Kano Task Force Offers Rehabilitation to Repentant Drug Addicts, Warns Against Political Interference

The Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has called on individuals involved in drug abuse to renounce the habit, assuring them that the Kano State Government is ready to provide rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment for those willing to embrace a new life.

According to the Secretary of the Committee, Ibrahim Garba Muhammad PhD, Barr. Muhuyi made the declaration on Sunday while addressing participants at a Peace Building Programme organised by the Dorayi Ciranci Youth Development Initiative in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command, in Dorayi, Kano.

He said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to tackling drug abuse through a balanced approach that combines strict law enforcement with rehabilitation and social reintegration.

According to him, while those involved in criminal activities will face the full weight of the law, individuals who genuinely abandon drug abuse will be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

"Our doors are open to anyone ready to repent. We will rehabilitate and empower such individuals to become self-reliant and productive members of society. Beyond enforcing the law, our mission is to restore hope, dignity, and purpose to those determined to change," Barr. Muhuyi stated.

The Task Force Chairman also warned property owners against allowing their buildings to be used for storing or distributing illicit drugs, stressing that any property linked to such activities could have its Certificate of Occupancy revoked in line with existing laws.

He further declared that the Task Force would operate without fear or favour, insisting that political influence or social status would not shield anyone from prosecution.

"The era of political interference is gone. We will not tolerate attempts by politicians or influential individuals to obstruct our operations or secure the release of suspects arrested for drug-related offences. Anyone found culpable will face the consequences of the law," he said.

Barr. Muhuyi reaffirmed the Task Force's commitment to delivering on the mandate given by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through intelligence-led operations, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.

He also praised the organisers of the Peace Building Programme for promoting peace, youth development, and community participation, describing such initiatives as essential in addressing the underlying causes of drug abuse, violence, and other social problems.

The Chairman urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and residents to continue supporting the Task Force by providing credible information and working together to build a safer, drug-free Kano State.

Barr. Muhuyi attended the programme alongside the Commandant of the Task Force and Officer Commanding (OC) Anti-Daba Unit, Kano State Police Command, CSP Bashir Gwadabe.

Kano Governor Yusuf Shortlisted for Africa's SANKOFA Award of Excellence in Infrastructural Development - By Abba Anwar

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf makes a list of potential Awardees across West African sub-region, observed and screened by an African association named Réseau des Jeunes du Sahel pour le Progrès, le Développement et la Démocratie (Network of Sahel Youth for Progress, Development and Democracy), on infrastructural development in their respective states. 

The top most Award from the association, called Sankofa Award of Excellence across various sectors, is given to people or leaders who excel in their respective areas of work or responsibilities. 

With the recent disclosure made by the Commissioner of Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Ma'aji Sumaila, on the state of infrastructural development and payments of contracts in the state, the association included Kano to be part of the states across Nigeria and West African countries, screened for an Award of Excellence. 

Source close to the association reveals that, Governor Yusuf's achievements in the area of infrastructural development, could not be neglected and the Governor stands a better position to be seen and amplified across the globe. As a result of his commitment and service to humanity. 

Parts of the major reasons that informed the association's decision to include Governor Yusuf for Sankofa Award of Excellence for Infrastructural Development in West Africa is his genuine inclusion of infrastructures that are human centred, modern, location specified and standardization process and procedures. 

According to the source, the Screening Committee saddled with the responsibility of selecting qualified personalities across West Africa are in their final stage of releasing the result. Assuring that, under infrastructural development, Kano excels. Though not officially announced. 

When Governor Yusuf gets this Award, he will be the second person from Nigeria who bags the Award. Last year the Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin, PhD, CFR, got the SANKOFA Award for Legislative Excellence in Africa. Coincidentally, Governor Yusuf who is also from Kano state, would be the second Nigerian in this category. 

The President of the association Mr Fassoko Doumbia, from Mali, confirmed to my source that, from all indication, "Kano State Governor, from Nigeria, Mr Abba Kabir Yusuf is in the forefront of those screened for the Award."

With this recognition of excellence, the Award places Governor Yusuf to be one of the best Nigerian governors. And the best across West Africa on infrastructural development. One good thing about the Award is, it will as well serve as an engine oil for state commitment and unwavering service delivery. 

Mr Doumbia reveals further that "... it is amazing looking at the unmatched number of completed and ongoing projects as Kano has 799 completed projects and 709 projects at various stages of completion. It is encouraging to see that Governor Yusuf is executing over 1,508 developmental projects across all 44 LGAs."

