By Dr. Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf
In an era where public leadership is increasingly scrutinized through the lenses of efficiency, innovation, and inclusiveness, it is rare and refreshing to witness a public servant who not only meets these expectations but elevates the standard.
On behalf of the International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS), it is with immense pride and admiration that we celebrate Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya’s first 100 days in office as the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano State.
Appointed by the visionary Executive Governor of Kano State on the 7th of January, 2025, Comrade Waiya assumed his responsibilities with an unmistakable sense of direction and urgency.
In the brief yet remarkable stretch since his appointment, he has not only restructured the Ministry’s operations but has also redefined the role of public communication in statecraft.
Setting the tone: Vision in Motion
From the outset, the Commissioner charted a strategic blueprint that harmonized institutional reform with human development. His inaugural address was not merely ceremonial, it was a declaration of intent.
He emphasized an overhaul of state-owned media operations through capacity development, modern technology, and editorial excellence. Under his stewardship, performance has been reimagined as a culture rather than a metric.
He swiftly embarked on a comprehensive tour of the ministry’s key parastatals, ARTV, Triumph Publishing, Radio Kano, and the Kano Printing Press, engaging deeply with staff, identifying institutional gaps, and fostering a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration. These were not symbolic visits; they were groundwork for sustainable impact.
Strengthening the grassroots information ecosystem
In a bold and unprecedented move, the Honourable Commissioner convened an intensive three-day capacity-building program for information officers from all 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
This initiative has effectively recalibrated the machinery of public enlightenment at the grassroots, enhancing communication flow, boosting transparency, and aligning local narratives with statewide progress.
Additionally, his engagement with senior reporters and media personnel marked a pivot towards results-oriented communication, with particular emphasis on amplifying the achievements of the current administration and countering misinformation with facts.
Fusing culture, advocacy, and digital intelligence
A hallmark of Comrade Waiya’s approach has been the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. He revived the once-inactive Gauta Club, transforming it into a vibrant sociocultural hub for ministry personnel and stakeholders.
This subtle but significant move has breathed new life into inter-agency solidarity and cultural pride.
Meanwhile, on the digital frontier, his launch of the H.E. Project Promotion Advocates has amplified the visibility of state government projects across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
The initiative is a pioneering model of proactive governance in the social media age, using digital storytelling to inform, engage, and empower citizens.
Complementing this digital leap, the Commissioner also hosted strategic conversations with online media players, fostering a culture of responsibility, fact-checking, and ethical reportage.
Raising the bar for public discourse and civic engagement
Recognizing the deteriorating tone of political dialogue in the media space, Comrade Waiya has taken deliberate steps to promote civility.
Through dedicated meetings with talk show presenters, political commentators, and civic influencers, he has championed respectful engagement and discouraged inflammatory rhetoric.
He further extended his outreach to mosque Imams, harnessing the moral authority of religious institutions to spread messages of peace, civic unity, and national development.
Building stronger institutions through dialogue and ethics
A cornerstone of his early reforms has been the intentional reconnection of government with the Fourth Estate.
By facilitating direct dialogues with media executives, convening sessions with the Correspondents’ Chapel, and hosting regulatory consultations with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Commissioner has established a new benchmark for transparency, ethical standards, and mutual accountability.
Elevating standards through structural innovation
Perhaps one of the most commendable achievements of his first 100 days is the establishment of the Kano State Ministry of Information Advisory Council.
Chaired by veteran broadcaster Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, this body is tasked with guiding policy, professionalizing media engagement, and restoring public confidence in state-led information dissemination.
It reflects a forward-thinking strategy to insulate the information ecosystem from disinformation and restore public trust.
In addition to these macro-level reforms, Comrade Waiya also demonstrated his commitment to institutional welfare by launching a cooperative society for ministry staff. This initiative reflects not only concern for their economic well-being but a broader vision for long-term institutional resilience.
A moment of reflection, a promise for tomorrow
Among the most profound gatherings of his tenure thus far was the Iftar Lecture, an evening of dialogue and reflection among senior journalists and media stakeholders.
The event served as a reminder that public communication is not merely about reporting events, but about shaping the soul of a society.
Conclusion: a catalyst for a new narrative
As we mark this 100-day milestone, it becomes clear that Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has not just taken on a portfolio; he has assumed a mission.
His leadership embodies the promise of purposeful governance in a media-centric era. His reforms are not cosmetic, they are structural. His strategies are not reactive, they are anticipatory.
At IPSS, we salute this rising standard of public service and reaffirm our commitment to supporting transformative leaders who embody the values of peace, integrity, and innovation. The journey ahead may be long, but with leaders like Comrade Waiya at the helm, the road is paved with possibility.
Dr. Yusuf is the Director General, International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS)
