The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and grassroots-driven governance as it flagged off the maiden edition of the Kano Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Conference.
The two-day event, taking place at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN), is organized by a coalition of Kano-based CSOs with support from the state government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
Declaring the conference open on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo described civil society as the “conscience of the society,” noting their role in amplifying citizens’ voices, monitoring government performance, and driving civic engagement.
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“Your resilience has been evident in education, healthcare, gender justice, climate action, anti-corruption advocacy, and conflict resolution,” Gwarzo said, urging CSOs to collaborate with government in tackling insecurity, drug abuse, and social exclusion while promoting youth empowerment and innovation.
In his keynote address, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stressed that civil society should be seen as “co-architects of democracy.” He highlighted reforms introduced by the Yusuf administration, including transparent procurement systems, project monitoring, and community-driven development.
Waiya also drew attention to the recent decision by the State Executive Council to grant financial and administrative autonomy to all 44 local government councils, in line with a Supreme Court ruling. He said the move was both a legal obligation and a campaign promise designed to strengthen accountability and service delivery at the grassroots.
Other reforms cited included initiatives in health, education, and justice, such as collaborations with NGOs to tackle gender-based violence, increased women’s participation in governance, and partnerships with community groups to improve access to education.
Both the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner expressed optimism that the conference would generate practical recommendations to boost institutional capacity, enhance partnerships, and accelerate grassroots development.
The Kano CSOs Conference, the first of its kind in the state, is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between government, civil society, and citizens.