Says Every LGA Deserves Opportunity to Produce Top Civil Servants
By Bashir Bello, Abuja
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Wednesday swore in four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a professional, efficient and merit-driven civil service.
The new Permanent Secretaries are Malam Abdu Usman, Dr. Sani Suleiman, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya Suleiman and Dr. Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna.
This was contained in a press release signed by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State and made available to Newsmen.
Speaking shortly after administering the Oath of Office at Government House, Katsina, Governor Radda said the appointments reflected his administration’s determination to reward competence, hard work and professionalism rather than personal connections.
“The entire selection process was conducted in accordance with established civil service procedures. These appointments were based on merit, and those sworn in today earned their positions through hard work, competence and dedication,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda congratulated the Permanent Secretaries and charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through integrity, accountability, professionalism and dedicated service to the people of Katsina State.
He stressed that the Oath of Office must serve as a constant reminder of their responsibility to the government and people of the state.
“The Oath of Office is not merely a ceremony. It is a commitment to integrity, accountability and faithful service. If you live by its principles, you will succeed and leave behind a legacy worthy of emulation,” he said.
The Governor also noted that the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were drawn from different Local Government Areas, describing the development as part of efforts to promote inclusion and equal opportunity within the state civil service.
He expressed concern, however, that some Local Government Areas could not produce eligible candidates because they had no officers at the required grade level or with the necessary qualifications to participate in the selection process.
“It is our hope and prayer that, in the coming years, every Local Government Area in Katsina State will produce qualified officers capable of competing successfully and serving as Permanent Secretaries,” Governor Radda stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s approach to civil service reform, the Governor said every officer should have a fair opportunity to progress based on performance and competence.
“Our goal is to build a civil service where every individual has the opportunity to rise based on merit—not because of who they know, where they come from or family connections. Merit, competence, integrity and hard work must always come first,” he said.
Governor Radda charged the new Permanent Secretaries to uphold fairness, transparency and due process in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies, particularly in appointments, promotions and career progression.
He also urged Directors and other senior civil servants to take responsibility for developing younger officers through mentorship, knowledge transfer and capacity building.
“I urge our senior civil servants to continue mentoring younger officers and building their capacity. It is through this commitment that we will sustain the reforms and ensure continuity in the civil service,” the Governor added.
Governor Radda expressed confidence that the new Permanent Secretaries would strengthen the ongoing transformation of the state civil service and contribute to improved service delivery across government institutions.
The Governor said his administration would continue to strengthen institutional capacity, promote professionalism and deepen digital transformation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to make the civil service more responsive to the needs of citizens.
The newly sworn-in are professionals in various fields, including: Malam Abdu Usman who holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration and brings more than three decades of experience in the Katsina State Civil Service. He has served with KSACDP/IFAD, KTARDA, Government House, KATSACA, government boards and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Dr. Sani Suleiman obtained his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians. His career spans service at ABUTH, General Hospitals across Katsina State, the Ministry of Health and the Hospital Services Management Board.
Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya Suleiman holds an MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, a Master’s Degree in Health Economics from Bayero University, Kano, and a Ph.D. in Public Health. He previously served as Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency, where he led reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
Dr. Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna holds professional qualifications in Dental Health, Community Health and Public Health, including a Master’s Degree in Public Health. He has served in General Hospitals and the Primary Health Care Management Agency. He also served as Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Katsina State Council, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
