By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO: The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Sokoto State, Hon. Ibrahim Dadi Adare, has been honoured with the prestigious Best Commissioner of the Year in Nigeria Award, in recognition of his commitment to transparent governance, accountability in public service, prudent management of resources and impactful grassroots development initiatives.
The national award, presented by the Leadership Award Organization, placed Adare among a select group of public officials whose stewardship has been adjudged exemplary in promoting good governance and delivering measurable benefits to citizens.
Organisers said the award followed a comprehensive assessment of public office holders across the country, with emphasis on integrity, service delivery, effective resource management, community impact and commitment to democratic ideals.
The recognition has been widely viewed as a testament to the Sokoto State Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local government administration, enhance accountability mechanisms and ensure that public resources are deployed for the welfare of the people.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Commissioner, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation, Bashiru Sardauna Gagi, described the honour as a well deserved recognition of a public servant whose leadership has been marked by dedication, transparency and a people centred approach to governance.
“This award is timely and highly deserved considering the remarkable contributions of Hon. Ibrahim Dadi Adare to the growth and development of Sokoto State,” Gagi said.
He noted that the Commissioner has consistently championed policies aimed at strengthening local government institutions, improving service delivery and ensuring that government interventions reach communities at the grassroots level.
According to him, the recognition would further inspire the Commissioner to expand programmes targeted at empowering young people through vocational and entrepreneurial skills acquisition initiatives designed to promote self-reliance and economic productivity.
“The Commissioner remains committed to creating opportunities for young people, enhancing grassroots participation in governance and supporting initiatives that will improve livelihoods across the state,” he added.
In his acceptance message delivered through his representative, Adare expressed profound appreciation to the organisers for considering him worthy of the national honour.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. I dedicate this award to the people of Sokoto State and to all those who continue to support our efforts toward building stronger institutions and delivering democratic dividends to our citizens,” he said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of honesty, transparency and accountability, stressing that public office is a sacred trust that must be exercised in the best interest of the people.
“We will continue to uphold the values of prudent resource management, good governance and grassroots development. Our focus remains on ensuring that every policy and programme translates into tangible benefits for our communities,” Adare stated.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dahiru Abubakar Kwamberu, this year’s award recognised Adare as the outstanding commissioner representing Northern Nigeria, while Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, Commissioner for Youth Development in Anambra State, emerged as the recipient representing Southern Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Leadership Award Organization disclosed that the body has spent the past 22 years identifying and celebrating Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service, integrity and transformational leadership in both public and private sectors.
He explained that after a rigorous evaluation of achievements and performance records, the organisation concluded that the two commissioners had demonstrated uncommon commitment to public accountability, responsible leadership and sustainable development, making them worthy recipients of the prestigious national honour.
The colourful event attracted a diverse gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, senior government officials, civil society stakeholders and other distinguished personalities from across the country, underscoring the growing national demand for leadership anchored on transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
