Kano Governor's College Old Students Association To Hold 15th Anniversary

The Governor's College Old Students Association in Kano is set to hold its 15th anniversary, themed "Kwankwaso Dream, Our Reality". 

Briefing the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda on the up- coming programme at his office, the Secretary General of the association Aminu Bashir Idris said the event aims to celebrate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's contributions to education in the state. 

In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, said, Aminu Bashir recalled that during his tenure as governor, Kwankwaso prioritized students' welfare, providing a solid foundation for their educational careers, and even sponsoring some to study abroad.

He explained that key highlights of the anniversary include celebrating Kwankwaso's legacy by bringing together old students to share memories of Kwankwaso's contributions to education in Kano State.

Aminu disclosed that students from other mega schools established by the former Governor like First Lady College, Mariri would attend the programme to share their experiences on the Kwankwaso's education programmes.

".So, we really think that as products of Governor's College, we have a lots to say about Kwankwaso's contributions to educational development in Kano, that is why we are organizing this anniversary and going to be one of its kind " he maintained.

Also speaking, the President of the association Ahmad AB Sa'id said the program will also serve as a platform to discuss challenges facing the college.

Ahmed revealed that the anniversary would be an exciting reunion for old students, providing an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate their alma mater's achievements.

He commended the good foresight of the Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for initiating sound educational policies targeted towards addressing problems surrounding the state education sector.

Receiving the members, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, has assured the association of the government's commitment to providing sound education and support for the anniversary program.

Dr. Ali Haruna said arrangements had been concluded by the government for the general renovations of some dilapidated secondary schools in the state.

" I want to inform you that Kano State Executive Council has already approved general renovation of First Lady College, while for the Governor's College, even before you come to this office, I personally planed to go to the school and see what is needed to improve learning and teaching in the school " Said Makoda.

He therefore thanked the members for the visit which he described as timely.

Sardaunan Kasar Hausa Maituta Confers Title of Santurakin Sardaunan Hausa on Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa

In a significant ceremony held in Daura, Honourable Alhassan Ado Doguwa OON, Sardaunan Kasar Hausa Maituta, conferred the prestigious title of Santurakin Sardaunan Hausa upon Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa. 

This honour was bestowed upon him mere hours after Honourable Doguwa himself received the esteemed title of Sardaunan Kasar Hausa Maituta from the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk Umar OON.

The turbanning ceremony underscores the esteemed recognition of Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa's redpect and loyalty s and commitment to the HonourableDoguwa, as well as his dedication to upholding the values and traditions of the Hausa heritage. 

As Santurakin Sardaunan Hausa, he is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting Honourable Doguwa's initiatives and promoting the welfare of the people, and any other assignment assing to him by Saradaunan ƙasar Hausa Maituta

This development further solidifies the strong bond between the leadership and the community, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in advancing the interests of the region.

The Santuraki Title is a title which is conferred to a trust Ally and confident.

NSSF summons meeting ahead basketball conferences in four states

The President of the Nigerian Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph has invited four hosting states ahead of the 25th edition of Nestle Milo basketball championship for boys and girls categories from April 23rd to 25th in Lagos.

The four hosting state include Kano, Oyo, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja while the grand final stage of the championship will be play in Lagos later in the year.

A statement signed by the NSSF's Secretary General, Ola Funsho Usman PhD and made it available to newsmen, said the president directed to invite the state coordinators to ascertain and discuss the level of preparations aimed at ensuring a befitting and hitch free conferences.

The President assured that the federation will continue to do their best towards promoting and development of various sporting events in the state and the country at large.

While expressing appreciation to the National Sports Commission, the sponsors of basketball, Nestle Milo company, 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja as well as other stakeholders for their positive contribution and support, she called for more partnership with multiple corporate bodies and government at all level towards engaging the teeming youth through sporting competitions and academically.

