Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, yesterday, said genuine democracy can only thrive when governance at the grassroots was competent, legitimate and trusted.
Speaking at the opening of the 1st International Conference of the Department of Public Administration, Kaduna State University ,KASU, Balarabe said sustainable development was unattainable without strong and capable local governments.
The conference has as its theme: ‘Rethinking Local Government Administration: Policy Reforms, Institutional Capacity and Public Financial Management for Sustainable Development’.
According to the deputy governor, the theme aligns with ongoing governance and public sector reforms being championed at the national level by President Bola Tinubu.
She said Kaduna State, under Gov. Uba Sani, has continued to pursue ambitious reforms targeted at building a responsive, people centred and future ready public service.
“Our vision cannot be achieved unless our local governments are empowered, well structured, transparent and effective”, she said.
Balarabe stated that the state had recorded progress in public financial management, digital ecosystems, fiscal transparency, human capital investment and strengthened accountability frameworks.
“These efforts demonstrate that reform is not only possible it is necessary”, she added.
Balarabe described the conference as more than an academic gathering, saying it provides a strategic platform for dialogue on the future of governance structures in Nigeria.
The deputy governor also reflected on the evolution of public administration in the country.
She recalled that most departments began as clerical training centres during the colonial era but later transitioned into engines of nation-building and public sector development after independence.
Balarabe stressed the need for policy reforms that would modernise the local government system, clarify institutional roles, eliminate duplication and improve service delivery.
“Reforms must address the autonomy and accountability mechanisms required to strengthen local governance, as well as legal frameworks shaping the relationship between state governments, local councils and communities”, she added.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi Musa, said the university had continued to distinguish itself in research and innovation.
He announced that the institution recently secured a ₦1 billion competitive commercial agriculture grant from TETFund, after meeting stringent criteria that demonstrated its capacity, preparedness and business-oriented approach.
“Our university has developed a robust and functional infrastructure, including a strong social enterprise culture, which enabled us to secure the grant”, he said.
The conference attracted academics, policymakers, development experts and stakeholders committed to strengthening the local government system for sustainable development.
