The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, inclusivity and grassroots-driven development as it declared open the maiden edition of the Kano Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Conference.
The two-day conference, organized by patriotic Kano CSOs with support from the state government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, is taking place at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN), Kano.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, described CSOs as the “conscience of the society” that amplify citizens’ voices, monitor government actions, and promote civic participation.
“Your resilience has been evident in education, healthcare, gender justice, climate action, anti-corruption advocacy, and conflict resolution,” Gwarzo said.
He urged CSOs to partner with the government in addressing insecurity, drug abuse, and social exclusion, while promoting innovation and youth empowerment.
The Deputy Governor noted that Governor Yusuf’s administration has placed transparency, accountability, and inclusivity at the heart of governance, adding that civil society participation was critical to policy coordination and citizens’ mobilization.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasized that empowering CSOs goes beyond funding or dialogue, stressing that they are “co-architects of democracy.”
He outlined key reforms introduced by the Yusuf administration to institutionalize accountability, including transparent procurement processes, real-time monitoring of projects, community engagement, and financial autonomy for state institutions.
Highlighting the recent resolution of the Kano State Executive Council to grant full financial and administrative autonomy to the 44 local government councils in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, Waiya said the move was not only legal but also a campaign promise.
“This is a declaration that we believe in democracy at the grassroots, that we trust our people, and that we are ready to strengthen accountability and service delivery where it matters most,” he stated.
The Commissioner also listed reforms in the health, education, and justice sectors, including collaboration with NGOs on gender-based violence, increased women’s representation in governance, and partnerships with community organizations to bridge educational gaps.
Both speakers expressed hope that the conference would produce actionable recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity, deepen collaboration among stakeholders, and drive grassroots development.
The Kano CSOs Conference, the first of its kind in the state, is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue, partnership, and co-creation of solutions between government, civil society, and citizens.
