Bauchi State Government Formalises Employment for Late Journalist’s Wife, Approves Numerous Civil Service Promotions
In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to supporting the families of its fallen heroes, the Bauchi State Government has officially formalised the employment of Mrs. Sara Halilu, the widow of the late Ben Kani, a dedicated cameraman for Channels Television. This decision underscores the government’s pledge to honour Kani’s service and provide stability for his family.
The details of this crucial development were shared in a statement released on Tuesday by Saleh Umar, the Information Officer of the State Civil Service Commission. Mrs. Halilu’s appointment has been regularised as Registrar II within the Cooperative Society department. This adjustment, from her initial placement as Cooperative Officer II, ensures her role aligns precisely with the established scheme of service, reflecting her qualifications and the government’s intent.
This action is a direct fulfilment of a promise made by the state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who had pledged to offer support to Kani’s family. Ben Kani tragically lost his life while on official duty. He was part of a media contingent covering the commissioning of projects spearheaded by the North East Development Commission in the Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Kani was one of two journalists who perished in a devastating motor accident that involved over 10 media personnel attending the event. The state government had previously committed, on compassionate grounds, to employ his wife as a recognition of Kani’s valuable contribution and service.
Beyond this deeply personal and significant appointment, the State Civil Service Commission also greenlit a comprehensive series of promotions and appointments across various cadres within the state civil service. These decisions were ratified during the commission’s 10th plenary session, which convened on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Key Promotion Outcomes:
The plenary session saw the elevation of 10 Deputy Directors, previously on Grade Level 15, to the substantive position of Directors on Grade Level 16. This significant advancement was made following the explicit approval of the governor. The departments benefiting from these promotions are diverse and critical to the state’s functioning, including:
- Commercial
- Sports
- Monitoring and Compliance
- Readers Services
- Engineering and Technical Services
- News and Current Affairs
- Administration and Human Resources
Furthermore, three Deputy Directors received promotions to the Director level in specialised areas such as Donor and Technical Coordination, Planning, and Water Supply, highlighting the government’s focus on key developmental sectors.
The advancement pipeline within the civil service was also robustly addressed. Nine Chief Officers, holding Grade Level 14, were promoted to Deputy Directors on Grade Level 15. These promotions span essential fields including Architecture, Quantity Survey, Public Building, and Statistics, reinforcing the technical and administrative backbone of the state.
The commission also facilitated the progression of numerous mid-career professionals. A total of 26 Assistant Chief Executive Officers were promoted to Chief Executive Officers, indicating a significant uplift in leadership and management capacity. Concurrently, 51 Principal Executive Officers were advanced to the rank of Assistant Chief Executive Officers, ensuring a continuous flow of experienced personnel into supervisory roles.
In a move that supports specialised administrative functions, four Confidential Secretaries, who were on Grade Level 13, were promoted to Chief Confidential Secretaries on Grade Level 14.
The list of beneficiaries extends to a variety of other crucial roles, including:
- Chief Architects
- Chief Works Superintendents (Mechanical, Electrical, and Building)
- Assistant Chief Fire Officers
- Assistant Chief Fire Superintendents
In addition to promotions, the commission also approved the re-engagement of two key personnel, Abubakar D. Ibrahim and Mohd Y. Ahmad. They have been reinstated as Assistant Chief Clerical Officer and Assistant Chief Data Processing Assistant, respectively, both on Grade Level 6. These re-engagements are structured on a two-year contract basis, commencing retroactively from March 1, 2026, ensuring continuity in vital administrative support services.
These collective decisions by the Bauchi State Civil Service Commission reflect a dynamic approach to personnel management, aimed at both recognising service and ensuring the effective operation of the state’s administrative machinery. The formalisation of Mrs. Halilu’s employment stands as a poignant reminder of the human element within governance and the state’s dedication to its citizens.
