KNSG Reaffirms Commitment To Child Welfare and Development

The Kano State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to child welfare and development through a series of bold initiatives aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, and overall well-being.

In a statement signed by the Director Special Duties of the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, said the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this during a two-day capacity-building workshop for students of Bayero University, Kano, on Social and Behavioral Change for Child Survival and Development workshop organized by the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and held at Bayero University, Kano.

He noted that, as part of efforts to enhance girl-child education, the administration has disbursed direct cash transfers ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦70,000 to schoolgirls, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their education. Additionally, all previously closed girls’ boarding schools have been reopened and are now fully operational, providing a conducive learning environment for young girls in the state.

The Commissioner further stated that the government has procured and renovated school buses for girls to ease their transportation challenges and make education more accessible. Furthermore, over 700,000 primary school children have received free school uniforms, reinforcing the government's commitment to education as a fundamental right for all.

"Recognizing the plight of vulnerable children, the government has taken concrete steps to address the menace of child street begging and wandering. A high-powered committee has been established to tackle this challenge, and as a result, 270 children are now under full government care, receiving rehabilitation and formal education—both Western and Islamic—to secure their future." He added.

Waiya added that, to further support vulnerable families and encourage school enrollment, the state government has launched a ₦50,000 monthly family support program, aimed at empowering families to prioritize their children's education and well-being.

"This workshop comes at a crucial time when we must acknowledge that the survival and healthy development of our children are not just moral imperatives but essential to the future of our state and nation. The Kano State Government remains committed to improving healthcare access, promoting healthy practices, and addressing welfare challenges." Waiya stated.

He emphasized that Social and Behavior Change (SBC) is a transformative strategy that extends beyond individual actions to foster community-wide shifts in norms and practices, ensuring that child survival and development become a shared responsibility.

The Commissioner urged stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, health professionals, and community leaders, to leverage the insights gained from the workshop to drive meaningful behavioral and social change that will benefit Kano’s children now and in the future.

In his remarks, the UNICEF Chief for Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States, Rahma Rihood Muhammed, said UNICEF was established by the United Nations to advocate for the protection of children's rights.

He stated that UNICEF’s key functions in Nigeria include providing education, healthcare, and nutrition services, protecting children, and responding to emergencies.

Also speaking, the Dean of Student Affairs, Bayero University, Kano, Professor Shamsuddeen Umar, thanked the organizers for choosing the university to host the capacity-building workshop. He urged students to remain attentive and committed to acquiring knowledge that would be beneficial to their academic and professional growth.

Kano Govt. Partners With Kano Property Agents To Boost Security, Economy

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has held a strategic meeting with the Kano Property Agents and Development Association to strengthen regulations in the real estate sector for improved security and economic development in the state.

In a statement signed by the Director Special Duties of the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, said during the meeting, the Commissioner emphasized the crucial role of property agents in safeguarding the state’s security and economy. 

He expressed concerns over cases where criminals and terrorists exploit loopholes in the system to rent or purchase properties for unlawful activities. 

 The Commissioner stressed the need for a legal framework that will guide the operations of real estate agents and landlords to prevent such security threats.

Comrade Waiya further highlighted that the Ministry of Information has a dedicated Department of Internal Affairs, responsible for engaging with associations whose activities impact the public directly. He assured that the government is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure proper regulation of property transactions in the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Kano Property Agents and Development Association, Alhaji Isa Jibrin Isa, commended the Commissioner for his commitment to improving the sector. He pledged the association’s full support in collaborating with the government to sanitize the industry, ensuring transparency and compliance with security measures.

Alhaji Isa also raised concerns about the increasing number of individuals engaging in property transactions without registering with the association. He called on the government to introduce necessary reforms that will regulate the sector and enhance professionalism.

The chairman stated that the engagement between Kano State Government and the Association marks a significant step toward ensuring a safer and more organized real estate sector in the state.

Speaker Abbas’s aide distributes 250 JAMB forms to Dala Students

Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim, a senior legislative aide to the Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has distributed two hundred and fifty Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to students in Kano State.

The distribution exercise was held at Mubayya House in Kano on Monday.

The beneficiaries were drawn from twelve wards of Dala Local Government of Kano State.

Distributing the forms to the selected student, Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim said that the idea was conceived out of his passion to give back to his society, saying the gesture was meant to help the less privileged.

He said that plans are in the pipeline to introduce an educational fund which will support students in Dala Local Government Area.

Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim said, “First of all, I found it proper that we all have a responsibility in one way or the other to contribute to the educational development of our local government in particular and our dear state in general. 

“It is my belief that certain educational attainment has the power to make sure that the people of Dala local government compete effectively with their peers from other local governments in the state and then excel in their fields of endeavors.  

“To wall this talk, I decided to distribute 250 JAMB forms to less privileged students in Dala Local Government. Our investment in education will not stop here. We will follow up this gesture with other measures to ensure that the selected students get admitted into the universities of their choice.”

However, the aide said that he has made arrangements to ensure that the beneficiaries get admitted into the universities of their choice.

He added, “We are planning to offer scholarships to some of the students thereafter. This will come at intervals.

“This exercise is an attempt in our own small way to emulate the humanistic projects executed by some progressive politicians in Kano State like the member representing Bichi Federal constituency, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, who is doing everything possible to make his local government educationally advanced.”

The event was attended by the Dala APC chairman, Munir Haruna, party elders, former chairmen and councilors, former chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the local government, among others.

Your performance is outstanding, Kano ex-lawmakers tell Sen Barau

Hundreds of former Kano State House of Assembly members, under the aegis of the Kano Ex-legislators Forum, have commended the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin , describing him as an outstanding lawmaker.

In a statement signed by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, said the former lawmakers from across the state's three Senatorial Districts said the various interventions of the Deputy President of the Senate in the health, education, agriculture, economy,power and transportation sectors,among others are positively impacting the lives of the people in Kano State.

Describing him as the Messiah of the people of the state, the former lawmakers expressed optimism that Senator Barau's agricultural initiative would restore the glorious days of the North West geopolitical zone.

Speaking on behalf of the forum during a courtesy call to the Deputy President of the Senate at the National Assembly, Abuja, Honourable Yusuf Ibrahim Lajawa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the North West Development Commission (NWDC) following a bill sponsored by Senator Barau.

Lajawa, who represented Wudil State Constituency of Kano State (2003-2007), said Senator Barau's loan scheme, tagged Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in North West (BIARN), will go a long way in addressing the challenges facing the region.

Last week, Senator Barau unveiled BIARN to give loans to 558 young farmers in the 186 local government areas of the North West geopolitical zone in partnership with a national financial institution.

 

" You are the Messiah not only to our state but the North. As you know, we are local and grassroots politicians, and we are here to tell you what our people are saying. They are happy with you, and they are praying for your success, " he said.

Other forum members, including Hon. Saidu Garba Zugachi (Gabasawa -1999 to 2007) and Comrade Alhasan Uba Idris ( Dala -2003 to 2007), the forum's chairman, corroborated Lajawa's statement, saying the selling point of the Deputy President of the Senate was his outstanding performance in the Senate since 2015, when he was first elected to represent Kano North Senatorial District.

Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate thanked the former lawmakers. 

"Parliamentarians are grassroots people, and they know what is suitable for our people. Whatever we do, our state and country are at the top of our agenda. This is our preoccupation. We will continue to work to address the challenges facing our people and country," he said.

Kabir Abubakar Foundation Issues Appointment and Salary Upgrade Letters to 318 Teachers

The Kabir Abubakar Foundation, under the leadership of Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, a member of the House of Representatives for Bichi Federal constituency, has issued appointment letters to the newly 200 employed and salary upgrade letters to 118 existing teachers

Dr. Habibu Usman Abdu, the head of the education committee of the Kabir Abubakar Foundation, stated this while addressing newsmen during the grand occasion held at Bichi.

Dr. Habibu pointed out that with the employment of the new teachers by the foundation, the total number of teachers has now reached 318.

According to him, the newly employed teachers will be posted to primary schools, secondary schools, and Islamic schools in the entire Bichi Local Government.

He noted that since the year 2020, the education committee being sponsored by the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has employed 106 teachers that have been teaching in Bichi, which later increased to 118.

The chairman also recalled that in October 2024, the member of the House of Representatives, Honorable Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, increased the salary of the employed teachers from 18,000 Naira to 60,000 Naira, which is a 333 percent increment.

On the employment of new teachers, the chairman of the education committee, Dr. Habibu added that Honorable Abubakar Kabir Abubakar directed the foundation to also employ an additional 200 new teachers due to the shortage of teachers in the constituency.

