Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved the creation of seven new districts and the appointment of district and village heads across parts of the Zuru Emirate as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and improve grassroots administration.

The approval was announced in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar Dutsinmari.

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The new districts are Peni, Mahuta, Bangu, Gele, Chonoko and Ummu. Chonoko Village in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area has also been upgraded to district status.

Under the new arrangement, Peni District was carved out of the existing Bajida District in Fakai Local Government Area, with its headquarters at Yoko. Alhaji Ayuba Bende was appointed as its district head.

Mahuta and Bangu districts were created from the existing Marafa District, also in Fakai LGA. Alhaji Farke Anama and Alhaji Abubakar Wamale were appointed as the respective district heads.

Gele District was created from the existing Bajida/Birnin Tudu District in Fakai LGA, with its headquarters at Boko. Alhaji Ahmad D. Gele was appointed as its district head.

In Danko-Wasagu LGA, Chonoko Village was upgraded to district status under the existing Waje District, with Bamaiyi Bawada Chonoko appointed as the new district head.

The government also created Ummu District from the existing Rafin Zuru District in Zuru Local Government Area.

As part of the appointments, Kabiru Chaka Diga was named village head of Sabon Garin Ummu, while Markus Yumu, Yakubu Maliki, Sale Oda and Usman Idris were appointed village heads of Domo, Ugeva, Chepko and Adhava Hanto, respectively.

The governor also approved the appointment of Muhammadu Danwarai as the new village head of Musume in Zuru LGA.

Explaining the legal basis for the decisions, Dutsinmari said the approvals were made in accordance with the Kebbi State Local Government Law, 2008.

He specifically cited Section 10, subsections (A) and (B), which provide for the exercise of relevant powers concerning the creation of districts and the appointment of district heads.

The commissioner urged the newly appointed traditional rulers to demonstrate integrity, discipline and commitment in carrying out their duties.

“The newly appointed district and village heads are expected to uphold discipline, honesty, transparency and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he said.

Dutsinmari assured the appointees of the state government’s continued support and cooperation, adding that their appointments reflected their track records and demonstrated capacity to serve their respective communities.

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The state government said the exercise was part of its efforts to strengthen traditional institutions, promote effective grassroots administration and advance peace, unity and sustainable development across Kebbi State.