Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has sworn in three new commissioners and eight permanent secretaries, urging them to view their appointments not as rewards but as solemn responsibilities to serve the people of the state with honesty, transparency, and dedication.
Those sworn in as commissioners are Yusuf Jibia, Aisha Malumfashi, and Sirajo Abukur, while the new permanent secretaries include Yusuf Ahmed (Katsina LGA), Aminu Ibrahim (Katsina LGA), Aishatu Abdullahi (Dutsinma LGA), Dasuki Ibrahim Abubakar (Malumfashi LGA), Lawal Abashe (Matazu LGA), Ado Yahaya (Sabuwa LGA), Sani Rabi’u Jibia (Jibia LGA), and Nasiru Ladan (Kaita LGA).
Speaking during the ceremony held on Thursday at the Council Chamber of the Katsina Government House, Governor Radda explained that the event coincided with a mid-term review of his administration’s performance after two and a half years in office. He said the exercise was intended to strengthen the civil service and enhance its responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
The event was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and families of the appointees.
Describing the occasion as a “renewal of commitment to good governance, accountability, and effective service delivery,” Radda said:
“This government has now been in office for nearly two and a half years. It is, therefore, time to reassess our progress and reposition key personnel to strengthen the system.”
The governor praised the new commissioners for their competence, integrity, and public service record.
He described Yusuf Jibia as “the oldest politician in the cabinet,” commending his decades of leadership experience as a local government chairman, head of agency, commissioner, and chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
“He has been everywhere and done everything. We will continue to benefit from his vast experience and deep understanding of governance,” Radda said.
The governor also hailed Aisha Aminu as a shining example of women’s contribution to governance and entrepreneurship in Katsina State, recalling her dedication during his election campaign and her impactful tenure as the pioneer Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA).
“Because of her performance — and my desire to bring more women into government — I decided to appoint her as commissioner so we can continue to benefit from her innovation and commitment to youth and women empowerment,” he stated.
Radda further commended Sirajo Abukur, describing him as a long-time associate and symbol of youthful energy in governance. He noted Abukur’s remarkable leadership as head of KASROMA, which improved road construction and maintenance across the state’s 34 local governments.
“We must bring more young people into government to harness their energy, creativity, and drive for development,” the governor stressed.
He added that Abukur’s appointment also reflects fairness and inclusion, as Rimi Local Government Area had not produced a commissioner since the return of democracy.
Turning to the newly appointed permanent secretaries, Radda said their selection forms part of his administration’s effort to professionalise the state civil service. He charged them to uphold discipline, efficiency, and professionalism in driving policy implementation.
“You represent competence and commitment. We expect you to be the driving force behind efficient service delivery in the public sector,” he concluded.
