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Kano CSOs crisis: BOT endorses Waiya’s leadership
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board of Trustees of Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has endorsed the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya.
KANO FOCUS reports that the BOT made this known on Thursday after a group of three persons who described themselves as ‘concerned’ members of the Form announced the suspension of the leadership of the Forum.
According to the BOT Secretary, Hamisu Isa Sharifai, there is no such thing as body of ‘Concerned Members’ that can exercise the powers of the Congress (which consists of over one hundred organizations) or the BOT and as such the suspension and announcement should be disregarded by both members and the general public.
He said, under the circumstances the BOT directs that the management team of the KCSF under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya, should continue to do so, and the constituted Electoral Committee set uuo by the BOT 3 weeks ago should go on with the arrangements for the elections.
“We call on all members who are truly concerned with the progress of the Forum to stand together as a united body, so that the elections can hold in strict compliance with the KCSF Constitution”.
“Let us all remain resolute in pursuing the ideals of justice, good democratic practice and societal progress that brought us together”, he added.
Interim Leadership of Kano CSOs Dissolved Amidst Concerns of Democratic Breach
It will be recalled that the Concerned Members of the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) have officially dissolved the interim leadership of the forum under the leadership of Ibrahim Waiya.
In a statement released to newsmen from KSCF’s secretariat under the chairmanship of Abdullahi Y. Sule, disclosed the decision comes in response to what they claim are violations of democratic principles and good governance within the organization.
KCSF, which represents over 100 civil society and pro-democracy organizations in Kano State, was established in 2012 with the mission to promote democracy, human rights, good governance, and peace and security in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The Concerned Members expressed their deep concerns about ongoing violations of democratic principles and good governance by the current interim leadership.
One major issue raised was the extended delay in conducting democratic elections within the forum, which was initially mandated to take place within six months but had stretched to an astonishing seven years. This raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the commitment to democratic representation within the forum.
Another alarming issue brought to light was the forceful removal of members from the central WhatsApp group of the forum for expressing dissenting views. This authoritarian approach was seen as stifling freedom of expression and undermining the essence of a civil society coalition meant to foster dialogue and inclusivity.
Inconsistencies and contradictions between the interim leadership and the Board of Trustees (BOT) were also cited. These included disputes over the establishment of an electoral committee versus an election strategy committee, causing confusion and discord within the organization.
The Concerned Members also pointed out that the KCSF constitution, which the interim leadership frequently referred to, was still a draft and not yet adopted by the CONGRESS, making its provisions non-binding until formal adoption.
Furthermore, the growing partisanship displayed by the interim leadership was criticized for violating the core principle of impartiality and neutrality that should define a civil society coalition. It was argued that such partisanship undermines the forum’s credibility and its ability to work collaboratively with government institutions.
The Concerned Members emphasized that these violations have far-reaching implications, including undermining the forum’s credibility, advocacy capacity, and its ability to champion citizens’ rights.
They called for the dissolution of the interim leadership and urged the BOT to facilitate a congress meeting where democratically elected executives can emerge.
The Concerned Members however called for calm and law-abiding behavior among all KCSF members during these challenging times as they continue to push for the establishment of a democratically elected leadership within the forum.
They also requested the general public to refrain from engaging with the dissolved interim leadership and direct all official matters to the KCSF BOT until new leadership is established.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.
“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.
The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.
“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.
Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.
Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
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