A Councillor representing Kinkiba Ward in Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Malam Sunusi Hashim, has appointed 18 Special Advisers to assist him in strengthening grassroots representation in governance.
The councillor told newsmen in Zaria on Tuesday that the appointments were part of his vision to promote inclusiveness and community participation in governance.
According to him, Kinkiba Ward remains one of the most backwards in terms of human capacity development, hence the need to give residents a sense of belonging in governance.
He explained that the appointments were shared across four zones in the ward – Tamba, Marwa, Fagachi and Kinkiba – under the supervision of the respective village heads.
Hashim said he would not rely on his monthly allowance from the local government to pay the aides, stressing that his private businesses would cover their wages.
“My target is to bring my people closer to government through official participation and engagement,” he said.
The councillor recalled that within his first 100 days in office, he sponsored a medical outreach in which 200 children were circumcised, free of charge.
He added that he facilitated a scholarship scheme for five indigent students through the Federal Ministry of Environment and was currently liaising with an agro-firm to provide farm inputs and implements to farmers in the ward.
Hashim also disclosed that out of the 18 appointees, one female, Aina’u Kabir, was appointed as Special Adviser on Women Affairs to ensure gender inclusivity.