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Stop The Axe: Kano Zoological And Botanical Garden Next On Line Of Destruction

Published

6 years ago

on

Kano Zoo

 

By Yusuf  .M. Adamu PhD, MNAL
Department of Geography
Bayero University, Kano

 

Kano city, now metropolis is an important chapter in the history of world urbanization and if we describe Kano as the queen of Hausaland and the princess of western Sudan, we wouldn’t be mistaken.

 

History makes a place and it is not just the passage of time that makes history but the different layers of cultural attributes that create the landscape with which people are associated with. What makes Kano tick like all great cities, is its ability to absorb its residents into its citizenship thereby getting their loyalty and trust.

In July 1971, the military governor of Kano State, Alhaji Audu Bako laid the foundation stone for the Kano Zoo and by November 1972, it was completed. The late visionary Governor in his opening speech on November 14 said to the gathering “I am surprised to hear from a lot of people, including those who call themselves elites criticizing my idea of establishing a zoo or game reserve and not only that but also making it an item of mockery.  I am openly condemning such people as people without foresight and wisdom.  I am glad to say that there are not many of them in Nigeria for otherwise, general progress would have been retarded.” In concluding his speech, he said “In the name of God, I declare the Kano Zoological Garden open for the general public of Nigeria and anybody from outside the country, and I pray that it will serve mankind forever.  To the people of Kano State, I hand to you this zoo as an object of pride. Please hold it as an egg. May God help us?”

When Police Commissioner Alhaji Audu Bako the Governor of Kano State commissioned the zoological garden he informed the gathering that the Zoo was the only one of its kind in West Africa and it was the intention of his government ‘to develop this zoo into one of the best in Africa’ The late Audu Bako made the statement above not knowing what we will be discussing 48 years after. This is a historical preamble to contextualize the issue at hand. I am talking about the perhaps largest protected ecosystem in one of the largest indigenous cities of Africa: the Audu Bako Zoological and Botanical garden located in Kano, Nigeria. The satellite image shows the current status of the area. Note the contrast between the green area and the settled area. The proposed relocation will make the green zone bare too.

 

Current Satellite Image of Kano Zoological and Botanical Garden

Like other important landmarks of this great city, the Kano Zoo is next on the destruction list by Kano State Government. In the last 21 years, we have witnessed the systematic erasure of Kano’s historical and cultural signatures that gave the city its identity. Its planning system has been debased, the reserved low-density areas are downgraded to high-density areas, the lands of public institutions like the Kano State Polytechnic Daula Hotel and Triumph Publishing Company, have been sold, all the open spaces and green spaces have been converted to large commercial land uses. All the parks and gardens in the metropolis have been sold. . So much mismanagement of land resources is taking place in Kano all in the name of development. One question we wish the State Government will answer is who the buyers of the sold public lands are. It will be great to have a list.

Kano is a dual city where two cities (Indigenous and township) living side by side. With an estimated population of 4-5 million, the city is in utmost need of more green areas. The zoo is perhaps the largest existing green area in the metropolis with a 53-hectare land devoted to plants and animals. It is amazing that other large city of the word such as New York which is the world’s commercial center with a population roughly twice as that of Kano metropolis sees the need to maintain a green area despite the need for business premises and the billions they will generate as tax. The Central park which is the largest and most important public park in Manhattan occupies a whooping 340 hectares of land (6.4 times the size of Kano Zoo) covering about 4km. It was established in 1857 and opened in 1876, it is still there standing and serving mankind. The green spaces in London occupy over 142 hectares. Take some parks for example Central park is 3.41km2, English garden is 3.75km2, Regent’s park occupies 166 hectares, in fact, London is 40% public green space including 3000 parks. These two cities are commercial centers, yet they understand the importance of vegetation to their survival.