What keeps hope and commitment alive are the transparent monitoring, evaluation and effective payment to contractors. Of which out of N928 Billion of the total contract sum, the state has already paid over N600 Billion, that’s 64.7% payment rate. 

Unlike in many states in Nigeria and West Africa. The association believes that Kano institutionalized transparency through the Ministry of Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation. 

 

The screening committee appreciated Kano’s strategic and balanced infrastructure spread, between urban and rural areas plus improved security. For urban renewal it has the sum of N169 Billion. While there are 5km roads in 38 LGAs with the sum of N118 Billion. They appreciated the rural infrastructure across 44 LGAs with the sum of N397 Billion for roads, education, healthcare, and social services. 

While under security infrastructure the total sum of N6.863 Billion for Neighborhood Security Watch offices in 36 LGAs. This assured deliberate, balanced development with value for money, quality delivery, and measurable impact on the lives of the people. All courtesy Governor Yusuf. 

It serves also as indices of how Governor Yusuf makes the list for such Award, that his infrastructures are signals for the delivery of landmark, human-centered projects as Kano completed tangible projects that directly improve lives of the citizenry, with 40 metropolitan roads, 44 PHCs, 120 schools, 5 water plants, with the ongoing Dan Agundi and Tal’udu flyovers at over 80% completion.

It has also been discovered that, Kano enjoys proven technical leadership and political will. Which glaringly displays the political will and technical competence required to drive massive infrastructure without corruption or delays. This is part of the major engagements being identified, which eventually resulted into the popular Sankofa Award of Excellence. 

Anwar writes from Kano 

Saturday, 25th July, 2026

Kano Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Holds Maiden Committee Meeting

The Chairman of the Kano State Special Task Force Committee on Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, today held a strategic meeting with members of the Committee as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and related social vices across the State.

In a statement by the Media and Publicity Unit of the Committee, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders, reviewing the Committee's strategic objectives, and developing effective and sustainable measures to address the growing challenges associated with drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.

Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado emphasized the importance of a coordinated, proactive, and multi-sectoral approach in tackling the menace, stressing the need for stronger synergy among government institutions, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, community stakeholders, and other relevant partners.

He further reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to supporting preventive initiatives, public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, as well as effective strategies aimed at reducing the demand for illicit substances and curbing their trafficking within the State.

The Chairman urged all Committee members to demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and collective responsibility in the discharge of their duties, noting that the success of the Committee would depend largely on effective teamwork, institutional collaboration, and sustained engagement with communities.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the Committee members to work collectively towards building a safer, healthier, and drug-free Kano State.

Governor Yusuf Plans State-Owned Airline to Employ Kano-Sponsored Pilots

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has unveiled plans by his administration to establish a state-owned commercial airline aimed at creating direct employment opportunities for Kano indigenes who have completed their professional pilot training.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

Governor Yusuf made the announcement during the 40th Executive Council Meeting held at the Government House, Kano, where he received multiple awards, including an honour from the Kano State Pilot Association in recognition of his commitment to supporting members of the association to complete their aviation training.

The Governor disclosed that, by the grace of God, the proposed Kano Airline is expected to commence operations within the next one year.

He assured members of the association that the state government would provide all the necessary support to actualise the project and ensure the successful operation of the airline.

Governor Yusuf also expressed satisfaction with the outstanding academic performance of the Kano-sponsored pilots who underwent training in Jordan under a programme initiated by a previous administration.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Pilot Association, Naziru Ibrahim, commended Governor Yusuf for his continued support, particularly in facilitating the revalidation of members’ flying licences.

He appealed to the Governor to further assist the pilots in securing their final certifications, which would qualify them to operate commercial flights both within Nigeria and internationally.

How Northern Nigeria Can End the Out-of-School Children Crisis and Secure Its Future - By Lamara Garba

Former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has called for bold, coordinated and inclusive measures to tackle the growing challenge of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, warning that the crisis poses a serious threat to the region’s social stability, economic growth and long-term development.

Delivering a keynote address at a one-day roundtable conference held at Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, yesterday, Professor Abbas said the challenge has gone beyond being merely an education problem. Rather, it has become a major development and security concern that demands urgent attention from governments, traditional and religious institutions, universities, civil society organisations, development partners and local communities.

