By Abdullahi Shettima.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on traditional rulers and local government chairmen to uphold integrity, accountability and ethical leadership to strengthen grassroots governance, improve security and accelerate development across the state.
The governor made the call at the closing ceremony of a three-day Executive Leadership Training Programme on Leadership, Ethics, Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, organised by the Kano State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with ANHI Consultants International Limited in Kaduna.
Governor Yusuf presented certificates to traditional rulers and the 44 local government chairmen who participated in the training. He described traditional institutions as indispensable partners in governance due to their closeness to the people and their role in promoting peace, resolving disputes, and mobilising communities for development.
He said the training was designed to strengthen leadership capacity and equip participants with practical skills in ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and good governance.
He urged them to apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery and foster peaceful coexistence across their communities.
Speaking at the event, the Lead Consultant of ANHI Consultants International Limited, Prof. Aminu Bello Gusau, commended Governor Yusuf for supporting initiatives that strengthen traditional institutions. He also praised the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, for preserving the dignity and relevance of the traditional institution.
Prof. Gusau described traditional rulers as the closest leaders to the people and called on the Kano State House of Assembly, the National Assembly and the Federal Government to grant them constitutionally recognised advisory roles to complement efforts at tackling insecurity, banditry and violent extremism.
He also expressed concern over the growing Almajiri phenomenon in Northern Nigeria and urged governments, traditional institutions and religious leaders to work together through education and social intervention programmes to address the challenge.
The workshop featured presentations by experts from government, academia and development organisations on leadership, conflict resolution, transparency and community engagement.
At the end of the programme, participants reaffirmed their commitment to ethical leadership, accountability and stronger collaboration with government in promoting sustainable development and lasting peace in Kano State.