Relocation Of Kano Zoological Garden: Decimating The City’s Air Purification

Three weeks ago, the Kano State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ibrahim Ahmed announced that the Governor of Kano State has ordered the relocation of Kano Zoological gardens from its current location to Tiga town, Bebeji Local Government because, according to the Governor the present location is inconvenient due to the high population density of the area This, according to him disturbs the animals. On a soft note, Malam Musa Tanko of Geography Department BUK has asked ‘Who did the animals at Kano Zoo told they’re not comfortable there? What about Trees? Did they also complain?’ He further explained that ‘There is no place in the whole of Kano city that has a high density of vegetation as the Kano Zoological garden. One of the numerous beauties nature has blessed us with is a vegetal cover, comprising of trees, shrubs, and grasses which are very much important and necessary for life. Vegetation, especially trees are important to man and his environment in a variety of ways’.

Perhaps that is why the news was received with bad feelings. Some important points worthy of note include the following:

  1. The proposed area is far away from the metropolis and this will reduce the level of patronage especially by primary school pupils.
  2. With the increasing insecurity, it might be difficult for pupils to visit it.
  3. The government did not give concrete reasons other than the street-like reason that zoo animal does not like human noise.
  4. No timetable was given.
  5. Most importantly the public was not told what will happen to the place when the animals are transferred.

Noting the antecedents of the Government of selling public parks and gardens, prayer grounds, parking spaces, historical sites and other open and green spaces, every environmentally aware person in Kano will be alarmed. Not only the citizens of Kano, but even professional bodies like the Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Park were also quick to write to the governor alerting him of the dangers of the proposed relocation. Many individuals have written essays trying to persuade the state Government from the project, people have spoken in the radio and other outlets all in an attempt to draw the attention of the State Government to let the Zoo be. Forestry Association also pleaded with the Government. As of now, we have not heard anything from the government other than its hawks who attack responsible citizens who spoke against the proposed relocation.

At this point, it is good to ask the State Government what it intends to do with the Kano Zoo after relocating it. The most likely thing that will happen is that they will clear the place and create a commercial layout. In doing that, the government will claim that it is doing so to make Kano more commercially viable by building modern malls and creating jobs. As expected, I had the opportunity to hear a government officer saying that the zoo will be converted to a residential-cum commercial area and that not all the trees will be cut off. That the company that will take over the zoo will build the new one at Tiga and will decide what it will do with the old zoo. Anyway, whatever it is, it is destruction. The world will witness one of the greatest planticide (ecocide) of the century. The implications of this to Nigeria will be enormous. Many environmental groups around the world will mark Kano State red and we will lose goodwill that will last long and probably face sanctions.

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It is said that whenever you talk about ecology and environment or even cultural heritage, the government and its official and unofficial spoke persons will say they are bringing development to Kano thinking that building flyovers or structures is what development is all about as argued by Dr. Mahmud Abba of Geography Department, Bayero University Kano ‘Part of the genesis of this problem is our narrow perception of the concept of physical development. The authorities believe that to achieve physical development every available open space must be converted to a building. Do they forget that every city in the world is made up of three major physical components namely; structures, networks, and open spaces? Are they turning a blind eye on the numerous social and ecological services being provided by the zoo?’ In addition, the fallacy that building shops is development: Kano used to be the second major center of industries and manufacturing in Nigeria, not anymore. Without manufacturing Kano has become a dumping ground for manufactured goods from elsewhere. Building shops and malls will not develop the economy rather gradually weakens it. The emergence of malls, so-called plazas, and supermarkets is in reality killing the local businessmen. Kwari market will in some years come become history. All the thousands of people employed there will lose their jobs. The malls owned by multi-nationals, politicians and big businessmen will takeover. As it has always been to the best of my knowledge, the State Government has no business with Kano businessmen except to collect taxes. So there will be no plan for the thousands that will lose their jobs.