Accordingly, the breakdown for the employment of the teachers by the foundation is as follows:

A. Islamic Teachers: 50 

B. Primary School Teachers: 130 

C. Upper Basic School Teachers: 98

D. Senior Secondary School Teachers: 40

The chairman of the education committee further said the total number employed by the foundation to improve the quality of learning in Bichi is 318, comprising 196 males and 122 females, hence the issuance of their appointment letters today, including that of salary upgrade.

Rep Committee Chairman Calls for Sensitization Workshop for Muslim Lawmakers

Abuja – The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Traditional Institutions, Hon. Ari Muhammad Abdulmumin, has called on the Chairman of the National Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidi’a Wa Ikamatussunnah (JIBWIS) to organize a sensitization workshop for all Muslim members of the National Assembly.

Hon. Abdulmumin made the appeal at the JIBWIS Annual National Convention and the launch of the N1.5 billion Educational Development Appeal Fund, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Center in Abuja.

He emphasized that as representatives of their various constituencies, lawmakers are not superior to other members of society but are only privileged by the opportunity given to them by Almighty Allah.

The federal lawmaker stressed that Islam places a high priority on learning, underscoring the importance of knowledge in governance and leadership. 

He noted that acquiring at least a basic understanding of Islamic principles would enable Muslim lawmakers to serve their people more effectively.

Hon. Abdulmumin also urged his Muslim colleagues to always act in accordance with the teachings of Islam in their legislative duties.

He commended the leadership of JIBWIS for their relentless efforts and sacrifices in promoting the development of Islam across the country.

BREAKING: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role. 

His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.

From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

 In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate. 

His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.

In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).

His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.

Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.

As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG. 

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

Gov. Yusuf Approves Composition of Kano Consumer Protection Council

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council, (KSCPC) a decisive move aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers across the state. 

This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday.

The newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.

The members of the council include 

1-Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman 

2-Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the Executive Secretary. 

Other key members include:

3-Hon. Ibrahim Ahmad Gama – Member Representing Kano Central

4-Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi – Member Representing Kano North

5-Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado – Member Representing Kano South

6-Alhaji Munzali Abubakar – Representative of Business Community I (Kantin Kwari Market)

7-Ali Muhammad Adakawa – Representative of Business Community II (Kwanar Singa)

8-Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi – Representative of Business Community III (Dawanau Market)

9-Sani Gambo – Representative of Business Community IV (Abubakar Rimi Market)

10-Barr. Halima Yahuza Ahmad – Representative of Ministry of Justice

11-Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad – Representative of Ministry of Health

12-Aminu Gidado Yushe’u – Representative of Ministry of Environment

13-Bashir Shehu Gezawa – Representative of Ministry for Local Government

14-Maryam Halilu Haruna (Director Special Duties) – Representative of Ministry of Women Affairs

15-Bashir Uba (Director Investment) – Representative of Ministry of Investment/Commerce

16-Engr. Faisal Mahmud – Representative of Ministry of Transportation (Agency)

17-Umar Zubairu – Representative of Special Service Directorate

19-Barr. Shamsu Jibrin – Secretary/Legal Adviser

Governor Yusuf emphasized that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure businesses operate under fair, transparent, and lawful conditions. 

This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence, and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.

The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.

Gara Gombe dares Nilayo Sports Management over defamation claim

Renowned Sports entrepreneur, Administrator Hon. Shuaibu Ahmed Gara Gombe says his message on his Facebook page handle was not to defame Bukola Olopade and Nilayo Sports Management Limited in any way.

Instead, it was just to tell the company to go and answer before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), the petition he wrote about the alleged diversion of sponsorship fees by Olopade and Nilayo Management Ltd meant for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN.

Nilayo Sports Management Company Limited, organizers of the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, had threatened to drag Alhaji Gara Gombe to court for alleged defamation.

The company, until recently owned by Bukola Olawale Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), alleged that Alhaji Gara Gombe, who is also the Chairman of Gombe Athletics Association, made defamatory statements against the company in a Live Facebook video.

"The allegations you published meant and were understood to mean that our client is fraudulent, conspires to commit fraud, dishonest and guilty of all allegations,' wrote Nilayo Sports Management company's lawyer to Alhaji Gara Gombe.

Nilayo Sports Management Ltd is consultant to the AFN and brokered the deal between the Federation and Premium Trust Bank.

