Tribute to Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature (Modibbo) 2009 TO 2024 - Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa

Oh Abubakar, my dear son, you left us too soon. Your passing has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. 

I remember your calm and humble nature, your kindness, and your responsibility. You were a shining example of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him.

I wish you and Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro grew up together to become close friends like I and Sunusi. Your friendship was a beautiful thing to see, and I have no doubt that you both would have achieved great things together.

Nuruddeen, my dear son, I offer my heartfelt condolence to you. May Allah grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your friendship with Abubakar bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Abubakar, my dear son, I remember the effort your father made to take you to India in search of good health and well-being. He spared no expense in ensuring your happiness and health. I recall telling your father, “Malam yaron nan ka jiyar da shi duk wani dadi da za ka iya saboda ka ga sikila ne” (You are the closest person to your father, and he would do anything to make you happy). And indeed, he did everything humanly possible to make you happy.

It's heartbreaking to hear that Abubakar Sadik had a dream that remained unfulfilled at the time of his passing. 

Becoming a barrister, and the head of Sunusi Bature's household as the first son was clearly important to him, and it's sad that he didn't get to realize that goal.

It's a reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile, and sometimes our plans and dreams are cut short. But even in death, Abubakar's memory and legacy can live on through the stories, memories, and impact he had on those around him.

May his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him and the dreams he had, even if they weren't fully realized. May they also find strength in the support of their community and the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief.

Good night, Modibbo. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdausi and reunite you with your loved ones in the hereafter.

Condolence to Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro

Nuruddeen, my dear son, may Allah grant you the strength and courage to continue on the path of righteousness and responsibility, just like your dear friend Abubakar. You both had a special bond, and I pray that Allah reunites you both in the hereafter.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)

May Allah grant Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature Jannatul Firdausi and comfort his family and loved ones. Ameen.

Gombe State Athletics Association boycotts Event

 

All AthIetics stakeholders are hereby notified that on no account should any AthIete, NAATO officials participate in the proposed AthIetics competition planned to commence today, October 22, 2024 at the Pantami Stadium.

In a statement been E-signed by the Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, said, it's cogent to note that AthIetics World-wide have rules of engagement which all stakeholders must obey, therefore, not meeting these rules by the organisers, the Gombe State Athletics Association has decided to exit from the competition in accordance to the rules of the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and by extension the World AthIetics.

Part of the reasons Gombe AthIetics Association is boycotting the competition are as follows:

1. The competition is below AthIetics standards both in procurement of running facilities and medical and insurance requirements.

2. Organisers of the competition are largely unknown to leaders of Gombe State Athletics Association as Facilities for the competition are either sub-standard or none existant.

3. All  NAATO officials were not Formally/Officially invited for the competition. 

Gombe AthIetics Association leadership cannot tolerate under its watch for Athletes and Athletics to be ridiculed or shamed by ignorant state machineries.

In the same breath, the GAA leadership has directed its officials not to participate in the event. 

Failure to heed to the instructions will attract severe sanctions  in accordance with the ethics of NAATO. 

Also, ,any athlete registered would risk sanctions and more penalties.

The Gombe State Athletics  Association hierachy therefore urge members to synegise with the State Athletics Association for growth and talent discovery.

Kano Ministry of Education Collaborates With Schools Old Boys To Improve Education Sector

Kano State Ministry of Education has indicated its readiness to work with Alumni of Old Boys Associations across the state to improve the standard of education.

Im a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, said the State Commissioner Ministry of Education Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa gave the assurance today Thursday when he received executive members of Rumfa old boys association, class '94 who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Miinistry Hajiya Kubra Imam, the Commissioner Maintained that for education to progress, there is need for collective efforts between government, individuals and other non-governmental organizations that could work together to address challenges surrounding the sector.

He said the recent government resolve to declare state of emergency on education was a clear testimony of the administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf in bringing out solutions to the education problems.

The Commissioner hinted that in achieving this policy, government would continue to collaborate with old students and other non-governmental organizations to implement more programmes aimed at enhancing education in the state.

Doguwa explained that from inception of this administration to date, a lot had been achieved in terms of distribution of teaching materials to schools, provision of schools furnitures, renovation and construction of new classes as well as training and retraining of staff among others.

According to Doguwa, in an attempt to ensure maximum security among public schools in Kano, the administration is recruiting 17,600 security guards and local hunters across the 44 local government areas of the state.