The relocation of the Kano Zoo and Botanical Gardens is uncalled for as many people have argued because if we measure the costs and the benefits we will rather let it be. There are serious implications for relocation. The implications include among others:

  1. Reduced access: moving the zoo to about 75 kilometers away from Kano to Tiga, Bebeji Local Government, many prospective visitors will miss out. The majority of the visitors are school children and taking pupils to a 75 kilometers journey will not only be expensive to parents but also put the lives of our children in danger. This will deny millions of people the opportunity created by Audu Bako to see, learn, and enjoy nature. No matter how much money the government will generate from the sale of the land, it can’t be compared to the damage it will cause and the lives of children that will be exposed to risk. The school children are the future of Kano, not the new shops that will be constructed.
  2. Loss of Biodiversity: hundred thousand of plants and animal species living in the area will be lost forever. Come to think of the thousands of trees, shrubs, grasses, and insects that will be displaced just because someone wants to get money. Kano Zoo according to Dr. Mahmud Abba said is ‘a biodiversity hotspot, a repository of endangered plants and animals; the last biological sanctuary in the desert of humans and buildings.
  3. Stress relief destruction: Many people used the park to release themselves from the daily stress they are experiencing as Dr. Mahmud captures ‘The garden provides an avenue for relaxation to thousands of residents of the city. It is also a center of social interaction amongst the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society thereby promoting cultural integration and social inclusion in the city’
  4. Exposing people to new diseases: the destruction of the zoo may expose us to new zoonotic diseases that are thriving in the zoo. One way humans are exposed to new disease-causing microbes is through the destruction of natural habitats Diseases such as COVID-19 might have originated from the destruction of natural habitats.
  5. Loss of clean air: the thousands of trees in the zoo clean the air, consume all the industrial air emissions from Sharada Industrial Estate, and gives a healthy atmosphere in that high-density area thus reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections among the residents around the zoo area. Once the trees are gone, we will see a rise in respiratory tract infections and other pollution-induced conditions. This will not only make the people sick but also add the cost of health care to the people and the government.
  6. Flood control: the area also provides storm-water ecological service at the interface of the surrounding residential area for many years. Converting the area to other land uses will trigger incessant flood events which may lead to loss of lives and property in the surrounding area.
  7. Exposing Kano to the dangers of Climate Change: A Biogeographer from Bayero University Kano, Dr. Muhammad Nuraddeen Danjuma has captured this implication aptly when he said ‘The Zoological Garden has been a major carbon sink in the Kano Metropolis. Interestingly, this characteristic green space constitutes about 24 genera and 14 families of various plants which primarily sink the terrestrial carbon generated by human activity free of charge. In absolute carbon terms, the protection of green space and specifically the avoidance of deforestation deliver the highest carbon saving tasks. Therefore rather than spending huge billions on carbon sequestration and addressing climate change, it is imperative to keep the protected area intact. In the era of ‘donor fatigue, dwindling revenues, and nature fighting back, I am sure the Governor will think twice and save Kano from everlasting implications and risks associated with defamation of this iconic landscape. According to the 2018 World Air Quality Report, air quality in Kano contains an average mean PM 5concentration of 53.4μg/m3 which is more than 5 times above the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization. I am sure should there be the likes of the Garden in the metropolis to play a vital role in air purification; the widespread apparent rates of respiratory tract diseases might be decimated.’ This is a long term effect that will cost the people long after the incumbent government has gone.
  8. Displacement of local traders: As earlier noted, the new shops that will be built there will displace other local shops that have thrived for years. This means the new structures will be detrimental to the people living in the area.

Options

Now, when you advise a government not to do one thing, it is only fair to give it options. For this reason, we wish to provide options to the State Government if indeed, it is after developing Kano State.

  1. Let the Kano Zoo remain where it is, upgrade it to the international standard since there is already plans for that.
  2. If you must move to the zoo, please let the place remain in Kano Central Park, make another history by giving Kano what it deserves.
  3. Leave the zoo in Kano emirate and let other emirates have its world-class zoos, the proposed zoo at Tiga can serve Rano Emirate. We can have one each in Kano, Bichi, and Gaya emirates.

