By GARBA MUHAMMAD

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has charged newly appointed political office holders to discharge their duties faithfully, impartially and with integrity, warning that their oaths of office carry serious responsibilities to the people.

Balarabe gave the charge on Thursday after administering the oaths of allegiance and office to three commissioners, 18 special advisers, a Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) and a Counsellor on Infrastructure.

She reminded the appointees that the oaths, as prescribed by the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, were not mere formalities but solemn commitments to serve the state and its people.

“The Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office are not mere words because they bind you before God and the people of Kaduna State to serve faithfully,” she said.

The deputy governor described the swearing-in ceremony as a call to service, stressing that leadership was not a privilege to be enjoyed but a responsibility requiring humility, integrity, courage and commitment.

According to her, the appointments reflect Governor Uba Sani’s confidence in the appointees’ abilities, experience and capacity to contribute to the development of the state.

She urged them to regard their appointments not only as recognition of past achievements but also as a challenge to deliver greater results in the service of the people.

Defending the timing of the appointments amid the election season, Balarabe said the administration remained focused on governance and service delivery.

“Elections have their calendar, but the needs of our people do not wait for it,” she said.

She added that Governor Sani remained committed to fulfilling his promises to the people, irrespective of political party, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Balarabe said the administration’s objective was to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Kaduna State where no community would be left behind.

Reviewing the administration’s achievements since May 2023, she said communities previously divided by conflict were reconciling under the Kaduna Peace Model, while farmlands were reopening and economic activities returning to markets.

She disclosed that more than 500 schools previously shut due to insecurity had reopened, while over 300,000 out-of-school children returned to classrooms in 2025 alone.

The deputy governor added that hundreds of classrooms had been constructed, others renovated, and tens of thousands of teachers trained.

In the health sector, she said 255 primary healthcare centres had been upgraded to Level Two, while efforts were ongoing to improve general hospitals across the state.

On infrastructure, Balarabe said about 160 road projects, covering approximately 1,335 kilometres, were being implemented to improve connectivity across the state’s 23 local government areas.

She also cited the proposed light rail and bus rapid transit projects as part of the administration’s plans for the state’s future transportation system.

The deputy governor charged the newly sworn-in officials to serve as a bridge between the government and grassroots communities, urging them to demonstrate the administration’s commitment through tangible results.

“Let your performance be the argument that convinces the sceptical and the proof that justifies the trust of the supportive,” she said.

The three commissioners sworn in are Hon. Benjamin Dalhat Solomon Kure, for Sports Development; Hon. Amina Akilu Dalhat, Special Duties I; and Abdullahi Garba Abbas, Special Duties II.

Dr Haliru Musa Soba was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), while Engr. Balarabe Muhammad Bello took the oath as Counsellor on Infrastructure.

Eighteen special advisers were also sworn in at the ceremony.