By Yakubu Salisu, Kano
An academic Forum in Kano has declared their support for the High-Powered Committee for Profiling NGOs, CBOs and Development Partners in the state.
The group, Forum of Progressive Academics is an organization with membership across the tertiary institutions in Kano State which focuses on developmental goals especially in education, health, good governance, economic growth and social protection.
According to the President Abubakar Isa Abubakar and his Secretary General Dr. Mustapha Muktar in a press release, the forum considers the formation of the High-Powered Committee on the Profiling of NGOs and development partners as a crucial and timely step for Kano State.
They added that while NGOs and donor organizations are undeniably vital in driving development across key sectors such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, it is essential to acknowledge that some organizations have, unfortunately, been exploited for purposes that conflict with the state’s core values.
“These rogue entities can pose significant security risks and threaten the social fabric by destabilizing local peace and order.
We have seen, both locally and internationally, how certain CBOS and NGOs have been misused to advance agendas that undermine the peace and stability of not only the state but also the broader nation”.
They further narrated that a particularly telling example is the role played by certain organizations in Sudan, where their activities contributed to a prolonged crises, highlighting how unchecked NGOs operations can spiral into long-term chaos.
The manipulation of civic space by a few unscrupulous organizations has been a long-standing concern, as some have channeled resources into fueling unrest rather than fostering positive change.
They believe that the committee aims to ensure that all NGOs and donor organizations in Kano are held to rigorous standards of accountability, transparency, and alignment with the state’s development goals.
By profiling these organizations, scrutinizing their funding sources, and closely monitoring their activities, the committee will mitigate the risks posed by rogue entities, said the forum.
“It is essential that organizations operating within Kano not only comply with regulatory standards but also uphold the state’s religious and moral values, ensuring development proceeds without jeopardizing peace and security.
The committee’s powers to shut down any organization engaged in suspicious or harmful activities, as well as its capacity to investigate and expose unethical practices, will send a clear and powerful message to those seeking to exploit the system. Most importantly, it will ensure that Kano remains a secure, stable environment, free from internal or external forces that attempt to sow division
“As members of the Forum of Progressive Academics we fully support the establishment of this committee.
We recognize that in today’s world, where both global and local security threats often arise under the guise of humanitarian or development efforts, the need for strategic and proactive oversight is more important than ever.
This committee represents a necessary measure to regulate both foreign and domestic entities operating within the state.
We firmly believe that its successful implementation will not only enhance security in Kano but also set a vital example for other regions and countries.
By ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with national development goals, this initiative will safeguard our shared values of peace, unity, and prosperity, ultimately promoting sustainable progress within Kano and beyond”, they forum added.