Our Prayer

I am calling on the head of the government in Kano to please let the zoo remain. I will refer to the prayers made by Dr. Danjuma who in his article wrote ‘Kano State is lucky to have such a religious man as their Governor. Sir, for being outstanding in the success stories of Abuja City and most importantly an embodiment of Islam, this destruction to the ecosystem must not take place under your watch. Such misapplication of force to isolate and devastate the garden will only lead to large-scale environmental perturbations and crises this is on behalf of the 15 million inhabitants of Kano metropolis and the citizens of Kano yet unborn..

Conclusion

This writes up is one of the many that have been published and one of the many concerns expressed privately and in public. Many feel that we are just wasting our precious time as the government will not listen. We have written a strong petition to the Kano State Government when they allocated the land near the city wall along BUK road, we have over 100 signatures (over 10 Professors) from the Universities in Kano but the government ignored us and continued. But this will not discourage us from admonishing the government. What we want to tell every citizen of Kano is that we as scholars have done our part. History will not be unfair to us and lump us with the onlookers.  Allah will not hold us accountable for being silent. As for those who because of the meager amount they will receive and those who are intoxicated with power, their legacy will haunt them and their lines for eternity and Allah will judge them. Finally, I want to draw the attention of all those at the helm of Kano affairs that in the end, they will account to Allah for their actions.

 

Yusuf M, Adamu IS Of the Department Of Geography,Bayero University Kano

 

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Opinion

95% of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Promises Have Been Fulfilled — CPS Interview By Musa Diso, In Kano

Published

6 hours ago

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August 24, 2026

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Q: Can we meet you?

A: My name is Mustapha Muhammad, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. My background is in media and communication. I obtained my first degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, and later earned a Master’s degree in Development Studies. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Communication, focusing my research on the safety of journalists.

I began my academic journey at Rumfa College and later attended CAS, where I obtained my IJMB qualification before proceeding to Bayero University, Kano.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the Chief Press Secretary and public relations office to the Governor?

 

A: The responsibility of my office is to project a positive image of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, as well as the government as a whole. Whatever affects the Governor affects the government, and whatever affects the government also affects the Governor.

My primary responsibility is therefore to inform the public about the Governor’s activities, achievements, projects, programmes and policies. We also maintain a strong relationship with the media by providing access and responding to issues concerning the Governor and the government.

Q: How would you assess the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after three years in office?

A: Honestly, I believe Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deserves a very good mark based on his performance in Kano State. Even if you are not a member of the APC, a right-thinking person can assess his administration and acknowledge that he has done well.

In the last three years and a few months, the administration has made significant interventions in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, economic development, investment and housing, among other sectors.

Let me start with education. When the Governor came into office, he identified serious challenges, including shortages of teachers, poor infrastructure and inadequate learning materials. He consequently declared a state of emergency in the education sector.

Beyond that, the administration has continued to increase budgetary allocation to education. The allocation rose from 29.5 per cent in 2024 to 30.5 per cent in 2025 and 31.5 per cent in 2026. The 2026 state budget is about N1.47 trillion. This demonstrates the importance attached to education as one of the administration’s cardinal objectives.

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In healthcare, the Governor also inherited significant gaps, including obsolete equipment and infrastructural decay in some hospitals. His administration has renovated about 340 primary healthcare centres across the 44 local government areas.

The government has also embarked on the renovation of general hospitals and constructed about 10 new general hospitals in various local government areas, while six others are in the pipeline. This is aimed at taking healthcare services closer to the people and reducing pressure on facilities within the metropolitan area.

The administration has also revitalised the revolving drug fund. We are told that about 90 per cent of drugs prescribed to patients are now available through the system. Modern medical equipment has also been provided to various hospitals.

