Kaduna State has charged newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen to see their positions as platforms of service and legacy-building rather than privilege, stressing that effective grassroots governance requires capacity, collaboration, and discipline.
This call was made at the opening of a workshop themed “Legal Framework on Local Government Governance for Council Chairmen in Kaduna State,” organized by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM).
Welcoming participants, KADSIECOM Chairman, Hajara Mohammed, said the training was aimed at equipping council chairmen with legal and administrative knowledge critical to driving development at the grassroots.
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“Local governments are the closest tiers of government to the people, and in modern usage, local government is equated with grassroots democracy,” she said.
“Effective Local Government is a cornerstone of development, peace, and service delivery. The success of this responsibility rests to a large extent on the capacity, legal knowledge, and administrative discipline of our elected council chairmen.”
She emphasized that the workshop was not just another routine exercise, but an investment in accountable leadership.
“This is not just about knowledge acquisition, but about strengthening your capacity as leaders to build inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance at the local level,” Mohammed explained.
In his keynote remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu Mayere, challenged council chairmen to focus on leaving enduring legacies.
He warned that governance should not be viewed as a personal privilege but as a responsibility to serve the people and build stronger institutions.
“Governance is not only a privilege; it is a responsibility to serve, empower, and uplift citizens. Every decision, project, and interaction shapes public trust,” he declared. “Pause and reflect: Will the decisions I make today shape stronger institutions for tomorrow? In six years after I leave office, what will I be remembered for? Do I want to leave a legacy? Do I want to live in peace after serving my tenure?”
Mayere underscored the importance of partnerships, urging council leaders to build collaborations with state institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders. “Modern governance requires collaboration with state institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Partnerships allow resource sharing, technical support, and joint problem solving,” he said.
He pointed to successful collaborations between councils and NGOs in improving immunization coverage, literacy programs, and agricultural extension services as proof that partnerships could amplify local impact.
The SSG also called for alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describing local ownership as essential to achieving global development targets. “Achieving the SDGs for which we are off track will be difficult without local ownership and collaboration between Local Governments and National and State Government,” he cautioned.