By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), a coalition comprising over 451 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State, has commended the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Kano State Government and civil society organizations.
In a statement jointly signed by the Lead Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, and Co-Conveners Ibrahim Hassan Gama and Peter Hassan Tijjani, the coalition praised the Commissioner for revitalizing and repositioning the Special Assignments Department within the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
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According to the Forum, the initiative has established a functional platform for dialogue, consultation, and strategic partnership between the government and civil society, thereby promoting greater citizen participation in governance and public affairs.
KPCF also acknowledged the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for fostering inclusive governance and recognizing Civil Society Organizations as critical stakeholders in the state’s development process.
The coalition noted that under the leadership of Comrade Waiya, the Ministry has organized a series of constructive engagements with CSOs across Kano State, creating opportunities for policy dialogue, public feedback, and collaborative action on issues affecting citizens. It added that the engagements have also provided an effective channel for communicating citizens’ concerns and recommendations to the Governor for appropriate action.
The Forum observed that for many years, communication and trust gaps existed between government institutions and civil society actors. However, it said the ongoing civic engagement initiatives introduced by the Commissioner have significantly bridged those gaps, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation while enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen-centred governance.
As an organization committed to peacebuilding, democratic governance, social justice, and sustainable development, KPCF maintained that effective governance can only thrive through continuous, transparent, and inclusive engagement between government institutions and citizens. It described the Ministry’s current approach as a governance model worthy of emulation.
The coalition further applauded Comrade Waiya for spearheading the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths through the Safe Corridor Kano Model Programme. It described the initiative as a bold and innovative response to youth political violence, thuggery, Daba activities, criminality, drug abuse, and other social vices through sustainable, non-kinetic interventions aimed at building lasting peace and security.
KPCF reaffirmed its support for the Commissioner and called on the Kano State Government to sustain and institutionalize the engagement mechanisms to ensure that citizens’ voices continue to shape public policies, programmes, and development initiatives.
The coalition also urged Civil Society Organizations across Kano State to take advantage of the opportunity for constructive engagement and partnership in support of government efforts to promote peace, accountability, social inclusion, sustainable development, and good governance.
KPCF reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders in advancing civic participation, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development for the benefit of all residents of Kano State.
Signed:
Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma
Lead Convener
