Despite Kano State maintaining its position as the leading state in Nigeria in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the Chairman of the Kano State Taskforce on mobilization of voters Registration, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has unveiled 12 subcommittees structure aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation to ensure increased citizens’ participation in democratic governance through voter registration which is ongoing across the country
The strategic move, according to Waiya, is designed to consolidate the gains already recorded in the registration exercise while expanding outreach to critical segments of the society ahead of future elections
The newly constituted subcommittees comprise eminent personalities drawn from government, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, labour unions, religious bodies, the media, and other key stakeholders
Leading the Local Government Engagement Subcommittee is the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Tajo Othman, while the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu, heads the Data Analysis and ICT Subcommittee.
Women mobilisation efforts will be coordinated by Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, while the Managing Director of Radio Kano, Abubakar Adamu Rano, will chair the Publicity Subcommittee.
The engagement of traditional institutions has been entrusted to the District Head of Rimin Gado, Dan Malikin Kano, Comrade Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, while the Secretary of the Council of Ulama, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar Tofa, will coordinate outreach to religious leaders and organizations
Others include: the Business Community Engagement Subcommittee chaired by Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi Sarki; Director General, Kano State Chamber of Commerce, Transport Associations Engagement is chaired by Special Adviser on Policy, Hon. Mohammed Danyaro Yakasai; and Students Engagement subcommiittee is chaired by the Special Adviser on Student Matters, Alhaji Yusuf Jibrin Oyoyo
The Civil Society Organisations, political parties and Persons with Special Needs Subcommittee will be led by Comrade Mustapha Mohammad Ciroma, while the Senior Special Assistant on Fulbe Affairs, Rukkayya Umar G/Kaya, heads the Fulbe Engagement Subcommittee. The Organised Labour Engagement Subcommittee will be chaired by Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.
Speaking during the inauguration, Comrade Waiya explained that the composition of the subcommittees was guided by merit, competence, and areas of specialization to ensure maximum impact across all sectors of society.
He noted that the mandate of the taskforce extends beyond voter registration to include sustained mobilisation for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and encouraging citizens to actively participate in elections by voting for credible and competent leaders.
“Our assignment is not limited to registering eligible voters. We are equally committed to ensuring that registered voters collect their PVCs and participate actively in the democratic process
Democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their civic responsibility,” Waiya stated.
He expressed optimism that the broad based stakeholder engagement strategy would further strengthen Kano State’s impressive performance in the ongoing CVR exercise and contribute significantly to deepening democratic participation
The taskforce chairman also commended the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing the necessary logistical support and enabling environment for the successful implementation of the mobilisation campaign.
Comrade Waiya said the creation of the specialised subcommittees reflects a deliberate effort to take voter education and mobilisation to the grassroots, ensuring that no segment of the society is left behind in the drive to enhance democratic participation in Kano State.