Ex-Archbishop Of Canterbury Lauds Restoration Of Peace In Kaduna

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Portal Welby, has commended Kaduna State for the significant progress it has made in restoring peace, unity and stability.

Welby noted a clear departure from the ethno-religious tensions that once defined Kaduna State.

Ex-Archbishop Welby made the observation during a courtesy visit to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna where he was received by the Kaduna State governor on the sidelines of his engagement as guest speaker at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Convocation Lecture.

Reflecting on his first visit to Kaduna in 2002, Welby recalled a period marked by deep divisions and recurrent crises.

He noted that the contrast between that experience and the present reality of relative calm and cohesion informed his decision to visit the Government House, describing the current atmosphere as a testament to deliberate efforts at reconciliation and inclusive leadership.

According to him, the progress recorded in Kaduna under Governor Sani serves as encouragement for leaders and communities to remain committed to peace building, dialogue and mutual understanding, particularly in plural societies.

Governor Uba Sani expressed appreciation for the visit and remarks, describing them as both an honour and an affirmation of the state’s ongoing peace efforts.

He outlined the principles of the Kaduna Peace Model, an approach centred on dialogue, inclusion, equity and fairness, which he said had guided governance over the past two and a half years.

The governor noted that the absence of ethno-religious conflict during this period in a state previously associated with such tensions, was the result of intentional policies and a firm commitment to inclusive governance that rejects identity-based divisions.