Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, saying it will not compromise in safeguarding public resources for the collective good of citizens.

Mr Yusuf, represented by the secretary to the state government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, said this while addressing participants at an event marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day on Tuesday in Kano.

He said corruption remained a direct assault on the poor, the vulnerable and the future of children, stressing that his administration had adopted strict measures to strengthen transparency and accountability across public institutions.

The governor further said a major step taken by the government was the granting of full independence to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), describing the autonomy as a “sacred pillar” in the state’s governance framework.

According to him, the administration had also introduced merit-based appointments and created strong synergy with federal and local agencies to deepen the fight against corruption.

The governor explained that the state had embarked on a series of specialised capacity-building workshops for executive council members, advisers, permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of parastatals to entrench prudent management of public resources.

“These efforts are deliberately designed to build a public service culture where accountability is non-negotiable and ethical leadership is the only acceptable standard,” he said.

Mr Yusuf highlighted some of the government’s achievements linked to the anti-corruption drive, including the recovery of public lands and assets.

Others included the declaration of a state of emergency in key sectors, the payment of inherited pensions and gratuities, and renewed investment in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He stated that, despite these gains, sustained investments and collective action were required, adding that the youths must take the lead in shaping a corruption-free future.

“With nearly half of our population under thirty, their energy and innovation remain our greatest assets.

“The youths are not only victims of a corrupt system, but they are the agents of change capable of exposing wrongdoing and demanding accountability,” he explained.

The governor urged young people to raise their voices, mobilise communities and champion integrity in both public and private spaces.

Mr Yusuf further assured that the administration would continue to strengthen institutions weakened over the last decade, protect whistleblowers, and ensure that every naira of public funds serves the common good.

He called for sustained collaboration among government, civil society, youth groups, the private sector and security agencies to build a state where integrity thrives, and opportunities are no longer blocked by corruption.

Earlier, the chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Saidu Yahaya, reiterated his commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability across the state.

Mr Yahaya thanked Mr Yusuf for granting the commission full operational independence, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the administration’s firm commitment to good governance.

“The commission is now more proactive and better equipped to prevent corruption, rather than merely reacting to reported cases,” he said.

Mr Yahaya said he administration’s plan to implement a trillion-naira budget in 2026 further underscored the need for a strong anti-corruption structure capable of protecting public funds.

He said the commission was ready to serve as a safeguard against waste, leakages, and graft, ensuring that government resources are translated into meaningful development for citizens.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” the chairman said youths remained critical to achieving long-term success in the anti-corruption fight.

He said PCACC had deepened its engagement with young people through integrity clubs, digital awareness campaigns, and moral education platforms aimed at fostering ethical consciousness.

Also speaking, the representative of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Sani Tukur, reiterated its commitment to strengthening the fight against corruption in the state and across the country.

(NAN)