Agriculture is another major area of focus. The Governor considers modern agricultural development one of the cardinal objectives of his administration. Farmers have been trained in improved farming practices to enable them to achieve higher yields from smaller parcels of land.

The government has also distributed improved and drought-tolerant seeds to farmers. Mechanisation has equally received attention, with the procurement of tractors, combine harvesters and other farming equipment. The state was divided into three zones to ensure that farmers across different areas benefit from the programme.

Youth empowerment is another area where we have recorded progress. Young people have been trained in various skills, including tailoring, poultry farming, journalism and other forms of entrepreneurship. There are also 26 entrepreneurial schools where young people are being trained.

All these initiatives are designed to empower young people to become self-reliant, create employment and contribute to the growth of the economy.

Looking at the administration’s blueprint, the records show that about 90 to 95 per cent of the promises have been fulfilled at the moment. Almost every area covered by the blueprint has received attention.

Q: What type of Kano State do you envision—the Kano State of your dream?

A: Our dream is to see the Governor re-elected so that this continuous development can proceed in the next four years. We are hopeful and praying that the people of Kano State will give him another mandate.

The objective is to ensure that people-oriented projects and policies continue and that the people continue to benefit, irrespective of whether they are APC members or supporters of the Governor.

If you love Kano and want to see the state progress, then you should support initiatives that improve the lives of the people. The Governor’s projects, policies and programmes have touched many aspects of life in the state.

Q: What is your message to the people of Kano State?

A: My message is that the people should obtain their Permanent Voter Cards because without a voter’s card, you cannot participate effectively in the electoral process or make the change you desire.

I urge the people to vote wisely and support a government that they believe has performed well and deserves another opportunity to continue its work.

There may still be areas where the Governor needs to do more, and those areas should be identified and strengthened. The important thing is that the people should participate actively in the democratic process.

We are praying that the people will cast their votes for the Governor and also support APC members in the House of Assembly. If the Governor and legislators can work together with a clear mandate, it will create a smoother working relationship and strengthen the implementation of government programmes for the benefit of the people.

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Opinion

From World’s 9th Most Populous City to Perfect: As Gov Yusuf Revisits Kano Master Plan

Published

4 days ago

on

August 20, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

Most recent report from World Population Review 2026, reveals that the ancient city of Kano becomes world’s 9th most populous city, ranked alongside Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu in China, Karachi in Pakistan and Kinshasa in DR Congo.

With an estimated population of 17.5 million, Kano grew by over 536,000 within the last year, which means an annual growth rate of 3.16 percent. With this growth rate, it is projected that the population can reach over 20 million by 2030.

Before looking at the flipside of a densely populated space, it is good to understand that sustainable growth brings forth significant opportunities for economic growth and development, infrastructure expansion and investment opportunities.

Taking over from Lagos in numbers, the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos is estimated at 14.8 million in 2026. It therefore means that, Kano is in dire need of good managers in running the affairs of the state.

Alas! With the current administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose foresight and creativity in the art of governance, prompted his intention of undusting Kano Master Plan, even before the release of World Population Review 2026 Report, which places Kano as the world’s 9th most populous city, we are indeed moving from density to perfection.

As quoted by the Weekend Trust of Saturday 8th August, 2026, on the Report, it clearly mentioned that, “The report warns, however, that such expansion comes with enormous challenges in overstreched infrastructure, housing shortages, environmental risks, and governance pressures that could overwhelm local authorities if not managed carefully.”

Let’s look at the figures before advancing my arguments on how Governor Yusuf is putting effort to address the burden aspect of this population growth.

Quoting the data document, the Report, Trust newspaper reveals that, “The data shows that Kano’s population in 1991 was 3,005,222. By 2026, the figure had climbed to 17,510,247, representing more than a five-fold increase in just 35 years.

The report notes that Kano grew by over 536,000 people in the last year alone, an annual growth rate of 3.16 percent. If this pace continues, the population is projected to surpass 20 million by 2030, cementing its place among the world’s megacities.”

