Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged the 44 Local Government Chairmen in the state to prioritize developmental projects, ensure transparency in public fund management, and uphold the principles of good governance at the grassroots level.
The Governor made the call at the opening of a four-day retreat organized by the Kano State Government in collaboration with ANHI Consultants International, held at the Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.
The retreat, themed “Anti-Corruption, Financial Fraud, Transformational Leadership, and Ethical Values in the Workplace,” brought together Local Government Chairmen, Secretaries, Directors of Personnel Management, House Leaders, and Treasurers to strengthen ethical leadership and accountability in governance.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, Governor Yusuf emphasized that transformational leadership remains key to promoting development and curbing corruption at the grassroots.
“Effective governance requires leaders who are honest, accountable, and committed to serving the people. Transparency and integrity must be the hallmark of every local government administration,” he stated.
The Governor also urged the local government leaders to focus on impactful projects such as the construction of feeder roads, primary healthcare centers, schools, and water supply systems. He further encouraged them to address open defecation through the provision of public toilets in densely populated areas.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government, Hajiya Fatima Adamu Barde, commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment to fairness, justice, and responsible leadership across all tiers of government.
Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State and Chairlady of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yushe’u Soja, welcomed participants and urged full engagement throughout the training sessions.
Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Gusau, a consultant with ANHI, applauded the administration for investing in leadership capacity building, ethical governance, and institutional excellence at the local level.
In his keynote address, elder statesman and technocrat, Dr. Akim Baba Ahmad, lauded Governor Yusuf’s leadership style and prayed for his continued success. He urged the local government officials to uphold integrity, teamwork, and fear of God in discharging their duties.
The retreat, according to organizers, reflects the Kano State Government’s commitment to strengthening governance structures, fostering citizen engagement, and driving sustainable development through ethical and transparent leadership.