Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has sworn in his former Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Balarabe Saidu Gani, as commissioners. The swearing in ceremony was held at the Government House, Kano, on Friday night.

The two commissioners were sworn in by the state Attorney General, Abdulkareem Maude, who administered the oaths of office at a ceremony held at Africa House, Government House, Kano. The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, political advisers, family members, friends and other well wishers.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Bature was appointed Commissioner for Information, while Gani will oversee the Ministry of Solid Minerals. The appointments followed their screening and confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly earlier in the week.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf urged the new commissioners to discharge their duties with dedication, humility, transparency and accountability in line with his administration Kano First Agenda. He charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them, remain loyal and deliver on the administration agenda of transparency and grassroots development.

He specifically tasked the new Information Commissioner with strengthening the state communication strategy through effective engagement and collaboration with journalists, social media practitioners and political commentators, particularly those participating in radio programmes.

He stressed the need for sustained engagement with media stakeholders to promote public understanding of government policies, programmes and achievements.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inaugurate the two new members of the State Executive Council, while assuring the people of Kano of his commitment to good governance. He said the appointments were expected to strengthen the administration information management and solid minerals sectors, a critical area for Kano economic diversification.

The governor had earlier congratulated Bature and Gani following their successful screening by the State House of Assembly. He described the screening as an important milestone and a recognition of Bature over 22 years of professional experience, commitment to public service and contributions to information management and government communication, and expressed confidence that their wealth of experience would contribute positively to the development of the state.