REMARKS DELIVERED BY HER EXCELLENCY, DR. HADIZA SABUWA BALARABE, ACTING GOVERNOR, AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OFÂ NEW POLITICAL APPOINTEES, HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE, 2022.
PROTOCOLS
It is an honor to have presided again, over the swearing-in of our new appointees: the Commissioner of Local Government Affairs, Special Adviser-Political Matters, Agency Heads, and the Administrator, Birnin Gwari Local Government Council.
This swearing-in is significant: first, since the merger of the Christian and Muslim Pilgrims’ Boards under a new law in the state, the first Executive Secretary of the new Pilgrims’ Board has just been sworn-in today. The reorganization of the erstwhile pilgrims’ boards into a single entity is intended to invigorate performance of government in pilgrimage matters irrespective of religion.
Secondly, another woman (Umma K. Ahmed) is being added to the Kaduna State Executive Council. The last member of the Kaduna State Executive Council appointed was also a woman, the Commissioner, Planning and Budget Commission, Hajiya Umma Yusuf Aboki. I also had the honor then, of presiding over her swearing in on the 20th of April, 2022. Interestingly, this is the first time that a woman will be presiding over affairs at the Ministry of Local Government Affairs as its Commissioner in the history of this state. Before today, it has always been the special preserve of men.
Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, I must quickly add here that only Malam Nasir El-Rufai can easily dislodge traditionally held positions. He has done that with so many issues since he became the governor of Kaduna State.  Any wonder that women who had previously had it so bad in appointments in the state are now enjoying much better fortunes? As of now, Kaduna State is the best ‘destination’ to be a woman in Nigeria!
Today, I am not talking of the many supports that women enjoy in economic and social advancements in the state. No!! Today, permit me to narrow the el-Rufai support to political appointments. Out of 17 commissioners, nine are women representing about 53% of appointed Commissioners in the State. This is undoubtedly the best in Nigeria and any sub-national in Africa. I am convinced that for the state of women in the world to improve, we only need visionary leadership as being provided by Nasir El-Rufai for the difference to be noticed. On behalf of the women of Kaduna state,
I extent special appreciations to HE, Malam Nasir El-Rufai for the trust he has demonstrated for the women of Kaduna state. I challenge all women in government to keep the trust and not let him down. Our performances must continue to be above board. It is only then that we can keep the doors open for more women to come in not only in Kaduna state but in the other states of Nigeria.
Many of the appointees who just took the oath of office are already aware of the way this government works having held offices in the past. I enjoin you to continue to contribute to the development of our State. Let me remind you here that it is your previous performances that earned you this recognition. This is the 11th hour, a lot needs to be covered, the time for sleep and rest is minimal. We will continue to use the monitoring system in place to keep you on your toes.
With these remarks, I wish to congratulate you again, on behalf of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the pace-setting governor, for your well-deserved appointments. I wish you all successes in your various assignments.
Thank you and God bless you with His grace, wisdom and excellent health to take on the responsibilities of the office.
