Gara cautions FG on N78b to NSC

Sports entrepreneur and Chairman Gombe Athletics Association Hon. Gara Gombe has advised government not to drop a dime for the National Sports Commission as they are capable of raising funds to drive sports Nigeria.

He said in a statement released on Saturday to news men via his social media handle, insisting that those that claimed to have the capacity to woo sponsors should not be given a whooping sum of N78 billion to drive e-sports project.

His Statement reads thus..

"Presently, I have read reports disappointedly, in some media, especially Social media and some print media, even in some Television stations scrolled messages celebrating N78 billion federal government appropriated for the National Sports Commission.

 Unfortunately, the same people mandated to manage our sports are not ready to change their old past ways.

I remember, the same way they are celebrating the N78 billion was the same way they jubilated when Super Sports signed a contract with League Management Company (LMC) for a sponsorship totalling about N3 billion.

At the end of the day, the money was mismanaged and squandered., finally, Super Sports pulled out.

They are now celebrating N78 billion we have not seen. I am sure, when the funds are finally released, they will feast on it.

I want to inform Nigerians and the world in general, tax payers including the National Assembly and federal government not to release the money, though, budget is a document of intent, but whatever it is, Government should not release the money to the National Sports Commission (NSC). They are not ready, that place need to be sanitised first before such money should be released. I want them to prove me wrong.

Do we need to put N78 billion in Nigeria Sports, for what?

This same people talking about e-sports economy are already parading their Curriculum vitaes (CV) that they have the capacity and ability to raise funds for the growth of Sports in Nigeria. 

Sports Economy and Renewed Hope Agenda slogan they are shouting about is just deception, nothing is going to happen.

They don't have the credibility to be entrusted with public money in their care.

Remember, one of them NSC DG Bukola Olokpade is under investigation at the moment, the other one NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko was investigated by ICPC and his property seized. 

The money given to him in the past to manage LMC was mismanaged and was sacked.

The former sports minister Sunday Dare who sacked him is in the Villa.

When are we going to learn lessons? We must not give them money now until they are ready to change their ways. Nowhere in the world government spends such money, the NSC hierarchy should use their contacts, after all, they told us they have contacts, they should use it to raise money for sports economy.

Sports economy is not run through public funds.

This was the same deceit that took them to the Nigerian Stock Exchange where they Rang Bell (Gong) making people believe they are serious about raising money for Nigeria football, at the end of the day, it became a charade as nothing came out of it, even the sponsors they met in the office left.

We have to be careful, the campaign to sustain transparency, openness and accountability in sports must not abate, it should continue if government is serious about fighting corruption in Nigeria.

Effort should be made to re-establish Team Nigeria concept, appoint trustees and give them such money to manage, strictly for raising funds and managing same.

In a transitional manner government should withdraw from giving funds to sports.

Its sad that former Minister Sunday Dare claimed to have sourced and spent One Million Dollars from Aliko Dangote in renovating the Abuja Stadium. 

Unfortunately, today, from Badagry to Maiduguri, Nigeria don't have a standard Stadium that can host CAF and FIFA football games. And the man who allegedly used the money is hiding in Aso Rock as an aide to the President.

Do we also have to recall given someone N24 billion for Olympics and AFON and the fellow mismanaged the money, we didn't ask him to account for the money but simply deployed him to the Ministry of Trade and Investment to hide. Who do us this?

Sports sponsorship is a corporate world business, government only provides the enabling infrastructure. No government in this world pours N78 billion into sports to be managed by those that called themselves experts in sports marketing and promotion. No sponsor will see people with N78 billion to spend and agrees to come close.

The NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko's Property was seized by ICPC, he was removed as LMC chairman, and I don't want to know how he got back to the system. But for now, he is not ready to change his ways and we have seen it.

The NSC director general is also under investigation for allegedly collecting money from Federations.

I want to use this opportunity to inform all Federations and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to start preparing their books to give account of funds received from Sponsors such IOC, ANOCA and international Federations affiliated to them.

Sadly, I read a report where the NOC President Engineer Habu Gumel presented his 2024 annual report without statement of accounts of funds spent or received.

I will ask questions, let all of them get ready for me.

Its interesting to note that Federation scribes were swapped to new positions, However, It doesn't call for any celebration because, it's an old practice that changed nothing in the manner Sports Federations are managed in Nigeria.

