By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The announcement was made on Saturday in a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. Ibrahim’s appointment will take effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.
The statement highlighted Ibrahim’s extensive experience and expertise in public service, which are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and ensuring Kano State stays on track with its strategic goals.
Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over 30 years of distinguished public service to his new role. His career, spanning from 1987 to 2023, includes key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.
Between March 2001 and 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 role, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on strategic decisions, and overseeing policy implementation across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
From June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate, demonstrating strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he acted as Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, reflecting the trust placed in him by state leadership.
Ibrahim has also served as secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (2012), and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004). Earlier in his career, he played key roles in community and educational reforms, such as serving as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.
Ibrahim holds a B.Sc. in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, obtained in 1985, along with several professional certifications that have enriched his qualifications.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s appointment, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the government. He emphasized that Ibrahim’s wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence would be pivotal in executing the administration’s policies and programs.
The appointment is widely seen as a step towards ensuring effective governance and sustained development in Kano State.
