Bauchi, Nigeria – September 29, 2025
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has dismissed Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, from his cabinet with immediate effect. The decision, confirmed by Punch and other national dailies on Monday, was communicated through a formal statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
According to the statement, the removal is part of what the governor’s office described as a “minor change” in the composition of the State Executive Council.
“In that respect, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko, has been relieved of her appointment with immediate effect. The Governor thanks the Honourable Commissioner for her services to the State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” the statement read.
No replacement has been announced yet, but government officials hinted that a new commissioner would be appointed in the coming days to avoid disruption in the ministry’s activities.
Profile of Zainab Baban-Takko
Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko joined Governor Mohammed’s cabinet in September 2024 following a reshuffle that brought in three new commissioners and a security adviser. She was sworn in alongside other members of the State Executive Council and was tasked with driving policies around women empowerment, child welfare, and protection.
Before her elevation to the commissioner role, Baban-Takko had served in grassroots leadership as caretaker chairperson of a local government council in Bauchi State. In that position, she was recognised for initiating several community-based programmes, particularly targeting women and vulnerable groups.
Her portfolio as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development placed her at the heart of implementing state policies affecting orphans, widows, women entrepreneurs, and victims of domestic abuse. Programmes under her watch included vocational training for young girls, child rights sensitisation campaigns, and coordination of relief for women affected by communal clashes.
Why the Dismissal Matters
Though the governor’s office offered no detailed explanation for her removal, political observers believe the decision could reflect ongoing realignments within Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration. Bauchi, like many other states, is preparing for mid-term budget reviews and potential political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Cabinet reshuffles at the state level are often seen as strategies to strengthen political alliances, reward loyalty, or pave the way for more effective service delivery. In the case of Baban-Takko, her sudden exit from office has drawn attention not only because of the sensitive nature of her ministry but also because of the short time she spent in office — just over a year.
Stakeholder Reactions
The announcement sparked mixed reactions across Bauchi:
- Civil Society Groups: Leaders of women’s rights organisations expressed concern over the abrupt nature of the dismissal. According to one activist in Bauchi, “The Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development plays a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable populations. Sudden leadership changes without clarity may stall important projects.”
- Political Analysts: Analysts described the move as routine but pointed out that it could be linked to broader political calculations. “Governors often reshuffle cabinets to consolidate power or correct course. What matters is who emerges as the new commissioner and whether there will be policy continuity,” said Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a political commentator at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.
- Residents: Some residents of Bauchi told reporters that they hoped the governor would appoint a successor with strong grassroots experience. “We want someone who understands the challenges women face here — from poverty to education and health. It is not about politics alone,” said Hauwa Suleiman, a women’s cooperative leader.
The Ministry’s Significance
The Bauchi Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development is central to addressing some of the state’s pressing social issues. With high rates of poverty, child marriage, and maternal mortality, the ministry has been a critical channel for welfare programmes and advocacy. It also partners with international NGOs and federal agencies to deliver interventions targeting gender equality and child rights.
Observers worry that a leadership gap could slow down the pace of ongoing programmes. For instance, vocational empowerment schemes for widows and abandoned women, as well as child-focused health campaigns, are currently mid-implementation.
Broader Political Context
Governor Bala Mohammed, who is serving his second term in office, has in recent months faced the challenge of balancing governance with political positioning. Having run for the presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, Mohammed remains an influential figure within the party nationally. His decisions in Bauchi, therefore, are closely watched by both allies and rivals.
Political watchers note that while the dismissal of a commissioner might seem minor, it could be part of a larger effort to ensure loyalty within the State Executive Council. Cabinet members often play critical roles in mobilising grassroots support for the governor’s broader political agenda.
What Next?
The governor’s media office indicated that an acting commissioner could be announced soon pending the appointment of a substantive replacement. Until then, senior directors within the ministry are expected to oversee its operations.
Speculation is already rife about who might succeed Baban-Takko. Names of some serving special advisers and women leaders within the PDP are being mentioned, though no official shortlist has been released.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko has yet to issue a public statement reacting to her removal. Sources close to her say she received the news with “calm acceptance” and is considering her options for the future.
Conclusion
While the removal of a commissioner is not uncommon in Nigerian politics, the sacking of Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko underscores the delicate intersection between governance and politics in Bauchi State. The move has stirred conversations about continuity in programmes for women and children, and the capacity of the administration to maintain focus amid political recalibrations.
For now, all eyes are on Governor Bala Mohammed as Bauchi residents, political actors, and civil society groups await the appointment of a new commissioner — one who will be tasked with steering a ministry critical to the well-being of half the state’s population.
