Uba Sani strengthens cabinet with 3 commissioners,19 SAs

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani has expanded the Kaduna State Executive Council by swearing in three new commissioners and 19 special advisers in a bid to inject fresh vigor into his administration and accelerate governance.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted on the governor’s behalf by Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe at the Council Chamber of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. Addressing the new officials, Dr. Balarabe stated that the appointments aim to fast-track the delivery of the administration’s SUSTAIN Agenda.

She noted that all appointees took the constitutional oath of allegiance and oath of office, binding them to serve the state faithfully, preserve confidentiality, and act without fear or favor.

The three new commissioners sworn in after their screening and confirmation by the Kaduna State House of Assembly are Benjamin Dalhatu Solomon Kure (Sports Development), Amina Akilu Dalhatu (Special Duties I), and Abdullahi Garba Abbas (Special Duties II).

Responding on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Benjamin Kure expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their collective commitment to advancing the administration’s developmental goals.

Dr. Balarabe emphasized that the appointments represent a call to public service that demands humility, integrity, courage, and dedication.

She explained that the cabinet expansion was necessary because while elections follow a specific calendar, the everyday needs of the citizens require immediate and continuous attention.

The deputy governor highlighted key progress recorded by the administration since May 2023, including the reconciliation of conflict-divided communities under the Kaduna Peace Model, the reopening of farmlands and markets, the reopening of over 500 schools previously closed due to insecurity, the return of more than 300,000 out-of-school children to classrooms in 2025, the upgrade of 255 primary healthcare centers to Level 2 status, and the execution of 160 road projects covering 1,335 kilometers across all 23 local government areas.

Charging the new team to work collaboratively across ministries, Dr. Balarabe urged them to innovate, uphold accountability, remain loyal to the Constitution, and serve as effective bridges between the government and the grassroots.

She also requested patience and understanding from the appointees’ families, acknowledging the sacrifices required by public service while encouraging the officials to maintain a healthy balance between their official duties and family lives.

The 19 newly inaugurated special advisers include: Dr. Halliru Musa Soba — Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Balarabe Muhammad Bello — Counselor on Infrastructure, Hamza Ibrahim — Counselor on Primary Health Care Matters, Abubakar Muhammad Mamadi — Counselor on Political Matters, Abdulrahaman Ibrahim Jere — Counselor on Citizenship and Leadershi, Bashir Aliyu Idris — Special Adviser on Agricultural Development, Yusuf Mu’utasim Billah — Special Adviser on Debt Management, Yusuf Salihu — Special Adviser on Urban Planning and Development, Danlami Adamu — Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Yahaya Baba Pate — Special Adviser on Special Duties, Yusuf Garba Usman — Special Adviser on Vigilante and Local Security Coordination, Audu Maikori — Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs,Shuaibu Kabir Bello — Special Adviser on Student Affairs, Benjamin Jonah Jock — Special Adviser on Project Quality Assurance, Abdulrauf Aliyu — Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Murjanatu Suleiman — Special Adviser on Vocational Training and Skills Development, Aliyu Abdullahi — Special Adviser on Project Management, Implementation, and Results Delivery, Maureen Ikokwu-Okogwu — Special Adviser on Foreign and Diaspora Relations, Mukhtar Isah Hazo — Special Adviser on State Assembly and Political Liaison, and Ismail Aliyu Makarfi — Special Adviser on Human Capital Development.