In a deeply symbolic ceremony held on May 1, 2025, the urban commune of Diffa paid tribute to its pioneering first mayor by naming the city council’s main meeting room after the late Elhadji Kafougou Abba Malam.
The event, held inside the municipality headquarters, was presided over by Lieutenant-Colonel Abdou Halilou, the city’s Delegate Administrator.
Born on August 24, 1946, in N’Guigmi, the late Abba Malam is remembered as a cornerstone of administrative development in Niger.
His career spanned decades of public service, beginning as a teacher and school principal before advancing to key roles in the civil administration.
A graduate of the National School of Administration (ENA) and the School of Administration in Dakar, he held the posts of Regional Secretary General and Sub-Prefect in multiple localities.
Appointed mayor of Diffa by decree n°85-130/PCMS/MI on September 12, 1985, he served in that capacity until 1987. He passed away in Niamey on February 7, 2017.
In a message read on behalf of the family by Mr. Kiari Moustapha, deep appreciation was expressed for the posthumous recognition.
“Baptising this room in his name is an act of memory and gratitude. Today you honour a man whose discipline, integrity and commitment to public service left a lasting impression,” he said.
The tribute also recalled the late mayor’s lasting legacy: “He is particularly remembered for initiating a structured urban development plan, still cited today, which laid the foundation for the organisation of state services, schools, health centres and public spaces in Diffa.”
Following the official unveiling, Lieutenant-Colonel Halilou led a guided tour of the newly named hall and reiterated his dedication to preserving the vision of the city’s first mayor.
He pledged to continue promoting development in alignment with Niger’s national goals of reconstruction and full sovereignty.
Coinciding with International Workers’ Day, the ceremony also featured a special moment led by the Collective of Working Women of Diffa.
They presented a formal certificate of appreciation to Lieutenant-Colonel Halilou, commending his efforts to improve the working and living conditions of municipal staff since assuming office.
Grateful for the recognition, he said, “I would like to salute this dynamic, united and determined team, ready to support the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) on the path of national renewal.”
He also acknowledged the vital role played by women workers in advancing local development.
The twin ceremony drew numerous distinguished guests, including the Prefect of Diffa, the acting Chief of Komadougou Canton, defence and security officials, civil society representatives, and members of the wider community.
Source: ANP