Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a significant show of cross-cultural respect and political solidarity, the Igbo community in Kaduna State has honoured Her Excellency Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, with the prestigious traditional title of Ezinne Ndi Igbo. The ceremonial conferment, welcomed by leaders and residents alike, was accompanied by an emphatic declaration of support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The title Ezinne Ndi Igbo — bestowing recognition and respect upon a distinguished woman — was presented to Dr. Balarabe in a community event that underscored the deep social and economic contributions of the Igbo population to Kaduna’s multicultural tapestry. Community elders lauded her leadership and inclusive approach to governance, highlighting her role in championing unity and fostering harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
In their address, representatives of the Igbo Community Welfare Association emphasised their confidence in the APC’s leadership at both state and national levels. They reaffirmed their determination to support Governor Uba Sani’s policies and political agenda, particularly as the state positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period in which the APC is seeking to consolidate its achievements and broaden its base across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration has long sought to build bridges with all communities residing in Kaduna State, framing diversity as a strength and promoting equitable participation in governance and economic development. His outreach to the Igbo community — including previous engagements in which he pledged equality of treatment for all residents and highlighted the community’s contributions to commerce and social life — appears to have laid the foundation for the latest honour.
The conferment also reflects broader national efforts by political leaders and civil society groups to deepen inter-ethnic collaboration and mutual recognition within Nigeria’s federal structure. By acknowledging Dr. Balarabe with a culturally significant Igbo title, local leaders sent a message of unity and respect that resonates beyond Kaduna’s borders.
Dr. Balarabe, a medical doctor by training who has served as deputy governor since 2019 and is a prominent APC figure in the state government, expressed gratitude for the honour. She reiterated her commitment to inclusivity and urged continued cooperation between the government and cultural associations across Kaduna. Her remarks underscored the role that cultural recognition can play in strengthening political ties and communal bonds, particularly in states with rich ethnic diversity.
Observers say the event may have strategic implications for political mobilisation ahead of upcoming elections, as parties seek to broaden support across demographic and ethnic lines. By embracing and celebrating cultural identities within the context of political partnership, leaders in Kaduna are attempting to demonstrate that governance can be both representative and respectful of Nigeria’s mosaic of traditions.
For the Igbo community in Kaduna, the conferment of the Ezinne Ndi Igbo title on the deputy governor symbolises more than political affiliation; it represents affirmation of their place within the state’s socio-economic framework and recognition of the contributions they continue to make to Kaduna’s growth and development.
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