From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, emphasized that genuine democracy relies on the competence, legitimacy, and integrity of governance at the grassroots level.
Dr. Balarabe stated that sustainable development is unattainable without strong, capable, and trusted local governments.
She made these remarks in a keynote address at the 1st International Conference of the Department of Public Administration at Kaduna State University on Thursday.
The theme of the conference, “Rethinking Local Government Administration: Policy Reforms, Institutional Capacity, and Public Financial Management for Sustainable Development,” aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
Dr. Balarabe highlighted that under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State has undertaken ambitious governance reform efforts since he assumed office.
“Our commitment has always been to build a public service that is responsive, service-oriented, people-centered, and future-ready,” she said. “We understand that such a vision cannot be realized unless our local governments are empowered, well-structured, well-resourced, transparent, and effective.”
She continued, “From public financial management to digital ecosystems, from fiscal transparency to human capital investment, and from strengthening local governance systems to fostering accountability, our state has consistently demonstrated that reform is not only possible, it is necessary.”
