The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), a coalition comprising more than 451 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State, has commended the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for what it described as his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the Kano State Government and civil society groups.
In a statement jointly issued on Wednesday by the Lead Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, and Co-Conveners Ibrahim Hassan Gama and Peter Hassan Tijjani, the coalition praised the revival and repositioning of the Special Assignments Department within the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, describing it as a strategic initiative that has enhanced engagement, consultation, and partnership between government and civil society actors.
According to the statement, the initiative has created a functional platform that encourages citizen participation in governance and public affairs while strengthening channels for dialogue and policy feedback.
KPCF also lauded the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for promoting inclusive governance and recognizing the role of Civil Society Organizations as critical stakeholders in the state’s development process.
The forum noted that under Waiya’s leadership, the Ministry has facilitated a series of constructive engagements with CSOs across Kano State, providing opportunities for collaboration on issues affecting citizens and creating effective channels through which public concerns and recommendations can be communicated to the government for consideration.
The forum observed that for many years, communication and trust gaps existed between government institutions and civil society organizations.
However, it said the ongoing civic engagement initiatives championed by the commissioner have significantly narrowed those gaps, fostering mutual trust, understanding, and cooperation.
According to KPCF, the renewed relationship between government and civil society has contributed to greater transparency, accountability, and citizen-centred governance in the state.
The forum further described the Ministry’s engagement strategy as a governance model worthy of emulation, emphasizing that effective governance can only thrive when government institutions maintain open, transparent, and continuous interaction with citizens and their representative organizations.
KPCF also commended Waiya for his role in the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths through the Safe Corridor Kano Model Program.
The forum described the initiative as a bold and innovative intervention aimed at addressing youth political violence, thuggery, Daba activities, criminality, drug abuse, and other social vices through non-kinetic and sustainable measures designed to promote peace and security.
Reaffirming its support for the commissioner, KPCF urged the Kano State Government to sustain and institutionalize the current engagement mechanisms to ensure that citizens’ voices continue to influence public policies, programs, and development initiatives.
The forum also called on Civil Society Organizations across the state to take advantage of opportunities for constructive engagement and partnership with the government to advance peace, development, accountability, social inclusion, and good governance.
KPCF reiterated its commitment to working with the Kano State Government and other stakeholders in promoting civic participation, democratic governance, peace-building, and sustainable development for the benefit of all residents of Kano State.
