The Legitimacy of Professional Bodies in Civil Society: A Call for Inclusion in Kano State - By Umar Sale Anka

By Nura Ahmad
As a fellow of the Nigerian Environmental Society, fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association United Kingdom, and member of various professional bodies, I am compelled to address the often-overlooked role of professional bodies in civil society. In Kano State, where I have been actively engaged in environmental and climate change issues, I firmly believe that professional bodies have a legitimate place in the civil society landscape.

The Intersection of Professionalism and Civil Society Professional bodies, by definition, are organizations that represent the interests of specific professions, industries, or occupations. While their primary focus may be on promoting the interests of their members, they also play a critical role in promoting the public interest. In Kano State, professional bodies such as:

- Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)
- Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
- Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB)
- Social Welfare Workers Association
- Tourism Association
- Nigerian Institute of Public Administration (NIPA)

have been instrumental in promoting public health, safety, and well-being.

The Value of Professional Bodies in Civil Society
Professional bodies bring a unique set of skills, expertise, and experiences to the civil society table. They provide a platform for professionals to engage in advocacy, policy formulation, and community development. For instance:

- The Nigerian Medical Association has been advocating for improved healthcare services and policies in Kano State.
- The Nigerian Society of Engineers has been promoting sustainable infrastructure development and environmental stewardship.
- The Nigerian Institute of Builders has been advocating for improved building standards and construction practices.

The Need for Inclusion
Despite their contributions, professional bodies are often overlooked in the civil society landscape. This exclusion can be attributed to a narrow definition of civil society, which often prioritizes non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) over professional bodies. However, this exclusion is not only unjustified but also counterproductive.

In Kano State, the exclusion of professional bodies from civil society forums and decision-making processes can result in the loss of critical expertise, skills, and experiences. This can undermine the effectiveness of civil society initiatives and limit their impact.

A Call to Action
As a climate change negotiator and representative of Nigeria at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, I have seen firsthand the importance of inclusive decision-making processes. In Kano State, I urge civil society organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to recognize the legitimacy of professional bodies as part of the civil society landscape.

We must work together to create an inclusive and diverse civil society that values the contributions of all stakeholders, including professional bodies. By doing so, we can leverage the expertise, skills, and experiences of professional bodies to drive positive change and promote sustainable development in Kano State.

In conclusion, professional bodies have a legitimate place in the civil society landscape in Kano State. Their expertise, skills, and experiences are invaluable assets in promoting public health, safety, and well-being. I urge all stakeholders to recognize the importance of inclusive decision-making processes and to work together to create a more diverse and effective civil society in Kano State

Popular posts from this blog

Yanzu - Yanzu: Bankuna Zasu Karbi Tsofaffin Kudi Ko da Bayan Karewar Wa'adi - Emefiele

By Nura Ahmad
Image
Gwamnan Babban Bankin Najeriya, Godwin Emefiele, ya ce Bankuna za su ci gaba da karbar tsoffin takardun kudi na Naira ko da bayan wa’adin musaya da sabbin takardun kudin da aka zayyana. Idan dai za a iya tunawa, a kwanakin baya ne babban bankin ya kara wa’adin canza shekar kudi naira 1,000 da naira 500 da kuma N200, biyo bayan korafin ‘yan Najeriya. Sai dai a yayin da shugaban na CBN ya bayyana a gaban kwamitin majalisar wakilai kan sabon tsarin sauya fasalin Naira da kuma canjin naira a ranar Talata, shugaban na CBN ya ce har yanzu bankuna za su karbi tsoffin takardun bayan wa’adin. Emefiele ya ce idan aka yi la’akari da sashe na 20, karamin sashe na 3 na dokar CBN ta shekarar 2007, ko da tsofaffin kudaden sun rasa matsayinsu na neman kudi, CBN za ta ci gaba da karbar tsofaffin takardun kudi. Mista Emefiele ya ce dole ne bankunan kasuwanci su karbi kudin ko da bayan wa'adin 10 ga watan Fabrairu (SOLACEBASE) 
Read more

Zababben Gwamnan Kano Ya Kafa Kwamitin Karbar Mulki

By Nura Ahmad
Image
Zababben Gwamnan Jihar Kano Ya Sanar Da Kwamitin Karbar Mulki …… Dr. Baffa Bichi, Abdullahi Musa ya nada a matsayin Shugaba da Sakatare Bayan gabatar da takardar shaidar cin zabe da hukumar zabe mai zaman kanta ta kasa INEC ta gabatar, zababben gwamnan jihar Kano Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf (Abba Gida Gida) ya kaddamar da kwamitin sa na mika mulki a shekarar 2023. A wata sanarwa da Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, babban sakataren yada labarai na zababben gwamnan ya fitar, tsohon babban sakataren hukumar kula da manyan makarantu (TETFUND)  dan takarar Sanatan Kano ta Arewa a NNPP Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi ya bayyana a matsayin shugaba na kwamitin mika mulki na Gwamna (GTC), yayin da babban sakataren dindindin, Abdullahi Musa mai ritaya a matsayin sakatare. Kwamitin rikon kwarya zai gudanar da ayyukan mika mulki cikin tsari daga gwamnatin Ganduje mai barin gado zuwa gwamnatin Abba Gida Gida mai jiran gado. Mai girma Gwamnan Jihar Kano mai jiran gado zai kaddamar da kwamitin a ranar Asabar 1 g...
Read more