This is my message for the New year" Gara Gombe

DSP Barau: A Visionary Senator with Unwavering Determination - By Abba Anwar

By Abba Anwar

Maintaining resilience attitude while making reference to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, is neither accidental nor coincidence. This, without walling out any challenges.

When you take him and x-ray his unmatched and uncontested efforts in human development via creation of corridors for our youth, to have access to modern knowledge and skills, you can accept the universal truth that DSP Barau is, but a political messiah. A quintessential political leader of great substance.

Come to think of it. Apart from his singular effort in bringing a Campus of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to his constituency, Kano North, years back, establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Kabo in 2022, before he even became Deputy Senate President, and the most recent effort he put in upgrading the status of Federal College of Education, Kano (FCE), to the status of Federal University of Education, Kano, among many other institutional development, his unparalleled commitment in the development of our youth, is indelible, and down-to-earth.

It isn’t in the shopping list of this piece, to view Barau from the standpoint of his political engagement, as one of the leading politicians from Kano, but rather what we are interested in, is his attachment with the life of our future leaders, the youth.

His struggle for supremacy alongside other politicians in Kano, Northern Nigeria or Nigeria as a whole, is not the concern of this write-up. His committed concern in the repositioning of our people through academic pursuit, with carefully selected fields of study, is what matters most at this juncture.

Just few days back, the Distinguished Senator sent 70 students abroad to study Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Robotic Science. At Postgraduate level. Where 65 students are males and 5 females.

Being perplexed with this life changing opportunity, in the form of Barau Scholarship Scheme, I called the effort and the process as Barau Community of Modern Scholars. Modern because, looking at the Courses of study, you may not need further explanation to tell you how this gentleman is preparing these young people against global challenges. And eventually preparing our state and the North, or Nigeria by extension, against future global face-offs.

This is visionary leadership, with foresight, exactitude, enduring engagement, meaningful productivity, patriotism, unequal fruition, increasing care, independent political will and unwavering support in all circumstances. But any expression short of this, is face-palming exercise.

#

Another interesting development and main reason why I have been consistent that Senator Barau’s genuine intervention in the development of our people and communities, goes beyond Kano or North, but Nigeria in general, is his recent call for applications from our youth for

Domestic Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, 2025, under the auspices of

Barau I. Jibrin Foundation (BIJF).

Where 300 students will be sponsored for 2025/2026 Academic Session at Postgraduate Level. Even the choice of institutions under this scholarship is not only a sign of seriousness, but genuine engagement for national development.

The institutions are Bayero University, Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. While the choice of these institutions tells us or rather speak to all, directly, what education means to the Deputy Senate President, it further gives us the clearer picture that Barau is, but, an embodiment of human development and societal growth and development, without any hesitation.

I think the entire gamut of Barau’s engagement under the scholarship schemes are the genuine human spirit in him, feeling of collective responsibility without recourse to political opponents, deeper interest in the future of our dear nation, searching for lasting solution to youth restiveness and fighting insecurity from the roots.

Just have a look at the chosen courses of study for the domestic scholarship scheme. All at the Masters level. These are Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics Technology, Data Science, Software Development, Information Technology, Mineral Exploration, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Oil and Gas Operations, Applied Geophysics, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Climate Change Management, Mechatronic and Intelligence System.

Modern and global fields of study. Which can only be supported and promoted by advanced minds.

What is most fascinating under this scholarships scheme is how the process started as well as the procedures to be followed for successful take-off and implementation. I learned that, all resources to be expended under this 300 students scholarship, are kept under lock and key. Meaning they are available and ready for disbursement to appropriate quarters and successful candidates.

This scientific arrangement, I can say, tells much about the quality and how qualified are the individuals and bodies working for the Senator on this. Starting from his Chief of Staff, to all others. When you were rightly briefed about it, you may begin to wonder, whether Barau is also working with invisible elements (laughter).

His clear understanding of Malam Aminu Kano’s philosophical approach of man as the centre of development, helps him much in critically investing in our people.

To borrow a leaf from Murtala Sule Garo, Deputy Governorship Candidate of APC during 2023 election, in Kano, when he recently called on Kano political leaders, especially former governors, to kindly put heads together to purposely move the state forward, I therefore call on our politicians in the state, to kindly follow suit, irrespective of political leaning.

