By Musa Sufi, Kano Nigeria.
In a significant move to bolster innovation and sustainable development in Kano State, Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, the Founder and Visionary Director of Sustainable Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES), met with the Honorable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
This high-level engagement, held at the commissioner’s office, centered on innovative governance, strategic leadership, and positioning Kano as a model for regional, national, and global development.
The warm reception from the Honorable Commissioner, his dedicated staff, and the media team set the stage for a productive exchange of ideas. During the meeting, Dr. Sufi delivered a presentation titled “Innovative Governance in Information and Internal Affairs: Global Practices and Strategic Approaches”, emphasizing how Kano State can harness international best practices to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) alongside Agenda 2063 into its long-term development agenda.
Commitment to Innovation and Strategic Leadership
Honorable Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving sustainable progress.
“Innovation and collaboration are key to transforming Kano State into a model of excellence. We are committed to adopting global best practices and working with stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and improve the lives of our people,” he stated.
The discussions further explored the critical role of leadership capacity building, fostering a culture of innovation, and aligning state development initiatives with international frameworks such as the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Dr. Sufi highlighted the need for visionary leadership coupled with practical action in governance.
Dr Sufi remarked that “Leadership is not just about vision; it’s about action. By integrating global practices with local solutions, we can create a roadmap for Kano State that ensures inclusive growth, sustainable development, and a brighter future for all”.
A Brief but Impactful Engagement
Despite its brief duration of just 10 minutes, the meeting was highly focused and impactful. Honorable Waiya’s keen interest, active engagement, and commitment to progress left a lasting impression, reinforcing the belief that Kano State is on the right trajectory towards innovation-driven governance.
Alignment with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Vision
This initiative aligns seamlessly with the administration of Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has been recognized for his dedication to education and sustainable development. Under his leadership, the state declared a state of emergency on education, allocating 31% of the over N570 billion budget to the sector, amounting to N165.4 billion. This substantial investment aims to provide access to education for all children in Kano, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.
The governor’s commitment to human capital development has positioned Kano as a benchmark for progress and innovation in Nigeria.
Charting the Path Forward
The smart advocacy dialogue laid a strong foundation for future collaborations aimed at transforming Kano into a hub of innovation and sustainable development. With dedicated leaders like Comrade Waiya at the helm, supported by professionals and strategic partners, the state is poised to achieve remarkable progress.
The meeting served as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and forward-thinking governance, reaffirming the potential of Kano State to emerge as a leader in sustainable development and innovation.
End.