In a strategic move to revitalize the Kaduna State Civil Service and enhance the efficiency of his administration, Governor Uba Sani has announced key appointments. These appointments aim to inject fresh energy into the system and improve service delivery across the state. The newly appointed officials include Jummai Bako as the Head of Service, Ibrahim Balarabe as the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, and retired Commissioner of Police Ali D. Audu as the Commander of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS).

Governor Sani congratulated the appointees, urging them to approach their new roles with renewed vigor, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of humility, fairness, and integrity. He expressed confidence in their ability to leverage their extensive experience and knowledge to fulfill their institutional mandates, wishing them divine guidance in their new assignments.

Profiles of the New Appointees

Jummai Bako – Head of Service

Jummai Bako steps into the role of Head of Service, succeeding Habiba Anana Shekarau. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary (Establishment, Management & Training) in the Office of the Head of Service. With a strong background in economics, she is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria. Her previous roles include Director of Budget and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry, Planning and Budget Commission. Bako's experience extends to academia, having lectured at Bauchi State Polytechnic, and she has also served as a Senior Planning Officer at the Local Government Service Commission in Kaduna State. She actively participates in various committees, including the Government-Citizens Engagement Committee under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the Kaduna State Steering Committee (SSC) on Social Investments, and the Board of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA). Academically, Jummai Bako holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Kaduna State University, a Bachelor’s of Science (Economics) from Bayero University, Kano, and a Diploma in Computer Operation from Kaduna Community Resource Centre.

Ibrahim Balarabe – Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Pension Bureau

Ibrahim Balarabe takes over from Prof. Salamatu Idris Isah as the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau. He brings a wealth of experience from the Nigerian financial sector, marked by discipline and commitment. Balarabe retired in May 2023 from Access Pensions Limited as Executive Director (North), after seven years on the Board. His extensive 31-year career includes 18 years in the Contributory Pension Scheme (Sigma & Access Pensions), 11 years in Banking (First Bank of Nigeria, International Trust & Magnum Trust Bank), and two years in public service with the National Directorate of Employment. A pioneer member of the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2005, he significantly contributed to establishing the Business Development Department in both Sigma Pensions and Access Pensions. By the time of his departure, Access Pensions managed assets worth over N980 billion, with over one million registered members. Ibrahim Balarabe holds degrees in Agriculture and Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management.

CP Ali D. Audu (RTD.) – Commander, Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS)

Ali D. Audu, a retired Commissioner of Police, has been appointed as the new Commander of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS), succeeding Brigadier General Umar Ibrahim (Rtd.). Known for his strategic and tactical skills, Audu previously served as Commissioner of Police in the Kaduna State Command and held key positions such as Commissioner of Police, Border Patrol, and Commandant, Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills. His expertise includes professional policing, tactical training, administration, and operations. He has attended professional courses on strategic training command, advanced human rights observance, civil-military cooperation, and tactical leadership.

Senator Shehu Sani's Counsel on Political Appointments

In related news, Senator Shehu Sani has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against the pitfalls of favoritism in political appointments. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sani highlighted the common practice among African leaders of filling key positions with individuals from their own ethnic group. He urged President Tinubu to avoid this pattern, emphasizing the importance of seeing positions of power as opportunities to serve all, rather than a means to favor one's own ethnic group. Sani also addressed the selective criticism from opposition politicians, pointing out their hypocrisy in remaining silent when similar practices benefited their own ethnic groups.

These strategic appointments in Kaduna State, coupled with Senator Sani's counsel, underscore the ongoing efforts to promote effective governance, inclusivity, and public service integrity in Nigeria.