Well, Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South and Hon Abubakar Bichi, representative of Bichi Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, have already gone far in this direction. Kudos to them!

Anwar, former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON. And can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

NLC Deputy President Facilitates With Wayya, Ma’aji On their New Roles

The Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kabir Ado Minjibir, who also serves as the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and President of the West Africa Health Sector Unions Network (WAHSUN), has lauded the recent appointments of Comrade Ibrahim Wayya and Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji as commissioners in Kano State.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed Comrade Wayya as Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, while Comrade Ma’aji was assigned the portfolio of Commissioner of Public Procurement. The appointments were subsequently approved by the Kano State House of Assembly.

In his congratulatory message, Comrade Minjibir, popularly known as Magayakin Minjibir, highlighted the exceptional integrity and commitment demonstrated by both appointees in their various endeavors. He emphasized that the duo's wealth of experience and proven dedication to societal development make them deserving of their new roles.

Reflecting on his time as the Chairman of the NLC Kano State Council, Minjibir commended their vast knowledge and activism, which he believes will enable them to excel in their respective capacities.

He concluded by offering prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection for Comrades Wayya and Ma’aji throughout their tenure and beyond, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the progress of Kano State.

(Eagle Eyes)

Galadima cup: Junior Danburam FC boss says Q/Final ticket ginger players for more impact

The proprietor of Junior Dan Buram (JDB) Football Club of Daura, Katsina state, Alhaji Daha Umar Faruk has expressed optimism that his team will emerge victorious at the end of the on-going 3rd edition of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima soccer competition.

He was speaking shortly after his team beat Sheshe FC 2-1 to secure a place in the quarter final stage played at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

Alhaji Daha Umar Faruk, who was also the District Head of Baure, described the performance of his players and the victory recorded in the match as commendable.

He said that now that the team has qualified for the knock out stage of the tournament, all hands must be on desk to ensure its subsequent success.

While commending the technical crew and players for their commitment, he urged them to sustain the tempo with a view to achieve the set objective.

He, however, applauded the organisers for introducing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) device, which according to him, improves and modernizes the championship.

Meanwhile, Junior Dan Buram FC will tomorrow (Thursday) play their group match against Matasa FC by 2pm at the Sani Abacha stadium, Kofar Mata. Super Stars Sheka FC will slug it out with Kano Stars FC by 4pm at the same venue.

"I'll Let My Performance Speak, Not Political Pressure" – Yusuf Responds to Ganduje

In a bold reaction to insinuations that the APC is planning to manipulate the 2027 elections in Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has vowed to resist any pressure on his mandate.

Speaking during the monthly women empowerment program at Coronation Hall yesterday, the Governor emphasized that he is not worried about the 2027 elections, as leadership is ordained by the Almighty Allah.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson,

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

“What I am worried about is not re-election. I am more concerned about delivering the dividends of democracy on the mandate given to me in this first tenure. I want the good people of Kano to judge me by my performance at the end of this tenure,” the Governor said.

The Governor lamented how enemies of Kano, disguised as opposition members, are attempting to create political tension in the state.

“We know those people who were massively rejected in both 2019 and 2023. We won against them at a time when we had no political office—not even a councillor. But Allah made it possible for us to win with a landslide victory,” he added.

Governor Yusuf further cautioned the leadership of the APC in Kano to refrain from making inciting statements and hate speeches that could scare unsuspecting voters who are eager to exercise their civic rights.

“I am destined to be a Governor. It is my total belief and submission to the will of Allah that if He so wills, I will serve a second term. If not, I won’t. So why should I bother myself?” the Governor asked.

It can be recalled that the APC suffered a significant defeat in the hands of the ruling NNPP during the 2023 elections, losing the governorship seat, two senatorial seats, 18 out of 26 House of Representatives seats, and 26 out of 40 State Assembly seats.

Governor Yusuf Warns Kano Commissioners: Emphasizes Unity and Teamwork

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Wednesday expressed a stern warning to members of the state executive council agaisnt disunity and lack team work. 

The Governor equally reminded the commissioners the standing culture of loyalty, honesty and mutual respect in the cabinet, vowed punitive measures against any council member that disregard the standard rules. 

In a statement by Governor's spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, said the Governor read the riot act while opening the 23rd executive council meeting held at council chamber, Government House. 

