Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of new Special Advisers and the reassignment of several serving advisers as part of a strategic restructuring aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing service delivery across Kano State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.

As part of the exercise, Governor Yusuf approved the scrapping of the offices of Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs and Special Adviser on Liaison Offices (Abuja), with affected officials reassigned to other responsibilities.

By this announcement, Habiba Mustapha Barwa, who previously served as Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs at the Government House, has been reassigned as Special Adviser, Special Duties (Women), while Hon. Umar Uba Akawu, former Special Adviser on Liaison Offices, has been redeployed as Special Adviser, Cabinet Office (Political).

Also reassigned are Akibu Isa Murtala, former Special Adviser (Administration), Governor’s Office, now Special Adviser, Human Resource; Ibrahim Adam, former Special Adviser on Information, now Special Adviser on Social Media; and Nasiru Isa Dikko, former Special Adviser on NGOs, now Special Adviser on Empowerment.

The governor also approved the appointment of Bello Nuhu Bello as Special Adviser, Administration, Governor’s Office; Bello was SSA Administration to the Governor.

Hon. Ahmed Muhammad Aruwa who is the immediate past State Publicity Secretary of the APC is appointed as Special Adviser on Publicity, Hon. Buhari Sule Kura as Special Adviser, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); and Hon. Yahuza Ado Yankaba as Special Adviser on Motor Parks who was promoted from SSA on the same area.

Other newly appointed Special Advisers are Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Musa, Hon. Ibrahim Hamisu Rimi, Mustapha Abdullahi Rabiu Kura, Engr. Bashir Abdullahi Kutama, Hon. Naziru Abdullahi Karaye and Hon. Tahir Ado Rabiu.

Governor Yusuf said the restructuring is designed to optimize administrative efficiency and align government institutions with the priorities of his administration.

He congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through commitment, loyalty and dedication to service.

The governor further reminded them that public office is a trust that must be deployed for the advancement of Kano State and the wellbeing of its citizens.

Those appointees whose portfolios are scrapped by this statement shall report to the Secretary to the State Government for further briefing while the portfolios of other new appointees will be announced on arrival of His Excellency back to the country.

This morning, the Secretary of the Gombe State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’ad Hassan Sardauna Yamaltu, who is also the Sarkin Yakin Zambuk, paid a sympathy visit to the people of Zambuk following the recent windstorm disaster that affected the community.

The Sarkin Yakin Zambuk was accompanied by a strong delegation that included Prof. Safiyanu Ishaku (Masoron Yamaltu), Hon. Habu Ali Soja (Dan Rimin Yamaltu), Hon. Muhammad Jauro, and other associates. During the visit, they expressed their condolences and solidarity with the affected residents.

Speaking during the visit, Sardauna Yamaltu said:
“I was deeply saddened when I received the news of this disaster. I have come to sympathize with the affected people and the entire people of zambuk and to support them.

Therefore, I am donating the sum of ₦1 million to assist those who were affected by this unfortunate incident.”

He also called on relevant authorities to urgently provide relief and support to the victims, considering the current economic challenges and the fact that the rainy season has just begun.

In separate remarks, the Secretary of the Zambuk Development Association Zapa, community leaders, affected residents, whose properties were damaged expressed their gratitude to the Sarkin Yakin Zambuk for his generous support.

They prayed for Allah’s continued protection, good health, and prosperity for him.

In his address, the District Head of Zambuk, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, commended and praised Alhaji Sa’ad Hassan for the humanitarian gesture. He also advised that a proper verification process should be put in place to identify the genuine victims of the disaster and ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it.

The District Head further commended the efforts of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba (Zannan Yamaltu), the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Luggerewo, the Chairman of the House Committee on Relief and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Gebriel Galadima, the Member representing Yamaltu West State Constituency, Hon. Musa Manaja Zambuk, and Hon. Kabiru Muhammad Kuri for their assessment visit to the affected area yesterday.

He concluded by expressing hope that the government would provide urgent assistance to the victims and help them recover from the disaster as quickly as possible.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

He said the annual observance of June 12 remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, paying tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the entrenchment of democratic governance in the country.

“June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He noted that the administration remains dedicated to protecting and strengthening democratic institutions in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would continue to strengthen internal security measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.

He stressed that a secure and peaceful environment is critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

Calling on Nigerians to use the occasion for reflection, Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to recommit themselves to national unity, civic responsibility and respect for the law.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

He further encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey and contribute positively to efforts aimed at deepening democratic governance and fostering national cohesion.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.