" I want to assure you that this ministry will be fully determined to work with you and other associations that have similar visions in making sure that education in Kano is getting the needed support.

" As you can see, the administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is now focusing on three basic components aimed at improving the education sector which include access, quality and infrastructures development in schools.

" As we really thank this association for coming to the ministry, I want to assure you that our doors will remain opened at all times for advice and necessary guidance so that we can move the education sector forward " Doguwa stated.

Earlier, the Secretary Rumfa Old Boys Association, Class 94 Alhaji Mustapha Rabi'u said they were at the Commissioner's office to register their appreciation for the administration's commitment towards overhauling the education sector.

" Considering the laudable programmes being executed under the education ministry, we deemed it paramount to come out and demonstrate our total support, as old students, to encourage government for what it has been doing in the education sector " he disclosed.

Mustapha Rabi'u stressed that at chapter level, the association had come up with several intervention programmes to be offered to current students interns of guidance, mentorship and provision of teaching facilities. 

He announced that the chapter is planning to hold it's 30th anniversary during which the association would select some key stakeholders who contributed immensely to the development of education in the state and be presented with award of excellence.

NAHCON: Unauthorized Contracts Will Not Be Honored

Information has reached the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that some persons or self acclaimed agents are using the Commission’s name to make commitments to Service Providers for contracts on pilgrims’ accommodations and feeding arrangements in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj. Some of these individuals have gone to the extent of making contacts with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the name of the Commission. 

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director Public Affairs of the Commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, said, the Chairman of the Outfit, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, wishes to inform the general public, and all stakeholders within the country and beyond, that NAHCON has NOT authorized any individual, group, or agent to enter into contracts or make any arrangements or agreements on its behalf whether in Nigeria or in Saudi Arabia for the year’s Hajj. NAHCON strictly conducts all official transactions through its recognized and authorized personnel, following due process.

Any agreement or arrangement entered into without a formal approval by the Chairman and the direct involvement of NAHCON’s staff officially assigned to the task is unauthorized, and the Commission will not be obligated to honour such contracts.

NAHCON urges the public, Service Providers in Saudi Arabia and in Nigeria, and other stakeholders to exercise caution and ensure that all dealings with NAHCON are done through its official channels of Communication. This announcement is made to protect the Commission’s unsuspecting clientele from falling victims to fraudulent schemes. NAHCON will not take responsibility for any losses incurred by victims of such.

For any clarification or to verify the authenticity of any NAHCON-related claims, kindly contact the NAHCON office through its official channels.

TRIBUTE!!! Surayya Baba Aminu (Sai Mama) : A Woman Like No Other - By Abba Anwar

By Abba Anwar 

The quintessential Surayya, a woman of substance, who passed away as a humble, religious and respectful Muslim fellow, can always be remembered for her simplicity, humility, religiosity and empathy.

Wherever she could be, you saw her dressed in a Muslim dress code. Even if she happened to be in the Southern part of the country. She didn't differentiate between North, South and Centre, when it came to decent appearance as a Muslim woman. This alone, is indelible as one of the legacies she bequethed.

I first came across Surayya, popularly called Sai Mama, about 9 years ago, when I was with The Guardian newspaper. One day, as I was a member of Ganduje Online, social platform, courtesy Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, popularly called Uba Danzainab, I asked particular information on the platform concerning a policy formulated by the then Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

I wanted to write an informed article about the policy, but I didn't have some core parts of the policy provisons. Few minutes after my request, she responded on the platform, what I needed the information for. I responded "harshly" that why would she be a asking a journalist requesting for Information on people-oriented policy of a state government.

Surayya didn't utter a word after my "unbecoming response." And few hours later, a strange call came. When I picked the call she introduced herself, as Surayya Baba Aminu (Sai Mama). I quickly remembered. She asked about my location, I said where was she, she said, "Government House Sir."

I told her my location, which was far away from Government House. Allah Sarki. She drove all her way to me, with complete document of that policy. She apologized for her enquiry then. I felt dump founded. I collected the document and thanked her.

When I asked her, what made her bahaved that way for taking the pain to furnish me with all the information I needed. She responded, "Whatever can be good and useful to the administration of Baba Ganduje, I will not relent." A true loyal party member of great substance. 