According to the release, the Governor who welcome the seven newly inaugurated Commissioners to the state council, emphasized the imperative of accountability, transparency and maximum cooperation that must be imbibed. 

"We have the opportunity to swear-in the new Commissioners after their successful screening by the state house of assembly. The appointees are being charged to be committed and hardworking to their respective responsibilities and on behalf of the council, I once again congratulate the new commissioners."

"I want to reiterate that we expect nothing less than accountability, commitment and dedication to duties from you all. I would urged you all to extend maximum cooperation to all members of the cabinet. We don't expect dishonesty, rancour, unnecessary differences from any of you and anybody who try to divide us here would be dealt with. This is a new era". Yusuf warn. 

The Governor informed the council the activities of his administration during the last quarter of the year 2024, expressed delight over series of successes and achievements recorded. 

In the review, the Governor cited the successful return of 150 students under the state foreign scholarship scheme from Indian universities after the completion of their second degree programs. 

He said government is still committed to fulfilling the pledge to offer automatic employment to those with relevant specialties in medical and health related fields as well as the engineering major. 

In actualizing the promise, Governor Yusuf said the state Head of Service and Commissioner for health have been directed to perfect all arrangements that will see to immediate assumption of the foreign trained professionals to the state service. 

Yusuf also cited the occasion of the 2025 budget assent which stood at over N719 billion, stressed renewed commitment of the NNPP government to stimulate sociao-economic growth in education, healthcare system and infrastructural development.

Governor Yusuf set to distribute N3b for flood victims in Kano

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has completed arrangements to flag off distribution of three billion naira (N3b) to victims of flood in last rainy season in the affected areas.

Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf disclosed this while declaring opened the 23rd State Executive Council Meeting held at Kano Government House today.

A statement issued by Governor's spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Wednesday said, Governor Yusuf revealed that the amount was donated by the Federal Government to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory as intervention for the 2024 flood disaster.

The governor further revealed that the money was remitted to the state treasury few months ago in preparation for onward distribution the the affected victims.

He added that the administration kept the money appropriately to identify the real victims who will benefit from the gesture of the Federal Government and ensure produnce, accountability and responsiveness in the process.

"Now that we are ready, we have all the lists of the victims, we know how much each victim will collect, so the distribution will commence," the governor assured.

He said already a main and sub committees for the distribution of the donation were set up and would go accross the 44 local government areas to disburse amount to real victims. Gov. Yusuf affirmed

It could be recalled that National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and  Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) with support from Intentional donor organisations have tracked the areas and people affected by the flood in Kano state.

Garo's Bitter Truth and Kano's Development

By Abba Anwar 

For the first time, yes first time, in this republic, I mean since the restoration of our democracy from 1999 to date, I came across a prominent politician in Kano, blaming our leading politicians in the state, particularly past governors, over non-challant attitudes towards teaming up for the sake of state development. 

Not only that, his worries could be spotted from his face while making the lamentation. To tell his audience, how disturbed he was. This is a straightforward politician WHOSE YES IS ALWAYS YES. And whose type of seriousness and commitment are rarely seen in many political actors. 

It was at an Award Dinner organized by the former Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Right Hon Abdulaziz Gafasa, of the 8th, 9th and 10th Assembly for the APC members of the House, on Sunday, when Murtala Sule Garo, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, 2023 election, spoke out in vivid terms, his concern for the inability of political leaders in the state, in putting heads together for the development of the state.

To display his political maturity going beyond internal ploy and deliberate setbacks, unnecessarily caused within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Garo's foresight sees beyond that. His concern is the state at large. Not who are best fitted for elective political offices in the forthcoming 2027 election. That, to him is secondary. Patriotism at its best form. 

So his piece of advice is for all past governors in the state. You can think of Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in chronological order. May Allah forgive those amongst them who passed away.

He made an important reference point with Zamfara state, when he said, "It is interesting to see that in Zamfara state... past governors come together during events under one platform, for the sake of the development of their state."

"They put aside all political differences and affiliations, even those who differ within the same political party/parties, they put heads together and discuss issues that can bring development to their state," he commended.

"But it is disheartening in the case of Kano...," he lamented, that, "... our parents, our leaders and former governors cannot put heads together and bring to the table, for genuine discussion, what will bring development to the state."

Garo urged them, with an open mind that," They should please, if they truly love Kano, create a viable platform for discussing problems facing our dear state. They should keep aside all their personal interest and face reality."

