On his inauguration, he prayed to God Almighty to use him as the right instrument for the development of Kaduna state through the Governor’s SUSTAIN manifesto…
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By H. R. Daniel
Hon. Isaac Atiku Sankey stands out as a symbol of humility, resilience, and unshakable dedication to peacebuilding in Kaduna State. Currently serving as the Special Adviser to Governor Uba Sani on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Sankey is steadily carving a niche for himself as a bridge-builder in one of Nigeria’s most diverse and challenging states.
A graduate of the University of Abuja, Sankey’s journey into politics was preceded by years of entrepreneurial engagement, rooted in a passion for community service.
His political ambitions came to the fore when he contested for the House of Representatives seat for Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections. Although he did not emerge victorious, Sankey’s campaign was characterised by an inclusive grassroots approach, which involved reaching out to student unions, market women, youth groups, religious and traditional leaders, professional groups, and other strategic communities.
Following the election, he penned a heartfelt tribute to his supporters, thanking them for helping to “lay a strong foundation for my political career in the interest and service of Nigeria.” This act of humility and gratitude earned him further admiration from his constituents, who believed that he was truly dedicated to service and nothing else.
Since his appointment in June 2023, an opportunity to render service to the state which he had yearned for, Hon. Sankey has continued to build on that foundation, representing Governor Uba Sani at high-profile events with distinction, propagating the messages of peace, tolerance and togetherness.
Notably, during the 2023 International Day of Peace organised by the Kaduna Peace Commission at the Kaduna State University, his speech aligned with the audience as he emphasised the theme, “Call for Action: #GlobalGoals,” reiterating the administration’s commitment to peace and unity.
In another important engagement, a one-day roundtable retreat organised by Provincial Secretariat of the Church and Society Kaduna (PSCSK) in conjunction with Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Sankey called for stronger partnerships between religious and political leaders to rewrite the narrative of conflict in Kaduna State.
His voice is increasingly being seen as one of reason, diplomacy, and collaboration – a definite sign of leadership traits.
Sankey’s impact has also been evident behind the scenes. As a member of the committee set up to assess ongoing and inherited projects from the previous administration, he has played a strategic role in aligning development efforts with the state’s current priorities.
On his inauguration, he prayed to God Almighty to use him as the right instrument for the development of Kaduna state through the Governor’s SUSTAIN manifesto, a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the well-being of the people of Kaduna State.
Thus, his interaction with the Kaduna State Market Women Association further demonstrates his people-oriented approach. His message to them was to embrace peace as a prerequisite for business prosperity, underlining the connection between stability and economic growth.
In May 2024, during a meeting with tech innovator YandyTech, led by Mohammed Bayero Yayandi, Sankey expressed readiness to collaborate in engaging youths in peace-promoting initiatives; another example of his forward-looking leadership.
Sankey was inducted into the National Peace Institute and honoured as a Chartered Mediator and Negotiator in November 2023. This milestone underlines his strong commitment to fostering harmony in a state hitherto strained by its diversity.
Hon. Sankey’s personality: simple, approachable, and deeply reflective, adds depth to his leadership style. His philosophy, shaped by life’s ups and downs, is rooted in careful deliberation and understanding before judgment.
The journey toward sustainable peace in Kaduna State championed by Governor Uba Sani in the past two and a half years is ably supported and promoted by Hon. Isaac Atiku Sankey who remains a beacon of hope.
Daniel contributed this piece from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
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