Ambassador Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya is a human rights activist and an influential civil society figure in Kano State and Northern Nigeria.
He is currently serving as the Executive Director of Citizens for Development and Education (CDE).
Amb. Waiya, Sagagi Five Others Nominated As Commissioners
He has dedicated many years of his civil society activism to advocating for the promotion of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment.
Amb. Waiya holds several academic qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Kano State Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, and a Master’s degree in Public International Law from Maryam Abacha American University, Maradi.
Alkali Ahmad Center For Development Congratulates Amb. Waiya
He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations at Skyline University, Kano.
Over the course of his career, he has held several positions and managed numerous projects. From 2003 to 2007, he served as the Director of Alhilal Foundation, an organization focused on women’s empowerment through basic literacy and skills acquisition. He later coordinated the North-West Zonal Office of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Foundation.
Ambassador Waiya Tasks Media on Knowledge-Based Reporting
Amb. Waiya also led and coordinated several Local Government Council Election observation missions across 19 Northern states.
In 2011, Waiya managed the Campaign Against Drug Abuse under the auspices of the Northern Youth Assembly, a youth-driven platform with leadership structures in the 19 Northern states.
He served as Secretary for both the Kano State Stakeholders’ Committee on Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign and the Kano State Stakeholders’ Committee on Anti-Child Abuse, projects coordinated by the Office of the Special Adviser on Child Welfare and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
His involvement in election observation missions and various public engagements highlights his commitment to Civic engagement, community development, democracy, and good governance.
Waiya’s extensive experience includes providing free consultancy support services to numerous government ministries and agencies, such as the Kano State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, the Kano State Ministry for Community and Rural Development, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State on Child Welfare, the Ministry for Special Duties, and the Office of the Special Adviser on Joint Security Services.
He has facilitated numerous training workshops and seminars, sharing his knowledge, skills, and experience with the community, particularly with community-based organizations.
In recognition of his contributions, he has been appointed to several key positions, including:
– President of the Kano Civil Society Forum
– Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks
– Convener of the Nigeria for Peace Project
– Managing Partner of the United Nigeria Project
– Head of Secretariat of the Kano Peace Committee
– Secretary General of the National Action for Women Agenda (NAWA)
– Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa)
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, the Institute of International Peace and Secure Society, and the Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management. Additionally, he has served as:
– Member of the Commission of Inquiry on Missing Persons
– Member of the Implementation Committee on the Recommendations of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Missing Persons
– Member of the Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Political Violence and Cases of Missing Persons in the State from 2015–2023
– Member of the Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Protests, Arson, and Destruction of Public and Private Properties from August 1–10, 2024
Amb. Waiya has also served as a consultant on various government projects, including the Kano State Security Trust Fund, Safe Corridor, and the Campaign Against Drug Abuse across the 44 Local Government Areas.
Amb. Waiya’s active participation in peacebuilding, policy advocacy, and legislative reform continues to bring about positive change in Kano State, the North, and Nigeria at large.