Contrasting, or rather comparing, with our national agency in Kano’s place, Trust puts it this way, that, “Similarly, the National Population Commission (NPC) data shows that Kano has consistently ranked among Nigeria’s most densely populated states. In 1991, the official census recorded 5,810,470 residents.

By 2006, the figure had surged to 9,401,288, representing a growth rate of nearly 62 percent in just 15 years. Subsequent estimates by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and NPC placed the population in 13.4 million in 2016 and 15.46 million in 2022.

By early 2026, the NPC estimated 16,253,549 residents, with an annual growth rate of 3.27 percent.”

As indices to the upsurge of Kano’s population it is important, to first and foremost, understand that, the position isn’t accidental. It is indeed a fallout of many indices and factors. In the fertility angle, Nigeria remains one with the highest rate, with Northern Nigeria carrying the heavier weight and Kano in the frontline, among others.

There is consistent migration of people to Kano. Especially from North East and other states from North West, where insecurity takes a field day consistently. As observed that, “The city offers relative stability, economic opportunities, and cultural familiarity, making it a natural destination for displaced people. This influx has swelled Kano’s numbers dramatically in recent years.”

When Trust’s cover story of 8th August, 2026, with the caption.”How Kano emerged world’s 9th most populous city” examines that, “… Kano’s enduring role as a commercial hub continues to pull people in. Its sprawling markets, from Kurmi to Sabon Gari, remain centres of trade and industry.

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The city’s textile heritage, agro-processing ventures, and growing service sector provide livelihoods for millions. Expansion into surrounding local governments has created a vast metropolitan area, absorbing rural communities into the city’s orbit and blurring the line between urban and rural life,” I exclaimed that Governor Yusuf is by the side making positive reactions against all odds.

To react positively to these emerging challenges, he decided to undust Kano Master Plan of over 30 years. The first metropolitan 20- year development plan, Master Plan, was in place between 1963 to 1983. While the second, which stopped at an effort stage, was in 2017 during the reign of the then Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. But it failed and stopped at early stage.

Under the current administration, Governor Yusuf is putting forth Kano Master Plan 2025-2045, to squarely address all challenges embedded in the population upsurge. Hovering around economy, health, housing, education, businesses, environment and planning challenges.

Part of the effort in addressing housing challenges, the state government initiated Rural Model City Housing Project, covering 36 rural government areas. A pilot effort is already in place with N113.19 billion Mass Housing Project at Dawakin Kudu local government.

To decongest and make life easy and bearable within the state capital, there are 598 projects of the contract sum of N299.36 billion, spread across 8 metropolitan local government areas of Dala, Fagge, Gwale, Municipal, Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Tarauni and Ungogo. Included here are city expansion projects.

Responding to warning at all levels, global, national and local concerns, for each existing society on our planet, that unchecked population growth, especially at high speed, could erode the relative stability societies like Kano enjoy, which to a large extent, makes cities attractive to either migrants or businesses, Governor Yusuf, brings forth cross-cutting interventions.

These are in the areas of improved healthcare system, provision of employment opportunities, providing ease of doing business environment, fight against drug/substance abuse, aiding educational development for now and future challenges and sticking to a new Kano Master Plan- which is in the pipeline waiting for some finishing touches and implementation- among others.

So also in the area of infrastructural development, housing project is there, with modern-city project in place, construction and renovation of critical infrastructure, across board and roads construction. There is approximately N159.50 billion associated with some cross-cutting interventions like, solar-powered street-lighting projects, wireless solar traffic lights, traffic management and traffic-light systems, major road expansion projects, metropolitan road corridors, pedestrian bridges and inter-local government areas roads and bridges among others.

