Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf
Kano State has achieved a historic milestone with the successful hosting of the First Kano State Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Conference, held on 15th and 16th September 2025 at the Khalifa Ishaq Rabi’u University of Nigeria (KHAIRUN).
The landmark event, organised by the Patriotic Civil Society Organisations in kano with the full support of the Kano State Government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs under the leadership of Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, brought together civil society leaders, government officials, academia, media professionals, security stakeholders, and development partners in a powerful convergence that set a new standard for inclusive governance and citizen participation in Nigeria.
Governor, Deputy Governor, Commissioner Led the Way
In his opening address delivered by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, declaring:
“Together, we can bridge the gap between government plans and community realities”
The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, set the tone with a keynote that resonated deeply across all sectors: “Civil society organizations are not justifiable pressure groups; they are co-architects of democracy.”
Commissioner Waiya further outlined bold reforms already championed by Governor Yusuf’s administration, including the enforcement of procurement laws to tackle corruption and the launch of the Kano State Information Management System (KSIMS) for digital transparency, and full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
IPSS Representation: CSOs as partners in democracy
Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, Director General of the International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS), served as a member of the Security and Protocol Committee at the conference.
He emphasized the critical role of civil society in sustaining democracy and pledged that IPSS will continue to step down this initiative to grassroots CSOs across Nigeria in close collaboration with the Kano State Government.
Dr. Yusuf noted: “This conference is not just a dialogue; it is a turning point for civic engagement in Kano State and beyond.
“Insha Allah, we at IPSS will partner with the Government of Kano State through the Honourable Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs to replicate this initiative nationwide
Key presentations and panel discussions
The two-day conference featured five impactful paper presentations and multiple panel discussions, covering:
- Democratic governance and civil society space (Prof. Abdulhamid Abdullahi).
- CSOs in fragile and conflict settings (CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, Commissioner of Police, Kano) ably represented by ACP Kamba
- Effective communication for citizen participation (Dr. Saminu Umar Rijiyar Zaki).
- Strengthening CSO roles in governance sectors (Ms. Yetunde Adegoke).
- Building resilient partnerships across sectors (Mr. Oyebesi Babatunde Olusheyi).
Panels further addressed advocacy, collaboration, climate action, social entrepreneurship, sustainable fundraising, and inclusive development, stressing the need for unity, sustainability, and shared responsibility.
The communique: Reshaping governance in Kano
At the close of the conference, a comprehensive communiqué was issued, affirming that Kano State is charting a new path for democratic governance built on openness, accountability, and collaboration.
Key resolutions include:
- Fast-tracking the Freedom of Information Law in Kano State.
- Establishing a CSO Government Partnership Charter and CSO desks in MDAs.
- Embedding Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles into state policy.
- Strengthening collaboration between CSOs and security agencies for peacebuilding.
- Mainstreaming climate resilience and environmental justice and
- Institutionalizing annual CSO Government forums.
The communiqué committee, chaired by Dr. Saminu Umar, commended the Government of Kano State for creating an enabling environment where civil society is recognised as a partner in governance rather than an adversary.
Recognition and appreciation
The participants and organisers expressed profound gratitude to:
His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, for his visionary leadership and full government support in making the conference possible.
His Excellency, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Deputy Governor, for honouring the conference and reinforcing the administration’s inclusive approach.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, for his tireless commitment, bridge building efforts, and leadership in institutionalising government CSO collaboration.
Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, Director General of the International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS), for his active role, representation, and dedication to ensuring CSOs remain central to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
A new era for Kano
The First Kano State CSO Conference stands as a model of inclusive governance in Nigeria, demonstrating that when government and civil society unite, democracy becomes more participatory, transparent, and peoples driven.
Kano State is now at the forefront of co creating a governance system where citizens are not spectators, but true partners in shaping the future of democracy, security, and sustainable development.
Comrade (Dr.) Yusuf is the Director General at International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS).
