Kano Assembly, Ministry For Local Government Concludes Retreat For 484 Councillors In Kaduna

As the joint retreat organized by the Kano State House of Assembly and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs entered its final day in Kaduna, resource persons continued to deliver insightful presentations.

Malam Alfa Abdullah, a former Clerk of the House and Special Adviser to the Speaker on Legislative Matters, delivered a detailed paper on _”Budgeting and Fiscal Responsibility in the Administration of Local Government in Kano State.”_

Similarly, Aminu Zubairu Abubakar, Deputy Clerk of the House, presented a paper titled _”Effective Presentation Between Councillors and Members of the State Assembly.”_

Barrister Marmara also presented a paper on _”Accountability in Public Service,”_ where he discussed the rudiments of accountability and transparency.

However,Alhaji Lawan Badamasi, a former Clerk of the House and former Commissioner, KANSIEC, highlighted lessons learnt from previous workshops.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Muhammad Bebeji, expressed appreciation to Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his support, cooperation and for providing a conducive environment for the successful conduct of the retreat. He prayed for God’s reward for the Governor.

He also commended the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Isma’il Falgore, for his doggedness and commitment in ensuring the retreat was held, noting that without Falgore, the retreat would not have been possible.

Hon. Aliyu Muhammad further conveyed the appreciation of the Assembly to the Commissioner for Local Government, Alhaji Muhammad Tajo Othman, who was represented by the Director of Administration, Alh. Sani Alhassan, for working together with the Assembly to ensure the successful conduct of the retreat.

Meanwhile, In his address, the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, stated that the 2026 retreat was the third of its kind, and assured that the Assembly would not relent in sustaining such capacity-building programmes for Councillors and other Local Government officials, with a view to strengthening democratic governance.

In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Kano state House of Assembly Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai said Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu expressed optimism that the Councillors would return to their respective Local Government Areas to put into practice all that they had learnt in Kaduna. He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for consistently striving to meet the yearnings of the Kano State House of Assembly, and assured that the Assembly would continue to work in synergy with the Executive arm for the development of Kano State.

General IBB Calls for Peace, National Unity as APC Campaigns Kick Off in Niger

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has called on Nigerians to prioritise national unity and peaceful coexistence as political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming twenty twenty seven General elections.

In a statement in Minna by the Secretary Media Committee Aisha Wakaso said the Former Military President made the call when hẹ recieved members of Niger state Presidential and Gubenotorial Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on a visit at his Hilltop residence.

General Ibrahim Babangida stressed the need for people ọf Niger state and Nigerians to put the unity and collective interest of the country above personal and political interests as political parties commence their campaigns.

The former military leader also charged them to exhibit high level ọf tolerance and mutual respect throughout the electioneering Campaign process while praying for a peaceful and sucessful campaign towards achieving the desired objective.

He also offered prayers for Niger State and Nigeria, wishing them peaceful and successful electioneering campaign process.

In his remarks Director General of the Campaign Council, former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who led the delegation, thanked the former military leader for his words of advice and prayers.

He however assured him that the APC Campaign Council would do everything within it’s powers to ensure that the campaigns are issue based, development oriented and geared towards the overall development of Niger State.

I’m Ready to Serve as Gov. Abba’s Gateman – Ibrahim Waiya

Former Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has declared his unwavering loyalty to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, saying he would gladly accept any responsibility assigned to him by the governor, even if it means serving as his gateman.

Waiya made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters and youth groups who accompanied him to his new office at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development following his recent redeployment from the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.

Earlier in the morning, a massive crowd of supporters had gathered at the Ministry of Information, awaiting Waiya’s arrival to accompany him to his new ministry.

The procession, which attracted youth groups from across Kano State, was described as a demonstration of their loyalty to the former commissioner, as well as their continued support for Governor Yusuf’s administration and his anticipated 2027 re-election bid.

Speaking shortly after assuming duty at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Waiya described his redeployment as another call to service, assuring the governor and the people of Kano State of his commitment to delivering results in his new assignment.

He said he had no reservations about the governor’s decision, dismissing speculations that his redeployment was an indication of a strained relationship between him and the governor.

“Last week, when the news about my redeployment broke, my detractors started speculating that I had been dropped from Governor Yusuf’s cabinet.

“However, when it became clear that I was only redeployed from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, I never felt bad about it because the governor has the best interest of Kano State and its people at heart.

“The governor is a very close ally of mine, and nobody can separate us because our bond is very strong. As I have always maintained, nobody can separate me from the governor,” he said.

Waiya further emphasised that his primary motivation for joining the government was to serve the people rather than pursue personal financial gains.

“All those speculating that the governor intends to drop me for one reason or another should stop. We have a very close relationship, and I have no reservations whatsoever with the governor. I also believe he harbours no hard feelings against me.

“If the governor decides today that I should be redeployed from the ministry to his residence or office to serve as a gateman, I will gladly accept the offer,” he declared.

He added that public office should be regarded as an opportunity to serve humanity, not an avenue for personal enrichment.

“We came to serve the people and not to loot their money. We may not be rich in terms of money, but we have the people behind us. This is a call to duty, and we must immediately get down to work to provide the needed services to the people,” he stated.

The former commissioner also pledged to mobilise massive electoral support for Governor Yusuf ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence in the governor’s chances of securing re-election.

“I want to assure the governor that his decision to redeploy me to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development was not a mistake. I will continue to serve with commitment and dedication.

“I want to assure the governor of my commitment to mobilising between one million and three million votes for him in the 2027 governorship election. I assure you that your re-election bid will be easy in the forthcoming poll,” Waiya said.

The massive turnout of youth groups and supporters from different parts of Kano State underscored the political significance of Waiya’s redeployment, with the groups reaffirming their allegiance to him and expressing support for Governor Yusuf’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Waiya’s new assignment at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is expected to provide him with another opportunity to contribute to the state’s development, particularly in youth empowerment, sports administration and the creation of opportunities for young people.