The Kano State Forum, comprising members of the State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2024, has expressed strong support for the appointment of former Speaker Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as a ministerial nominee by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Forum believes Ata’s nomination reflects the government’s commitment to grassroots representation and the upliftment of the less privileged. Speaking on behalf of the group, Pharm Dahiru Magaji Zarewa praised the President for his timely choice, emphasizing that Ata’s appointment brings long-overdue representation for grassroots politicians.
According to Zarewa, “Ata’s selection is a strategic move to realign political representation, ensuring balanced voices from all regions within the state. Ata has remained a dedicated grassroots politician, always within his community—even during his tenure as Speaker, he lived in Fagge among his constituents rather than the legislative quarters.”
On behalf of the forum, Zarewa thanked President Tinubu, the National Party Chairman, the Deputy Senate President, and the State Party Chairman for this nomination. He added that Ata’s deep-rooted experience in grassroots politics is bound to yield positive results for the administration.
Born on June 22, 1962, in Fagge Quarters of Kano City, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata attended Fagge Primary School from 1968 to 1975 and went on to Aminu Kano Community Commercial College from 1975 to 1980. He graduated with a BSc in Economics from Bayero University, Kano, in 1984, completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Sokoto State in 1985, and earned a Master’s in Development Studies from Bayero University in 2001.
Ata began his career in civil service as a classroom teacher in 1992 and later joined the Ministry of Education as a Business Education Inspector in 1994. By 1997, he was serving as Principal Planning Officer at the Kano State Housing Corporation. Following his retirement, Ata entered politics, where he was elected as a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Fagge Constituency. Over the years, he chaired several key House Committees, including Appropriations and Finance, served as Majority Leader, and was eventually appointed Speaker of the House in 2015.
Zarewa concluded, “With his extensive background and deep connection to the masses, as well as to religious and traditional leaders, Ata is well-positioned to strengthen the government’s achievements and deliver meaningful results.”