In response to the letter from Nilayo Sports Management Ltd's lawyer, a defiant Alhaji Gara Gombe insists he has only asked the company to go an answer to his petition before the EFCC after Olopade failed twice to report to the invitations of the anti-graft agency.

Sometimes last year, Alhaji Gara Gombe says he petitioned the EFCC citing unwholesome practices in the execution of the agreement.

In the petition, he asked the EFCC to probe Olopade (who brokered the deal at the time) and Nilayo Sports Management Ltd to reveal the bank account used to warehouse the sponsorship fees of N100 million naira paid, especially, for the first year of sponsorship following an AFN Audit Committee report and admission by the former Secretary General of the AFN, Ms Rita Mosindi that the money was not paid into an SPV account specifically mentioned in the agreement.

'Article 4, sub-section 4.4 of the contract was specific on this and it says thus: During the performance of this Agreement, an SPV account must be opened with Broker (Nilayo) and AFN as 

signatories.'

Alhaji Gara Gombe also wrote in the petition that EFCC should look at how the money was disbursed, including how the broker, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd was paid its commission of N30 million naira, being 30% of the contract sum per year.

'Olopade and Nilayo Sports Management company should also explain why the N30m commission out of the yearly N100m sponsorship fee was removed before releasing N70m to an account other than the one the agreement insisted the money must be paid into,' says Alhaji Gara Gombe, saying the payment did not follow the terms of the agreement.

'Article 4.11 of the agreement is also clear on how the broker should be paid,' says Alhaji Gara Gombe.

 

The article says thus: 'During the performance of this Agreement, the Sponsor (Premium Trust Bank) has no financial obligation to Broker. The Broker shall be entitled to a yearly fee/commission which shall be paid through the SPV account to the tune of agreed percentage between AFN and the broker (Nilayo).

Alhaji Gara Gombe also revealed that article 5.1 of the agreement also specified, in clear terms, who should pay the money.

'It shall be the responsibility of the AFN to pay the broker’s fee/commission stated in the preceding paragraph.'

'These are clarifications Olopade and Nilayo are expected to make at the EFCC and that is what I have asked them to do. I never categorically said they have diverted any fund. Let them just explain why the terms of the agreement were not followed in this case and let the EFCC decide whether it is right to violate terms of agreement, especially when it bothers on money,' added Alhaji Gara Gombe. 

Alhaji Gara Gombe says it is the duty of Olopade and Nilayo to ensure the term of the agreement between Premium Trust Bank and the AFN were not violated at any point during the pendency of the agreement. 

'Article 4, sub-section 4.1 of the agreement titled: Guarantees and commitments is clear on this and it reads inter-alia:

 

'The Broker hereby guarantees to ensure that: During the performance of this Agreement, the broker must, at any time, ensure adherence of parties to the terms, conditions and obligations under this agreement and ensure compliance with relevant rules, regulations

NSSF lines up sports competitions for secondary schools nationwide

The Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) has lined up sporting activities for secondary schools aimed at developing and improving the skills of students across the country.

The NSSF's President Olabisi Joseph said from next week February 10, invited secondary schools from 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja would converge in Lagos for Swimming and chess championships while Milo stakeholders Forum meeting and administrative seminar will follow up.

She dropped this hints while briefing newsmen in Lagos ahead of the tournaments.

Olabisi Joseph explained that the federation has been working round the clock with other sponsors aimed complementing Government efforts in the promotion and develop various sporting events in the country.

"We are excited to collaborate with Lago's state Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) in organizing the national board games. This competition is a platform for pupils to showcase their talents and develop essential life skills,'' she explained.

''The championship is taking place at the National Stadium swimming pool, Surulere, Lago's from February 13rd and 14th2025 and students would complete in under-18 and 15 boys and girls categories for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly 50 metre, 200 metre and 200 metre respectively.

While the chess competition is among the students of Under-9, 12, 15 and 18 categories at Universal Basic Education Board Hall, Maryland, Lagos from February 10th and 11th.

The president hinted that the administrative seminar will be conducted on February 12 at the NSSF secretariat, national stadium, Surulere while Milo secondary schools basketball stakeholders Forum meeting will hold on February 13rd, 2025 at the same venue.

Olabisi Joseph however, expressed gratitude to the entire executive members, the state sports coordinators and other stakeholders, federal and state governments for their unflinching support and cooperation to the NSSF, assuring that the leadership of the federation will continue to do it's best towards the overall development of various sporting events countrywide.