The statement then announced that Kano state will run Savannah Conference from May 2nd to 9th, the Central conference from May 10th to 17th in Abuja, Atlantic conference is from 20th to 27th while Western conference will take place from May 28th to June 4th in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Athletics: NGO issues 14- day Ultimatum to MTN, MoC, Nilayo, AFN, Others to Pay Athletes or Face Litigation

The hierachy of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative, an NGO reputed in fighting for athletes welfare and transperency in sports have issued a 14-day ultimatum to MTN, Making of Champions, Nilayo sports marketing company, AFN and Premium Trust Bank to quickly facilitate athletes payments to winners of the Marathon races they sponsored and organized.

In a strong statement issued by the Chairman, CEO and Board of Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative Hon Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe aveered that it is criminal for companies to collect funds from sponsors for competitions and refused to pay athletes their cash prices.

An NGO registered by law to promote accountability,  transperency and good governance and to ensure the welfare of athletes, sportsmen, coaches, officials in the sports industry without limitation cannot watch while athletes are allegedly openly robbed and short changed.

The NGO is therefore, calling on the aforementioned  business brands, Agencies to urgently facilitate the payment of Athletes as they have only 14 days to clarify reasons winners of these events and participating athletes, some of whom are foreign athletes from  Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda etc.. have not been paid or received their cash prices for over one year and more after the competition was held.

Fortunately, eyewitness account of open confessions by affected athletes both local and foreign are already in our custody.

"Sadly, the name of Nigeria is been tagged as 419 county because they took part in the competitions and have not been paid.

Nigeria athletes who they described as Local athletes have also not been paid.

Some were paid in bits , others have not been paid fully.

Some since 2021-2022 some were  paid for one year, others within the period of six months and one year have not been paid.

We,  at this juncture are calling on the Sponsors and organizers to within 14 days pay these athletes or face civil litigation leading to criminal prosecution,  because it is criminal to collect money for an event, organize it and not pay winners and participants.

We are again calling on the Sponsoring companies to always scrutinize these organizers for transperency and accountability."

The Statement further read thus:.

"Incidentally, MTN, a Telecommunication Company and sponsor of Making of Champions (MoC) athletics events last year (2024) in Jos,  where Plateau, Gombe and other states participated and won medals yet have not been paid their winning prices.

MoC made promises to them on Transportation, logistics and Feeding etc. We were reliably informed that MTN have settled the MoC, the organisers, and a certain Deji Aliu was allegedly responsible for the act of omission.

We give MTN/MoC 14 days to clarify their positions, else, we will approach the Court on this matter".

Secondly, Winners of the 10km Abeokuta Marathon event organized by Nilayo Marketing company under Bukola Olopade have not been paid.

Thirdly, the Abuja half  Marathon  21km, sponsored by Premium Trust Bank organized by same Nilayo Marketing company under Bukola Olopade now Director General of National Sports Commission (NSC) winners both local and foreign athletes are yet to collect their winning cash prices.

Curiously, the Abuja international Marathon 41km which have Kenyans, Ethiopians etc, winners have not been paid, in fact,  this one is painful because outside Nigeria, it has been condemnation all through, describing the country and its  people as unreliable and 419 County.

Heritage half Marathon 21km organized by Nilayo Marketing company under Bukola Olopade between 2021-2022, athletes remain unpaid.

We are calling on all organizers including the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) who owes and regulates the competitions to state how much this organizers paid to AFN as the federation is entitled to certain percentage of revenue from all Marathons organized in Nigeria.

We also demand to know which bank account AFN paid the money expectedly collected from sponsors of these Marathon events. 

Sponsors who have been dolling out funds to organizers without accountability would be joined in the suit to account for their credibility.

Athletes must receive their rewards, Cash and other prizes for their hard work.

We can't sit and watch athletes being robbed or short-changed, that was what brought down the credibility and trust between the corporate world and sports industry in Nigeria.

We repeat, You have 14 days to react or face litigation in an unprecedented manner from our stable"

Runsewe lauds R & A for donations of golf equipment to NGF

Olusegun Runsewe, the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), has expressed gratitude to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), Scotland for their donation of golf equipment to the NGF.

Runsewe made the remarks during the unveiling of the golf equipment at the Golf and Health Signature in Abuja

The NGF President noted that the equipment worth would go a long way in ensuring the growth and development of the sport at the grassroots.

