The Kano State Government has acknowledged the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) recent announcement to establish a Kano State Elders Council. In a statement released by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, the government expressed appreciation for the good intentions of the ACF and other groups seeking to contribute to the state’s development.
However, the government noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had already established the Kano Elders Advisory Council (KEAC) in January 2024. The KEAC comprises respected personalities, including former governors, deputy governors, state and federal lawmakers, retired judges, Islamic scholars, business leaders, traditional rulers, and retired security chiefs from Kano. The council aims to provide a neutral, non-political platform that leverages the wisdom and experience of its members to guide government policies for the benefit of all Kano people.
The Kano State Government has invited all organizations, individuals, and interested groups to align with the already established KEAC framework, citing its open-government policy. By collaborating with the KEAC, the government believes that the operations of the council can be strengthened, and its objectives can be fully realized for the common good of the people.
The KEAC is the first of its kind in the state and is not linked to any political ambitions. The government remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration to achieve peace, progress, and prosperity in Kano. The establishment of the KEAC demonstrates the government’s effort to harness the expertise and experience of the state’s elders to inform policy decisions and drive development.
The Kano State Government’s approach to governance, as evident in the establishment of the KEAC, highlights the importance of collaboration and inclusive decision-making. As the government continues to work with various stakeholders, including the ACF, it is likely that the state will see significant progress in addressing the challenges facing its people. With the KEAC in place, the government is well-positioned to tap into the collective wisdom of the state’s elders, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Kano.
