serving and retired military officers, traditional rulers, civil servants, and business leaders who can collectively identify the root causes of insecurity and address them through dialogue, lawful enforcement, and other constructive approaches.

Bello further argued that it is unjust for Northerners to remain passive while placing sole blame on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the responsibility to resolve the crisis lies primarily within the region itself.

He acknowledged that the President has taken steps to address insecurity, including appointing northerners into key security positions such as the National Security Adviser and Minister of Defence, as well as allocating over N5 trillion to the Defence Ministry.

The KACRAN president expressed optimism that northern leaders would urgently rise to the occasion, restore peace, and rebuild unity, love, and mutual respect across the affected regions and the country at large.