Breaking: Governor Yusuf Shakes Up Cabinet With Appointment Of New SSG

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has named Umar Farouk Ibrahim, a former Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The announcement was made in a statement released on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirming that Ibrahim’s appointment will take effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

The statement highlighted that Ibrahim was chosen due to his vast experience and expertise, which are expected to be pivotal in driving the administration’s development agenda and ensuring the state stays aligned with its strategic goals.

Governor Yusuf expressed strong confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to contribute significantly to the realization of his administration’s vision for Kano State. He underscored the importance of experienced leadership in guiding the state toward sustainable development and progress.

This appointment follows the dismissal of Abdullahi Baffa Bichi from the Governor’s cabinet, alongside the Chief of Staff and five commissioners, several months ago.

The statement further detailed Ibrahim’s impressive public service career, noting, “Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over 30 years of distinguished service to his new role.”

Ibrahim’s career in the civil service, from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by significant leadership positions that have shaped Kano State’s governance and administrative frameworks. Between March 2001 and May 2015, he served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs, where he played a critical role in policy analysis, advising the government on strategic alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Earlier in his career, Ibrahim held key roles in community and educational reforms, including serving as Secretary of the Inter-Community and Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and as a member of 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, earned in 1985, along with multiple professional certifications that have further enriched his qualifications.

The statement concluded, “As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.”