He expressed his appreciation to the R & A for the kind donations, promising that the donated items would be put to good use.

"As of today, there is no single golfer representing Nigeria in the Masters Open in Augusta.

"But I promise you that from what we have started here today, in the next two years, you will start to hear about the Okafors, the Chidinmas, the Abubakars, the Olademejis, just like you hear in international football," he said.

He also shared his long-term vision, which focuses on budding talent discovery and encouraging more female participation in the sport.

"The entire Europe has one of the best youth golf development programmes in the history of the world.

"As a matter of fact, over 23 per cent of golfers in the U.S. now are ladies and young children.

"Our projection is to take ladies and youth participation in golf to at least 15 per cent in Nigeria.

"With renewed support from international bodies such as R & A and a clear roadmap for development such as what we have at the NGF, we are positioning golf for a stronger future.

"Our goal is not just to grow the sport locally, but to also nuture champions who can compete on the global stage," he said.

Runsewe who doubles as a Board of Trustees member at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja, said he would not relent in his efforts to make golf a leading sport in the country, adding that plans were ongoing to sponsor some talents for golf training programmes abroad.

He added that part of his goal was to create a new economy around golf, leveraging the estimated $4 billion expected to circulate in African golf in 2025.

Earlier, Shola Fayoyiwa, a deputy director in the NSC, who represented Dikko, said Runsewe's dedication to promoting golf at the grassroots level has been evident in his initiatives to increase participation and develop the sport nationwide.

Fayoyiwa noted that the NGF's efforts in revitalising the game of golf in Nigeria and making the country to be competitive and global golf stage, and preparing the country to reap the benefits of international golf tournaments and investments was highly commendable.

"Before we have anybody representing the country at the international level, we must identify them.

"Also, if we want to identify any talents at the grassroots, we must have the equipment.

"So, we are at the NSC are excited about what the NGF is doing to attract the attention of the international community to the grassroots development of golf in the country.

"The donation by the R & A is a welcome development and one we encourage other federations to explore as we look forward to more collaborations and sponsorships from other international bodies in this regard," Dikko said.

Other NGF board members and stakeholders present at the ceremony also corroborated the President’s views on the need for grassroots development of the sport in the country.

They noted that NSC's commendation further validates and acknowledges Runsewe's efforts to promote golf development in Nigeria.

Other stakeholders at the ceremony were the NGF Vice President and Captain of GEJ Golf Club, AVM B.D. Solomon, Mrs Ekanem Ekwueme, the AACT Trustee for the West & Central Africa, Mrs Bose Ngozi Onwuegbu, the South West zonal representative at the NGF, and a representative of the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Evelyn Oyome.

The rest were; Ali Peters, the Vice Captain, and representative of the Captain of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Maj.- Gen. Samson Jiya, the representative of the Captain of I.E. Ibas Golf Club, Rear Admiral Julius Nwagwu, Maryam Shehu, a member of IBBIGCC, and Monday Itiola, the NGF Secretary-General

Stakeholders advocate inclusive opportunities for children with special needs

Child right advocates, educators and caregivers have called for inclusive opportunities for children living with autism and other special needs to enable them achieve their full potential and contribute to society.

The stakeholders made the call at a “Meet and Greet’ event in Abuja.

It was an occasion to celebrate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a 15-year-old Nigerian autistic artist who recently broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Largest Painting, as the latest world’s largest art canvas by an individual.

Tagbo-Okeke had on April 2, unveiled the awe-inspiring canvas titled: “Impossibility is a Myth,” measuring 12,303 square meters, surpassing a previous 9,652 square meter record held by Emad Salehi.

The event, tagged “The Back-Story”, brought together representatives of civil society groups, artistes, stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, and friends and family of the ace artist.

According to the stakeholders, while Tagbo-Okeke is being celebrated for his ingenuity and exceptional feat in arts, there is a need to reflect on the challenges children with special needs face in Nigeria.

Mohammad Sulaiman, President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), said the association was offering equal opportunities for talented young artistes to thrive irrespective of their background.

