Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday inaugurated the state’s Shura Council, a body tasked with advising the government on societal transformation and moral reorientation.

The ceremony, held on Monday at Government House, Kano, was disclosed in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

According to the statement, Yusuf said the council would work closely with his administration to confront societal ills, including drug abuse and thuggery among youths, while also guiding Friday Imams to deliver sermons that promote peaceful coexistence among citizens.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Ulama for their contributions to propagating Islam across Kano and Nigeria, stressing that they possess the moral authority to curb immorality more effectively than politicians, whose tenures are limited.

He added that the New Nigeria Peoples Party-led administration considered the promotion of Islam and the moral upliftment of society as central to its priorities.

“I assure you that this government will not interfere in religious affairs. We believe this council can help us restore values and guide our young people toward a positive path,” Yusuf said.

The governor also reflected on the diminishing influence of traditional rulers and Islamic scholars in contemporary society compared to their historical authority, noting that the council would serve as a platform to restore that role.

The Shura Council comprises prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and business community leaders, with representatives from different religious sects to ensure inclusiveness.

In his acceptance speech, Wazirin Kano, Sheikh Sa’ad Shehu, expressed gratitude for the appointment, noting that the task ahead was enormous.

He prayed for divine wisdom to enable members to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Earlier, the Secretary of the council and Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Industry, Shehu Sagagi, said the members were chosen strictly on merit, without political influence.

In February, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency revealed that approximately three million people in the North-West geopolitical zone are struggling with drug addiction.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, listed Kano among the North-West zone that was severely affected by drug abuse.

Marwa noted that Kano recorded the highest prevalence rate at 16%.