The roundtable conference was organised by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as part of its continuing engagement with policymakers, academics and development partners to develop practical strategies for addressing the out-of-school children crisis in Northern Nigeria.

Presenting the paper titled “ _Out-of-School Children in Northern Nigeria: Understanding the Context, Rethinking the Challenge and Charting a Transformative Policy Agenda,”_ the former Vice-Chancellor argued that ending the crisis requires far more than increasing school enrolment.

According to him, lasting success lies in designing practical, context-specific policies that address the diverse circumstances preventing children from accessing education.

He explained that millions of children remain outside the classroom because of poverty, insecurity, displacement, disability, harmful social norms, weaknesses within the education system and inadequate government interventions. 

Professor Abbas noted that treating all out-of-school children as a single, homogeneous group has weakened previous interventions because the barriers confronting different categories of children vary considerably.

Professor Abbas, who also served as Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, identified several categories of out-of-school children requiring targeted interventions. 

These include children who have never enrolled in school, school dropouts, Almajirai and pupils attending traditional Qur’anic schools operating outside integrated education systems, nomadic and pastoralist children, internally displaced children, children living with disabilities, girls denied education because of gender-related barriers, and children engaged in street hawking, domestic service, artisanal work and other forms of child labour.

He stressed that policymakers must abandon one-size-fits-all solutions and instead develop differentiated strategies capable of addressing the unique needs and circumstances of each category of child.

Professor Abbas warned that allowing millions of children to remain outside school would expose society to rising poverty, unemployment, insecurity, crime, violent extremism and social exclusion. He maintained that no society can achieve sustainable development when a significant proportion of its young population is denied access to quality education.

According to him, Northern Nigeria possesses a rich tradition of learning built upon centuries of Islamic scholarship. He emphasised that the current educational crisis should not be interpreted as a rejection of education but rather as evidence of the widening gap between traditional learning systems, modern education and the harsh socio-economic realities confronting many families.

Citing recent global and national statistics, Professor Abbas noted that UNESCO estimates that more than 250 million children and young people are currently out of school worldwide. Nigeria, he said, accounts for over 18 million out-of-school children, with nearly two-thirds residing in the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones.

He maintained that reversing the trend requires strong political will, sustainable financing, institutional reforms, greater community participation and effective collaboration among all stakeholders.

Professor Abbas expressed confidence that, with deliberate and sustained action, Northern Nigeria can transform the current crisis into an opportunity for inclusive human capital development, ensuring that every child—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to quality education and a brighter future.

The roundtable conference brought together academics, policymakers, government officials and development partners to deliberate on practical and sustainable solutions to one of Northern Nigeria’s most pressing educational and development challenges.

NNGF Chairman Inuwa Yahaya Receives Kano Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf in Gombe

The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has received his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Government House, Gombe, where both leaders held a closed-door meeting.

During a brief interaction before the closed door meeting, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya's leadership of the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum and expressed admiration for the scale of infrastructure development he witnessed on his way from the airport to the Government House, 

He noted that Gombe had undergone a significant transformation since his last visit.

"I have seen quite a lot of mind-boggling infrastructure. The last time I came to Gombe, the city was not like this. I am astonished by the level of development that I have seen," Governor Yusuf remarked.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked his Kano counterpart for the visit and appreciated his generous remarks. 

The Gombe Governor was joined by his Deputy,  Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau to receive his visitor.

Gov. Yusuf receives BusinessDay Governor of the Year Award..

… As Kano recognizes as Nigeria’s comparative and investment readiness state 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been honoured with the BusinessDay Newspaper 2026 Governor of the Year Award in recognition of his administration’s achievements in governance, economic development and investment readiness.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

The award was presented on Thursday during the BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum at Lagos Eko Hotel. 

While presenting the award, the Publisher and CEO of the Business Day newspaper Mr. Frank Aigbogun said, Kano Governor is recognized with States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA) as the Governor of the year 2016.

The event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, with the Deputy Governor of Kano State receiving the honour on behalf of Governor Yusuf, was attended by top government officials, including the minister of finance Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other distinguished public and private sector leaders.

In his acceptance speech, delivered by the Deputy Governor, Governor Yusuf described the award as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Kano State Government in delivering people-centred governance and implementing reforms that have repositioned the state for sustainable growth.

He noted that the recognition by one of Nigeria’s foremost business and economic newspapers underscores the impact of his administration’s investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, industrial development and social welfare.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Kano’s position as Northern Nigeria’s commercial hub through policies that promote investment, support small and medium enterprises, modernise markets, enhance agricultural value chains and create employment opportunities for young people.