He, however, lamented that both government and relevant institutions have not realised the place of the artists in nation building. Hence, they provide little or no support for them.

“I would want to say that this actually marks the beginning of a very eventful period in Nigeria’s art life.

However, what Nigeria has not done, unfortunately, is that it has not been deliberate about looking at arts.

“The government must be very deliberate especially in these unique areas that are beginning to make impact, like autistic ones, and put funds into those areas,” he said.

Helen Neete, an art instructor, said many Nigerians still have little or no knowledge of the Autism spectrum, and therefore have a polarised view of autistic children.

“I believe that these individuals are specially touched by God, and I don’t think they have special needs.

“I think they have special abilities, and each of them has his own form of expression; for some, it’s music, for others , it’s writing, and then those in visual art.

“One of the reasons why individuals on the spectrum are pushed aside is the lack of sensitisation and awareness in our society.

“Nobody goes into motherhood or parenthood thinking that they will have a child on the spectrum, and many people don’t even ask if this happens to me. What do I do?

“So when you are just faced with this individual, and you don’t know what to do, so the first thing to do is that we as a society we have to educate ourselves,” she said.

Also, the mother of the young artist, Dr Sylvia Tagbo-Okeke, said children with special needs require individualised care, attention, and accommodations for them to feel included and motivated to manifest their God-given talents.

According to her, the journey of her son to stardom was that of resilience, determination, and sacrifices by the family.

She therefore called on parents with autistic children not to give up ,adding that society, especially in the Nigerian setting, needs to be more empathetic and understanding with children who have special needs.

“For parents that have special needs children, I always tell them never to give up on their child or lose hope.

“No matter how bad, if you keep at it, if you are patient, if you show love, at least they will be able to move from a point A point B and to a point C.

“You will deal with stigmatisation, discrimination, and with people that do not have empathy because in this society, you have the good, the bad, and the ugly.

“For us as a family, we have met some good people as well that have encouraged us, and then we have met some very bad ones that have made us feel very bad.

“But what we decided is that, we are not going to dwell on those bad, because we have a motto that autism is not a tragedy, Ignorance is”, she said.

KHAIRUN Launches Female Students’ Masjid

In a significant step towards promoting spiritual development and discipline, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Kano (KHAIRUN), has officially commissioned a new Masjid dedicated to its female students.

Speaking at the occasion held earlier, the University Management highlighted that the Masjid was established to encourage congregational prayers, provide a space for Islamic discussions and preaching, as well as to help regulate students’ movements in line with the university’s policy of prioritizing students’ welfare and safety—especially for female students.

A statement signed by the acting director of corporate affairs and marketing directory of the university, Bilal Dahiru Tijjani, said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, along with other principal officers, was in attendance and wished all female students the very best as they took full advantage of this important milestone.

EFCC dragged to Court over refusal to investigate AFN President, former Scribe Mosindi and NSC DG, Olopade

The Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to investigate the petition filed by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative over allegation of misappropriation, diversion of funds.

Further in its petition the NGO alleged corruption in the AFN levelled against the AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, former Secretary General, Rita Mosindi, and Bukola Olopade who is now the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC.

In the writ of summons made available to our correspondent, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration by the Federal High Court that, in pursuant to section 6 (b) and (h) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, the EFCC (the first defendant) has a mandatory duty to investigate all reported cases of economic and financial crimes.

The plaintiff is also seeking the leave of the court to declare that the EFCC's failure to conduct and conclude investigations on his petition dated 15th April 2024 is a dereliction of EFCC's statutory duty.  

The plaintiff is therefore seeking an order compelling the EFCC to commence and conclude investigations on his Petition as well as order compelling the AFN (second defendant) to assist the EFCC in the investigation of its Petition.

Also, the plaintiff is seeking an order of the Federal High Court to suspend Okowa and Mosindi as President and Secretary General from their offices during the period of the investigations as well as another order compelling Olopade to step aside as Director General of NSC during the period of the investigations and 'until such time the EFCC concludes its investigations on the Petition.

