Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has approved the creation of seven new districts and the appointment of district and village heads across parts of the Zuru Emirate to strengthen traditional institutions and improve grassroots administration.

The approval was announced in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar Dutsinmari, and made public in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

The new districts are Peni, Mahuta, Bangu, Gele, Chonoko and Ummu, while Chonoko Village in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area was also upgraded to district status.

According to the statement, Peni District was carved out of the existing Bajida District in Fakai Local Government Area, with its headquarters at Yoko. Alhaji Ayuba Bende was appointed as its district head.

Mahuta and Bangu Districts were created from the existing Marafa District in Fakai LGA, with Alhaji Farke Anama and Alhaji Abubakar Wamale appointed as their respective district heads. Gele District was also created from the existing Bajida/Birnin Tudu District in Fakai LGA, with its headquarters at Boko and Alhaji Ahmad D. Gele appointed as district head.

In Danko-Wasagu LGA, Chonoko Village was upgraded to district status under the existing Waje District, with Bamaiyi Bawada Chonoko appointed as the new district head.

The governor also approved the creation of Ummu District from the existing Rafin Zuru District in Zuru LGA, comprising eight village areas, including Bedi, Drogo, Ummu and Sabon Garin Ummu, with new village heads appointed to administer the communities.

Dutsinmari said the approvals were made in accordance with the Kebbi State Local Government Law, 2008, particularly Section 10(A) and (B), which provides for the creation of districts and appointment of district heads.