Kano CSOs Commend Waiya, Governor Yusuf for Strengthening Civic Engagement and Youth Rehabilitation

The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), a coalition comprising over 451 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Kano State, has praised the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for what it described as his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the Kano State Government and civil society groups.

In a statement signed by its Lead Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, alongside Co-Conveners Ibrahim Hassan Gama and Peter Hassan Tijjani, the coalition highlighted the revival and repositioning of the Special Assignments Department within the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs as a landmark achievement.

According to the forum, the initiative has provided a functional platform for engagement, consultation, and partnership between government institutions and civil society organizations, thereby promoting greater citizen participation in governance and public affairs.

The coalition also commended the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for embracing inclusive governance and recognizing the important role of CSOs as critical stakeholders in the state’s development process.

KPCF noted that under Waiya’s leadership, the ministry has facilitated a series of constructive engagements with civil society groups across Kano State, creating opportunities for dialogue, policy feedback, and collective action on issues affecting residents.

“These engagements have also created an effective channel for conveying citizens’ concerns, recommendations, and aspirations directly to the governor for appropriate consideration and action,” the statement said.

The forum observed that for many years, communication and trust deficits existed between government institutions and civil society actors.

However, it stated that the ongoing civic engagement initiatives spearheaded by the commissioner have significantly bridged those gaps, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.

According to KPCF, the renewed relationship between government and civil society has strengthened transparency, accountability, and citizen-centred governance in Kano State.

The coalition further described the Ministry’s engagement strategy as a positive governance model that should be sustained and replicated, stressing that effective governance thrives when governments maintain open, transparent, and continuous dialogue with citizens and their representative organizations.

KPCF also applauded Comrade Waiya’s leadership in implementing the Safe Corridor Kano Model Programme, aimed at the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths.

The forum described the initiative as a bold and innovative intervention designed to address youth political violence, thuggery, Daba activities, criminality, drug abuse, and other social vices through non-kinetic and sustainable measures.

“This programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a peaceful and secure society by addressing the root causes of social unrest and youth vulnerability,” the statement added.

The coalition reiterated its support for the commissioner and urged the Kano State Government to sustain and institutionalize existing engagement mechanisms to ensure that citizens’ voices continue to shape public policies, programmes, and development initiatives.

It also called on civil society organizations across the state to take advantage of the opportunity for constructive engagement and partnership with government in advancing peace, development, accountability, social inclusion, and good governance.

KPCF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders to promote civic participation, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development for the benefit of all residents of Kano State.