At the second segment of his remarks, as he described it, he commended the former Speaker, Gafasa, for organizing the Award Dinner, urging all stakeholders to rally round such effort for the strong survival of the party, APC. 

"We should all encourage them for deciding to come together and face Kano's growth and development. When their effort is strengthened and encouraged they will definitely make their initiative to be sustained. Eventually the state will immensely benefit from the process," he observed.

My readers and I, including Garo himself, we all know that, close to those leaders there exist EVIL-MIND individuals pretending to be real, while they are FAKE by whatever standard. Whose end would not be met if those leaders live peacefully with others. So they strive hard to see that internal cohesion and external collaboration are unattainable. 

Such fake individuals do not want to see peace reign even from within, the APC for example. So also there exist same or similar elements within the ranks of other political parties. Probably such situations need the application of reverse psychology. 

Anwar, former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com 

January 7th, 2025

Solid Minerals: Kano Commissioner Cautions Farmers on Selling Farmlands to Foreigners

...Advises LGAs to Enact Bye Laws Against Menace

Directs a Quarry Manager to Report to The Ministry....

Farmers across the state have been urged to desist from selling Farmlands to Foreigners and other individuals with questionable identities.

In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Adamu Dabo Dawakin Tofa, said the appeal follows some reliable reports gathered by the ministry on such trends in some local government areas of the state with particular reference to Shanono local government area.

Commissioner Safiyanu Hamza Kachako at an emergency stakeholders meeting Monday, in the office of the local government council Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Barau, pointed out that an action plan designed by the ministry would soon take effect across the state to ensure only formal mining activities prevail. According to him such plans include the operational commencement of a Task Force to ensure overall sanity in the sector.

He however urged the Council Chairman to provide laws against selling farmlands to foreigners or unknown persons and cooperate fully with the ministry in that direction as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to uplifting the sector for economic growth of the state.

The Council Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Barau who disclosed that plans are underway by the Council to invest in mining within the area also warned the farmers against the attitude and pledged to check the menace in accordance with the local government mandate. He urged the District Head of the area Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Gaya to extend the message to the grassroots.

The District Head thanked the commissioner for convening the emergency community stakeholders meeting and pledged to cooperate accordingly.

Representative of the Divisional Police Officer and that of Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante group and Community development leaders expressed some vital suggestions towards achieving success.

Meanwhile, on the way to Shanono local government area, the Commissioner Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza Kachako paid an impromptu visit to Monkey Rock Quarry in Rimin Gado LGA and directed the Manager to urgently report to the ministry for some briefings.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Engineer Mansur Yakubu, all Directors and some senior officers of the ministry.

Murtala Garo Urges Ex-Governors, Political Leaders to Join Forces for Kano's Growth and Prosperity

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, has called on Kano’s former governors and political leaders to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of the state.

Speaking at a dinner and award night organized by the 8th, 9th, and 10th Kano State House of Assembly Forum, Garo emphasized the critical role unity among leaders can play in accelerating the state’s development.

He stated, “It is disheartening to see states like Zamfara—less developed than Kano—where former governors set aside their differences to attend events and contribute to the state’s progress. Here in Kano, former governors rarely come together to discuss and address issues affecting our state.”

Garo urged former governors to rise above political affiliations and personal differences, adding, “I am appealing to our former governors to collaborate and work closely for the singular goal of moving Kano forward. The collective effort of our leaders is essential to achieving the development our people deserve.”

He further stressed, “If they truly have the interest of Kano State at heart, I urge them to unite. Development cannot happen in isolation. Political leaders must demonstrate their commitment to the growth of our state by working hand in hand, regardless of political differences. Unity is the foundation for lasting progress, and this should be their priority.”

In recognizing the efforts of the event organizers, Garo commended the members of the House of Assembly Forum for their unity and stressed the importance of preserving it.

“I urge politicians to desist from actions that could disrupt the strong bond among the Assembly members. Instead, we should learn from their example. If such unity continues, I have no doubt that Kano will experience unprecedented progress,” he stated.

Murtala Sule Garo’s call for collaboration comes at a time when Kano State’s developmental needs require concerted efforts from leaders across political divides.

The event, attended by prominent party leaders and stakeholders, aimed to strengthen unity within the APC as it prepares for future electoral challenges.

(Nigerian Tracker)