Kano State Government has held separate stakeholder engagement meetings with leaders of the South-South and South-East communities in the state, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security, promote peaceful coexistence, and strengthen collaboration among all communities.
The meetings underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and community partnership, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and sustaining harmony among diverse groups living in Kano State.
The meetings, convened by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs on behalf of the State Government, were aimed at briefing the communities on the current security situation in the state, reassuring them of the government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, and soliciting their continued support in safeguarding peace and stability across the State
Addressing leaders of the South-South community, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya emphasized that the ministry remains the official gateway for engagement between the government and all communities, associations, and diplomatic missions operating within the state.
He noted that the state government recognizes the South-South community as an integral part of Kano, commending them for maintaining law and order within their community and for their positive contributions to the social and economic development of the state.
He further described the appointment of a Special Adviser from the South-South community as a clear evidence of the government’s recognition of their importance and inclusion in governance.
In a similar meeting with the leaders of the South-East community, the Commissioner reiterated that Kano State does not regard any group living within the state as strangers.
He stressed that many members of the South-East community were born in Kano, have raised their families in the state, and consider Kano their home.
According to him, the government views all residents as stakeholders and partners in progress, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.
At both engagements, the Commissioner assured the communities that the Kano State Government is fully on top of the security situation. He explained that recent isolated security incidents around border areas do not in any way suggest that Kano is unsafe.
He added that the government has strengthened the state’s security architecture through the establishment of permanent Joint Task Force bases, the provision of logistics and operational vehicles to security agencies, and the deployment of additional security personnel
He also disclosed that arrangements are in place for the forthcoming inauguration of a large-scale neighbourhood watch initiative to complement the existing security efforts.
The government also highlighted some of the ongoing and planned infrastructure projects in areas largely populated by these communities, including major road constructions and other development initiatives, as further proof that no community is excluded from the state’s development agenda.
The Commissioner disclosed that additional major projects have been approved and would soon commence, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
While appreciating the economic and commercial contributions of the South-East community and the strong spirit of peaceful coexistence demonstrated by both groups, the government appealed to them to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, promote peace within their communities, and avoid the spread of misinformation that could undermine stability.
The Kano State Government reaffirmed that promoting peace in the State is a shared responsibility and called on all tribes and communities living in the state to work together with the government to ensure that Kano remains peaceful, secure, and conducive for living, business, and investment.
In their separate remarks, the leader of the South-South Community living in Kano, His Highness Sarkin Edo, DCN Fred Akigbe, and the leader of the South-East Community living in Kano State, His Highness Eze Ndigbo, Dr. Boniface Ibekwe (Sarkin Igbo), stated that their people are peace-loving and will continue to support the government and the people of Kano in maintaining peace and security in the state.
They added that, because Kano State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, their people continue to invest in the state, thereby contributing significantly to its economic development.
The two community leaders also commended the Commissioner and the Kano State Government for recognizing their contributions to the development of the state, as well as for the execution of developmental projects and ongoing initiatives in their areas.
Credit: Abba Sani Yola