The Governor dedicated the award to the people of Kano State, members of the State Executive Council, the Legislature, the Judiciary, traditional and religious leaders, civil servants, development partners and the private sector for their support and contributions to the state’s development.

He assured that the recognition would further inspire his administration to deepen transparency, accountability and inclusive governance while delivering more developmental projects that improve the lives of the people.

Gov. Yusuf Restates Commitment to Kano Development Blueprint, Charges APC Executives on Grassroots Mobilisation

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive development blueprint aimed at accelerating Kano State’s socio-economic transformation.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Wednesday.

The Governor stated this on Wednesday during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC)Executives of Polling Unit Associations from the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Yusuf said his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance and improving the lives of the people.

He said the government would not be distracted by political blackmail but would continue to execute projects and programmes that promote economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance public service delivery.

The Governor expressed confidence that the administration’s performance would continue to earn the trust and support of the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the newly inaugurated party executives as the engine room of the APC’s grassroots structure.

Governor Yusuf urged them to remain united and committed to mobilising support for the party in their respective polling units, wards and local governments.

He assured the executives of continued support through empowerment and capacity-building programmes to strengthen the party at the grassroots.

Governor Yusuf expressed optimism that the APC would record overwhelming victories in the 2027 general elections through unity, hard work and sustained engagement with the electorate.

Gov. Yusuf Rewards APC Polling Unit Supporters with 1,540 Plots, ₦100 Million to Boost 2027 Grassroots Mobilisation

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has distributed 1,540 plots of land and a cash grant of ₦100 million to leaders of the APC Polling Unit Supporters Association, popularly known as ’Yan Akwati, as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

The governor announced the support during the official inauguration of the ’Yan Akwati association, describing the polling unit structure as the foundation of the APC’s electoral strength.

Governor Yusuf said empowering grassroots supporters would enhance the party’s mobilisation efforts and guarantee victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, as well as other APC candidates in future elections.

He noted that the re-election of President Tinubu would ensure the continuity of ongoing economic reforms and development initiatives across the country.

According to the governor, the donation of plots of land and the ₦100 million grant is aimed at motivating members of the association and enabling them to effectively coordinate party activities at the polling unit level.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mustapha Hamza Buhari Bakwana, described the intervention as the first phase of a broader strategy to consolidate APC’s grassroots support ahead of the 2027 elections.

He expressed confidence that the ’Yan Akwati network possesses the capacity to mobilise over one million votes for President Tinubu in Kano State.

The event attracted party leaders, political stakeholders and representatives of the association drawn from the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

Gov. Yusuf Launches Grassroots Engagement for APC Victory in Kano

…Galvanizes Support for Tinubu’s Second Term Bid Ahead of 2027

…As APC Cracks Down on Opposition in Kano Through Engagement with Polling Unit Associations

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has launched a strategic grassroots engagement aimed at consolidating the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the party is mobilizing from the polling unit level to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

The governor made the declaration during an interactive session with the leadership and members of the APC Polling Unit Supporters Association, popularly known as ’Yan Akwatina, led by Hon. Najib Abdulkadir Salati.

The association has structures across the 44 local government areas, 484 wards and all polling units in Kano State, making it one of the party’s largest grassroots mobilization platforms.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf said the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 remains the best political opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate the gains of the administration’s economic reforms and accelerated infrastructure development.

He stressed that APC’s grassroots engagement would further strengthen the party’s support base and ensure victory across all elective positions in the state and at the national level.

As part of efforts to empower the association, Governor Yusuf donated plots of land and the sum of ₦100 million to support its activities.

Earlier, the Governor’s Political Adviser, Mustapha Hamza Buhari Bakwana, said the engagement marked the commencement of APC’s grassroots mobilization strategy for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the Polling Unit Supporters Association alone has the capacity to mobilize at least 1,122,200 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the next presidential election.

In his remarks, the leader of the association, Hon. Najib Abdulkadir Salati, commended Governor Yusuf for carrying members of the group along through appointments into positions at the state and local government levels.

He pledged the association’s total commitment to delivering overwhelming victories for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Kano State, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, declared that the party is firmly on course for a landslide victory, insisting that Governor Yusuf’s achievements have significantly weakened the opposition in Kano.

He expressed confidence that the APC would continue to dominate the state’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.