Kano State Government has inaugurated a 45-member Organising Committee to plan and coordinate activities for a befitting, colourful, inclusive and peaceful celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary in the state.
Inaugurating the committee on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the committee was saddled with the responsibility of planning and coordinating activities that would make the celebration memorable and reflect the significance of Nigeria’s independence.
He acknowledged and commended organisations and individuals who had contributed to the success of previous anniversary celebrations, particularly under the present administration.
The Commissioner assured the committee that the Ministry would address the challenges experienced during the previous two anniversary celebrations.
He said lessons had been learned and the Ministry would work closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen synergy, provide necessary support and resources, and ensure a seamless and successful celebration.
Comrade Waiya said activities planned for the anniversary include a befitting and colourful parade for the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to inspect; a public lecture ahead of the anniversary to mobilise citizens; and special prayers for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, particularly in view of the prevailing security challenges.
He added that other activities would include a novelty football match between security personnel and repentant youths, a unity road walk, visits to less-privileged members of society to share the joy of the celebration with them, and mobilisation of citizens to celebrate the anniversary peacefully, both individually and collectively.
The Commissioner urged committee members to work tirelessly and in close collaboration with relevant government agencies, security organisations, civil society organisations, community groups and other stakeholders to ensure a memorable, peaceful and well-coordinated celebration.
He said the committee’s assignment would commence on 3rd September and culminate on 1st October 2026.
Comrade Waiya expressed confidence that, through collective commitment, teamwork and effective coordination, the committee would deliver a successful and memorable celebration.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Tsoho Aliyu Rogo, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for the confidence reposed in the committee and the opportunity to contribute to the successful celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Rogo assured the Commissioner that the committee would approach the assignment with a strong sense of responsibility, patriotism, dedication and teamwork.
He said members would work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the planned activities were properly coordinated, inclusive, peaceful and worthy of the significance of the national occasion.
The Chairman further assured that the committee would build on lessons learned from previous celebrations, identify potential challenges and work collectively to address them.
He called for the cooperation and support of all participating agencies and organisations, stressing that effective collaboration would be critical to the success of the celebration.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Tsoho Aliyu Rogo, and comprises representatives of major security and para-military agencies, government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, community and voluntary organisations, as well as relevant departments of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
Among the organisations represented are the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal and Kano State Fire Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, NYSC, NDLEA, KAROTA, VIO, Kano State Hisbah Board, Nigerian Legion and other security and voluntary organisations.
Other members are drawn from the Ministries of Education, Women Affairs and Justice; Special Service and Protocol Directorates; and the Information, Planning, Special Duties, Special Assignment, Administration and General Services, Accounts and Publications Departments of the Ministry.
Representatives of corporate security organisations, Kano Vigilant Group, Kano State Neighborhood Watch, Askarawan APC Merger, Anti-Phone Snatching initiative, Civilian Joint Task Force, Child Rights Advocates and in Civil Society Organisations are also members, with Kabiru Shehu, Nura Mahmud Abubakar and Yahuza Rabilu serving in the Secretariat.