The fact that, “The city’s commerce strength is most visible in its market. The historic Kurmi market, established in the fifteenth century, remains an important trading centre. Kantin Kwari is widely recognized as one of the West Africa’s largest textile markets, while Dawanau is regarded as the largest grain market in sub-Saharan Africa. Sabon Gari market is another major commercial centre, offering a wide range of consumer goods,” His Excellency, the Governor is battling hard to see that insecurity finds no resting place in Kano.

Hence the establishment of Kano State Neighborhood Watch Corps for community – based security system to tackle banditry, thuggery, phone-snaching, drug abuse and provide the conventional security agencies with intelligence. With 2,000 personnel, 1,870 men and 130 women deployed across all the 44 LGAs. Equipped with 88 Hilux vehicles and 440 motorcycles.

The hope on how to cope with the rising population growth in Kano, is on the high side, so long as Governor Yusuf continues to be in power after 2027.

There are visible hands and effort aiding the Governor in coping with all challenges attached to the rising population. These are Commissioner for Public Procurement Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abdujjabbar Muhammad Umar, Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, Commissioner for Environment and Supervising Commissioner Water Resources, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim and Director General, Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr Dalhatu Sani, among few others.

The onerous task of fight against drug and substance abuse, apart from the federal government government agencies, like Police, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) etc, under the state control, is the newly established Kano State Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, under the Chairmanship of Barrister Muhiyi Magaji Rimingado.

On top of that, is His Excellency the Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, who has consistently been by the side of the Governor as a reliable co-traveller in running the state affairs and a very loyal Deputy, as widely acknowledged by the Governor in many occasions.

Anwar writes from Kano
Thursday, 20th August, 2026

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Opinion

From Grade Level 03 to Director: Binta Bala’s 35-Year Journey of Resilience, Service and Inclusion

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6 days ago

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August 18, 2026

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By Dr Binta Bala

Thirty-five years ago, Binta Bala walked into the Kano State Ministry of Education with little more than an SSCE certificate, determination and a dream of building a meaningful career.

She entered the civil service on 18 August 1991 as a Grade Level 03 Lab Attendant.

On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, exactly 35 years later, she closed that chapter of her life in a position that would have seemed distant at the beginning of her journey: a substantive Director on Grade Level 16, with a PhD, and with responsibility for the Department of Persons with Special Needs under the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs.

For Bala, the occasion was more than a retirement. It was a moment of reflection on a journey defined by perseverance, education, public service and an unyielding refusal to allow disability to determine the boundaries of her life.

“Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah,” she said as she reflected on the milestone.

Her story is particularly significant because she is a woman living with a physical disability and a survivor of polio. She walks with the support of a walking stick, but over the years, that walking stick became less a symbol of limitation than a reminder of how far she had travelled.

From a Humble Beginning

When Bala joined the civil service in 1991, she could not have known that her career would eventually take her to the highest professional levels of her service.

Her first position was modest: Lab Attendant, Grade Level 03.

But what she lacked in rank, she made up for in ambition and determination.

The years that followed brought professional advancement, further education, new responsibilities and challenges. Step by step, Bala continued to build her career, refusing to allow the barriers associated with disability to define her prospects.

“I resisted. I persevered. I kept moving forward,” she recalled.

Her progress eventually took her from the entry level of the civil service to Grade Level 16, culminating in her appointment as a pioneer Director responsible for Persons with Special Needs.

Along the way, she also attained a PhD, transforming a career that began with an SSCE certificate into one marked by academic achievement and professional leadership.

Disability Was Never the Destination

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Bala’s story is the way she confronted the expectations often imposed on people living with disabilities.

As a polio survivor with a physical disability, she experienced obstacles that could easily have discouraged her. But she chose to concentrate on what she could accomplish rather than what others might have considered impossible.

“My walking stick may have supported my steps, but faith, determination, courage, education, and resilience carried me much further,” she said.

That philosophy became central to her professional life.

Rather than viewing disability as a barrier to achievement, Bala turned her personal experience into a source of strength and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by persons with special needs.