In its statement of claim, the Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative, relying on the Audit Committee Report by the AFN and the Contractual Agreement between the AFN and Premium Trust Bank published in the Audit Committee Report, wants the EFCC to investigate why N70m was reportedly paid to AFN despite having a N100m a year contractual agreement with the AFN.

It claims this is contrary to the terms of agreement between the AFN and Premium Trust Bank which says the sponsorship money should be deposited in a special account set up for the purpose of the agreement and that it is from there payment of any of sort, including the N30m yearly commission to Olopade whose company, Nilayo Sports Management Company, acted as consultant to the AFN.

'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),' read article 4.11 of the Agreement. 

The Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative also wants the EFCC to investigate how AFN president, Okowa paid himself (as the approving authority as contained in the AFN Constitution, 2017 and 2023 as amended) N40m for a purported loan he gave to the Federation without any agreement signed to that effect and which the (former) Secretary General confirmed in the Audit Report.

'There was no written agreement, but it was discussed in one of the Board meetings, that since there was delay in starting the competitions for the year, the President could fund some of the competitions to kickstart the activities of the year and will be reimbursed,' Mrs Mosindi (Secretary General) wrote in response to the AFN Audit Committee query but failed to provide the Minutes of the Meeting where it was mentioned and dicussed.

The purported loan was spent before the signing of the Agreement and article 3.1 was clear on what the sponsorship fee was meant for: 'The events shall cover all AFN organized or participated programs as agreed and designated by the AFN and the Sponsor.

It wants the EFCC to investigate which bank account the N70m was paid into by the broker (Nilayo Sports Management) since the (former) Secretary General admitted in writing in the Audit Report that the Special Bank Account as contained in the Agreement was yet to be opened.

' An SPV account is still underway to warehouse the Premium Trust money, we are still working on it with the Consultant to finalize the opening of the account,' Mrs Mosindi also wrote in another response to a query by the AFN Audit Committee after the N70m has been paid into an unknown account and spent.

Article 4.4 of the Agreement was clear on this: 'During the performance of this Agreement, an SPV account must be opened with Broker (Nilayo) and AFN as signatories.'

The Plaintiff says it was forced to take this action in furtherance of one of its registered objectives which is 'to initiate actions in public interest and welfare of Sports men and women in Nigeria.'

Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiatives

KHAIRUN VC Condoles Governor Dikko Radda over the loss of his mother

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulrashid Garba, has extends his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, over the death of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barebari.

Professor Abdulrashid Garba who described the governor's mother's death as a great loss not only to his family but to the entire people of Katsina State and the country at large.

"On behalf of the Senate, management, staff, and students of the university, we pray to Allah (SWT) to grant her Aljannatul Firdaus and give the Governor, his family, and loved ones the strength to bear this loss.''

In a message by the head of corporate affairs and marketing department of the university, Bilal Dahiru Tijjani, the vice chancellor says he shares in the grief of the Governor and his family.

He also prayed that Allah will comfort him, his immediate and extended families as well as all that are bereaved.

2024/2025 3rd Term Academic Session: Primary, Post Primary Schools Resume Sunday 6th and Monday 7th April 2025 In Kano.

Kano State Government has announced Sunday 6th April, 2025 as the resumption date for all Boarding Public/Private Primary and Post Primary Schools in the State for the commencement of 2024/2025 third term academic session.

While Pupils and Students in Day schools across the state are to resume on Monday 7th April 2025 respectively. 

A statement by the Director Public Enlightenment of the State Ministry of Education Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, calls on Parents/Guardians of Students to take note of the resumption date to ensure total compliance. 

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Education Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda stressing that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against defaulting Students/Pupils.

He advised Students to avoid bringing any illegal items such as knife, razor or illicit drugs to school and remain law abiding to succeed in their study.

Dr. Ali Makoda further urged academic and non academic staff to report to their respective schools for their official duties, stressing that the present administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is fully committed towards achieving access to quality education in the state.

" The Government of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf will continue to do everything possible in creating conducive learning environment to enable our students excel in their academic pursuit " said the statement.

The Commissioner however, wished both the students, pupils and their teachers for a successful new term, pointing out that the ministry would embark on routine monitoring exercise to ensure staff punctuality and efficiency.