Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment was officially announced over the weekend in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature.
According to the statement, Ibrahim’s appointment will take effect from Monday, February 10, 2025. His selection is seen as a strategic move aimed at strengthening Kano State’s administrative framework and advancing the governor’s development agenda.
Experienced Leadership for Kano’s Growth
Governor Yusuf emphasized that Ibrahim’s extensive experience and expertise would play a pivotal role in driving the state’s policies and initiatives.
“Umar Farouk Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.”
Ibrahim brings over 30 years of public service experience to his new role. His distinguished career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, includes holding key leadership positions that significantly contributed to governance and administrative reforms in Kano State.
A Legacy of Service and Expertise
From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. In this capacity, he played a critical role in analyzing policy options, advising on viable alternatives, and ensuring the successful implementation of government initiatives across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Following this, he served as the Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate from June 2015 to March 2016. During this period, his leadership and administrative acumen were instrumental in streamlining government operations. Notably, he was appointed as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, reflecting the high level of trust placed in him by the state leadership.
Contributions to Governance and Policy Reforms
Beyond his formal roles, Ibrahim played key roles in various high-profile committees, including:
- Secretary, Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015) – Spearheading power-related initiatives for state development.
- Secretary, Committee on Identification and Sale of Government Property (2012) – Overseeing asset management and sales.
- Secretary, State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004) – Enhancing financial transparency and accountability.
His contributions to community development and educational reforms date back to the 1990s, when he served as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum (1998) and Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education (1994).
Academic and Professional Credentials
Ibrahim holds a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (1985) and has obtained multiple professional certifications that have further enhanced his qualifications and leadership expertise.
Strategic Appointment for Kano’s Future
As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG. His appointment aligns with Governor Yusuf’s vision to build a robust administrative system capable of implementing effective policies for the progress of Kano State.
The appointment of Ibrahim follows the removal of the former SSG, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, in December 2024 due to health reasons.
With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Ibrahim’s leadership is anticipated to drive Kano State’s governance and development to new heights.