By Musa Abdullahi Sufi
In a defining moment for inclusive governance and sustainable peacebuilding in Kano State, His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the establishment of the Kano Elders Council, a non-partisan advisory body designed to harness the collective wisdom, experience and moral authority of respected statesmen, elders, and distinguished sons and daughters of the state.
The Governor’s decision reflects a deep appreciation of Kano’s rich socio-cultural heritage, where elders have historically played a central role in guiding society through periods of transition, uncertainty and growth. By formally institutionalising this tradition, the administration is strengthening governance through dialogue, consensus and foresight.
According to Governor Yusuf, the Kano Elders Council will be deliberately positioned above partisan politics, with a clear mandate that is advisory rather than executive. Its purpose is not to govern, but to guide; not to compete with democratic institutions, but to complement them; not to inflame tensions, but to reconcile differences and promote harmony.
The Council is expected to draw from deep reservoirs of experience and integrity to offer guidance on critical issues of peace, unity, stability and sustainable development. In moments of tension, it will provide calming wisdom; in times of uncertainty, it will offer clarity and perspective.
Ultimately, it is envisioned as a stabilising moral compass, one that helps Kano navigate present challenges while safeguarding its future.
This bold step represents a conscious choice to prioritise dialogue over discord, wisdom over impulse, and continuity over conflict. It underscores the administration’s belief that sustainable development is inseparable from social cohesion and mutual respect among citizens.
Governor Yusuf emphasised that the creation of the Kano Elders Council is part of a broader governing philosophy anchored on unity, stability and purpose. By giving elders and eminent personalities a formal platform to advise and mediate, the government is reinforcing trust, promoting inclusiveness and laying a durable foundation for peace-driven development.
As Kano continues its journey toward progress, the Kano Elders Council stands as a timely and strategic intervention; one that recognises that the strength of a society lies not only in its institutions, but also in the wisdom of those who have walked the path before.