Her eventual responsibility for the Department of Persons with Special Needs therefore carried a significance beyond the title of the office. It placed someone who had personally experienced the challenges of disability in a position to advocate for inclusion, accessibility and empowerment.

A Career Built Around Service

For Bala, the measure of a successful career was never simply the position attained.

She believes the real reward was the opportunity to serve people and contribute to improving their lives.

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“My greatest reward has never been the positions I attained, but the opportunity to serve humanity, promote inclusion, challenge barriers, and contribute to the lives of others,” she said.

During her years in public service, she interacted with children, women and persons with special needs whose experiences reinforced her belief that inclusion must go beyond policy statements.

It must be reflected in opportunities, access, dignity and meaningful participation in society.

She said the people whose lives she touched also taught her important lessons about resilience and courage.

“To every child, woman, and person with special needs whose life we have touched, thank you for teaching me resilience, courage, and the true meaning of service,” she said.

Gratitude to Those Who Walked With Her

As she marked the end of her formal civil service career, Bala did not view her achievement as a solitary accomplishment.

She acknowledged the role played by her family, colleagues, mentors, friends and well-wishers throughout the 35-year journey.

She particularly thanked her family for their sacrifices, prayers and unwavering support.

“Thank you for believing in my ability rather than focusing on my disability,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to colleagues and mentors who made her professional journey easier and more meaningful.

For a career spanning three and a half decades, such relationships were undoubtedly an important part of the story.

A Farewell Without Bitterness

Retirement also gave Bala an opportunity to look back at the difficult moments of her career with honesty and humility.

She acknowledged that, like anyone who has spent decades working with people, there may have been moments when disagreements occurred or people were hurt.

In a gesture of reconciliation, she apologised to anyone she may have offended, disappointed or wronged during her years of service, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

At the same time, she offered forgiveness to those who may have wronged or hurt her.

She said she wanted to leave the past “with a peaceful heart” and move into the next chapter with gratitude, forgiveness and goodwill.

It was perhaps one of the most striking elements of her farewell: after 35 years of navigating the challenges of a public career, she chose not to leave with bitterness, but with peace.

Retirement Is Not the End

Although Bala has retired from active public service, she made it clear that retirement would not mean withdrawing from the cause that has defined much of her professional life.

She pledged to continue supporting Kano State and advocating for the rights, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

“Kano will always have my support and goodwill,” she said.

Her message was particularly directed at persons with disabilities who may have been made to feel that their circumstances determine their future.

“Do not give up. Believe in yourself. Keep moving. Your limitation does not have to be the limit of your destiny,” she said.

It is a message rooted not in theory, but in personal experience.

Bala’s own career provides the evidence.

She began as a Grade Level 03 Lab Attendant with an SSCE certificate. Thirty-five years later, she retired as a Grade Level 16 Director with a PhD, having led a department dedicated to the very community whose struggles she understood so deeply.

Passing the Baton

As she stepped away from active government service, Bala described the moment as the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.

But she also recognised that the work of inclusion cannot rest on one individual.

“My door remains open. The work of safeguarding and empowering PWDs must continue. I hand the baton to you all,” she said.

That statement perhaps best captures the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Her story is not simply about career progression from Grade Level 03 to Grade Level 16. It is about what can happen when education, faith, resilience and determination meet opportunity.

It is about a woman who entered public service at the lowest levels and rose through the ranks without allowing disability to become the final word on her potential.

And it is about a career that ultimately came full circle: a polio survivor who once had to navigate the world with a walking stick eventually became a senior public servant responsible for advancing the interests of people living with special needs.

After 35 years, Bala leaves active public service with gratitude rather than regret, forgiveness rather than resentment, and a renewed commitment to the cause of inclusion.

Her final words capture the spirit of the journey:

“35 years of service. One remarkable journey. A lifetime of gratitude. Alhamdulillah.”

And with that, Binta Bala closes one chapter — but not the story.

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