The BAT Movement, a political advocacy and support organisation, has announced major appointments to strengthen its leadership structure and expand its nationwide engagement.
Accordingly, the Movement founded by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye appointmented Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as its National Patron, and Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi Sheriff as its Kano State Patron.
The Movement also announced the appointments of Alhaji Mohammed Mabo Kassim as National Coordinator and Adedayo Showemimo as National Publicity Secretary.
According to BAT Movement, the appointments form part of its efforts to strengthen its leadership structure, recognise individuals contributing to governance and national development, and deepen nationwide coordination.
Announcing the appointments, the Founder, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, described the selection of Governor Yusuf and Alhaji Sheriff as a reflection of the organisation’s recognition of their respective leadership roles and contributions to public affairs.
Ajiboye noted that Governor Yusuf’s appointment as National Patron represents an important addition to the Movement’s leadership structure, particularly in view of Kano State’s significance in Nigeria’s political, commercial and socioeconomic landscape.
He explained that the Movement considers constructive engagement among political leaders, public institutions and advocacy organisations important to discussions about governance, development and national progress.
Speaking specifically on the appointment of Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi Sheriff as Kano State Patron, Ajiboye commended what he described as Sheriff’s contributions to development in Kano State and his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Your giant strides in Kano State, as well as your unwavering belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have not gone unnoticed. As one of the earliest Government Policy Advocacy Groups and a major support platform that championed the actualisation of His Excellency’s presidential aspiration in 2023, we consider your choice for the position of Patron for Kano State as both timely and well-deserved.
“Mahmoud’s influence in the northern part of Nigeria particularly in Kano State is commendable, his long standing relationship with Mr. President dates back to many decades, it is pertinent to mention his level of loyalty, thus his appointment is simply a testimony that he would not leave any stones unturned in ensuring that APC records success in Kano State come January, particularly at the presidential elections,” he stated.
On the new national officers, Ajiboye described the two positions as critical to the organisation’s continued growth, noting that effective leadership, strategic communication and a well-coordinated national structure are essential to achieving its objectives.
He expressed confidence that the appointment of Mohammed Mabo Kassim as National Coordinator would strengthen cooperation among the Movement’s leadership structures and provide a framework for effective engagement at national, state and grassroots levels.
“As National Coordinator, Kassim will be responsible for coordinating the Movement’s activities nationwide, facilitating communication between the national leadership and state chapters, overseeing the implementation of approved programmes and ensuring that the organisation’s activities remain aligned with its objectives,” he said.
On Showemimo’s appointment, Ajiboye highlighted the importance of strategic communication and reputation management in building a credible and recognisable organisation.
Showemimo, a media and public relations professional with experience spanning journalism, corporate communications, digital media, entertainment publicity and strategic brand management, will be responsible for managing and projecting the public image of the BAT Movement, coordinating its media relations and overseeing its communication activities across traditional and digital platforms.
His responsibilities will also include developing the Movement’s public relations strategy, managing official statements and press engagements, strengthening relationships with media organisations, ensuring consistency in public messaging and protecting the organisation’s reputation through effective communication and image management.
Ajiboye explained that the Movement’s activities have evolved to include engagement on government policies, public communication and discussions about the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further noted that the organisation intends to work with its patrons and other stakeholders in encouraging informed public discussions about government programmes, development priorities and issues affecting communities across Nigeria.
According to the Movement, the National Patron and Kano State Patron positions are honorary leadership roles intended to provide guidance, institutional support and opportunities for broader stakeholder engagement.
“The appointments reflect its commitment to establishing clearer responsibilities, improving institutional coordination and strengthening relationships with stakeholders across the country,” Ajiboye said, reiterating that the organisation remains committed to constructive engagement on government policies, particularly initiatives associated with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.