I came to know her closely, when former Governor appointed me as his Chief Press Secretary, February 2018. She was one of the first callers who called congratulating me. Since then I had been watching her closely. 

I found in her the following qualities 

1. She was a dedicated member of her political party, 

2. She supported Baba Ganduje's administration to the best she could, 

3. She spent on party programmes and activities, with support from leaders or without any support. So long as she believed in what she was doing, 

4. She was one of the decent women politicians I came across with in my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary, 

5. She was one woman who sacrificed to the party more than other women who found themselves in the position of party leadership, 

6. Very religious who always avoided saying bad things about leaders, 

7. She was a politician who always sought second opinion from her elders (especially her Mum) before embarking on anything she wanted to engaged in, 

The list can go on and on. Since when I was appointed as the Chief Press Secretary, she always wanted to hear my opinion about many things she did or she wanted to do in the political space. 

When Baba Ganduje was a governor, he chaired APC Gubernatorial Campaign Councils of some states, like Osun and Edo states. 

Hajiya Surayya was in those states few days to the arrival of Baba Ganduje with his entourage. She went ahead and started organizing women to effectively galvanize the needed support and confidence for APC. 

She would be there long before any other women leader arrived from Kano. She was patriotically dedicated to the party and wellbeing of the people. 

When there were activities at the Government House or elsewhere, you see women making all sorts of appearances, when I asked her "Sai Mama why are you not participating? She always replied, "Alhaji Abba, mine is different from theirs. My only interest is what I can deliver." That was Sai Mama for you! 

Sometimes she added and queried, why would she behave the way others behaved. She used to say "Alhaji Abba I'm a mother. And a responsible mother for that matter. I believe so much in empowering our youth and women. Not wasting time doing things that could not add any value."

When the news of her passing away got to my ears, I was caught in bewilderment. The first person I called to confirm the story was Kamalu Rabi'u, popularity called Dini Manchester Kankarofi, former Special Assistant at the Deputy Governor's Office. 

Immediately he picked the call he said, "CPS ya hakurin mu na Sai Mama? His question provided an answer for my intended enquiry. Allah Ya jikan Hajiya Surayya. 

She was a flagship to many of her family members and beyond. She was indeed a role model for those who believe in hardwork, commitment, patience, good heart, respect and dignity. 

One Bashir from Osun state called me today saying good things about her. He was a Special Assistant on Northern Matters to the then Governor of Osun State, Ra'uf Aregbesola. Anywhere anytime at whatever length, Surayya was a decent and good woman of substance. 

Allah Ya jikanta da Rahama. Allah Ya sa Aljannah Makoma. 

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State. 

Sunday 13th October, 2024

Kano Anti-Graft Agency Resolves Majority of Ombudsman-Related Complaints, Processes Over 1,395 Cases in One Year

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has made significant strides in the past year, resolving over 60% of Ombudsman-related complaints and handling a total of 1,395 cases.

This achievement was highlighted by the Commission’s Chairman, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, during the International Ombuds Day 2024 celebration held on Thursday in Kano. The event was designed to promote the role of Ombudsman services in addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in governance.

According to Rimingado, 70% of the cases received by the Commission over the past year were Ombudsman-related. Out of these, 60% have been successfully resolved, while 40% are still under investigation. He underscored the Commission’s commitment to transparency and prompt response to public complaints.

“This year, we received 1,395 petitions, and 70% were related to the Ombudsman services. We have resolved 60% of these cases and are actively working on the rest,” Rimingado stated.

The PCACC Chairman emphasized the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address a wide range of complaints, including issues related to corruption, public service delivery, and violations of citizens' rights. While significant progress has been made, Rimingado assured that the Commission remains focused on resolving the remaining cases.

In addition to outlining the Commission’s achievements, Rimingado also addressed calls to dismantle the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He rejected these calls, arguing that Nigeria’s anti-graft efforts would benefit from having multiple strong institutions, rather than reducing the number of agencies.

"We believe in the importance of maintaining a robust anti-corruption system. State-level bodies like ours complement the work of national agencies such as the EFCC. Scrapping the EFCC would weaken the fight against corruption, which requires both state and national efforts," Rimingado said.

He concluded by urging the public to continue utilizing the PCACC’s services to seek justice and redress for their grievances, reaffirming the Commission's dedication to improving its mechanisms for addressing complaints.

The event was part of a global initiative to raise awareness about the critical role Ombudsman institutions play in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.