Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has reiterated his belief that leadership must be deliberate, inclusive and fair, describing inclusiveness as a cornerstone of effective governance in Nigeria.
Reflecting on his stewardship while in office, Tambuwal said the theme of his 60th birthday colloquium “Leadership, Service and Statesmanship,” underscored his long-held conviction about the responsibility of leaders to ensure broad representation in governance.
According to him, this philosophy informed key policy decisions during his tenure as governor, particularly in promoting the participation of women and youths in government.
He noted that his administration deliberately departed from long-standing practices by appointing three female commissioners to key and sensitive ministries, rather than restricting women’s appointments to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Tambuwal further disclosed that his government ensured the presence of at least three female councillors in each local government area, with about five serving in Tambuwal Local Government Area alone, bringing the total number of female councillors in the state to 71.
He added that his administration also appointed seven female Permanent Secretaries and nine female Directors-General, in addition to a significant number of women who served on boards and as Special Advisers and Assistants.
The former governor maintained that inclusive governance at all levels remains fundamental to nation-building and the attainment of sustainable national development.
Posting on X, Tambuwal wrote: “Still in reflection of my stewardship, as themed at my 60th birthday colloquium, Leadership, Service and Statesmanship, I remain convinced that leadership must be deliberate, inclusive, and fair.
“During my tenure as Governor of Sokoto State, this conviction guided my approach to governance, particularly in ensuring that women and youths were given their rightful positions in government.
“Inclusiveness was therefore pursued deliberately and reflected in decisions such as the appointment of three female commissioners to key and sensitive ministries, a departure from the long-standing practice of confining women to the Ministry of Women Affairs alone.
“We also ensured that at least three female councillors served in each local government area, with about five in Tambuwal Local Government Area, bringing the total number of female councillors to 71.
“In addition, we appointed seven female Permanent Secretaries and nine female Directors-General, alongside a significant number of women serving on boards, and as Special Advisers and Assistants.
“I remain firmly of the view that inclusive governance at all levels is fundamental to nation building and sustainable national development. – AWT”
