Abba Kabir Yusuf (Gida-Gida)

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Government has refuted claims that it secured a new external loan of $6.6 million under the current New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) administration.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director General of the State Public Debt Management Office, Hamisu Sadi Ali, described the allegation as false and politically driven.

The claim was made by a group known as the APC Patriotic Volunteers, which alleged that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s government had taken a fresh loan within two years of assuming office—an allegation earlier reported by the Daily Nigerian on June 11, 2025.

Sadi Ali dismissed the report, insisting that the present administration had not contracted any new domestic or external loans since coming into power.

“Since the inception of the NNPP-led administration till today, the Kano State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has not taken a single fresh loan,” he said.

He clarified that the government is still servicing loans inherited from the previous All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, which he described as a “wasted” eight-year period under former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The debt office boss also criticised Usman Alhaji, the leader of the APC group and former Secretary to the State Government, questioning his understanding of the 2021 law that established the State Public Debt Management Office—a law signed during the APC administration.

“If he claims ignorance of the law, we must remind him of Section 4(b), which empowers the State Debt Management Office to borrow on behalf of the government—under strict procedures and documentation,” Sadi Ali said.

He challenged the group to provide verifiable evidence from the Federal Debt Management Office in Abuja to back their claims.

“They should provide the name of the creditor, the subsidiary loan agreement, the purpose of the loan, the amortisation schedule, and whether it is a multilateral or bilateral loan,” he added.

Sadi Ali emphasised that the public can now differentiate between facts and political propaganda, adding that Governor Yusuf remains committed to fulfilling his mandate without being distracted by baseless accusations.

By Uzair Adam 

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended his Sallah greetings to the state’s pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and presented them with monetary gifts to mark the occasion. 

During his visit to their accommodation on Saturday night, he gifted each pilgrim 250 riyals, approximately N105,000.

Governor Yusuf praised the success of this year’s Hajj exercise, describing it as an improvement over previous years, particularly last year. 

“Last year’s Hajj exercise was also good, but this one is better, and we are grateful to God for this success,” he remarked.

The governor said the visit was intended to strengthen relationships, pray for the progress of Kano State and Nigeria, and share in the joy of Sallah with the pilgrims.

He urged the pilgrims to continue praying for Kano, Nigeria, and for those who lost their lives during the Hajj exercise. 

“I also commiserate with the families of those who died in Makkah, Madina, and during Arafah. May those who are missing be found,” he said.

Governor Yusuf called on the pilgrims to remain dedicated to their acts of worship and avoid any actions that might compromise the completion of their Hajj rituals until they return home safely.

He thanked the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders for ensuring a smooth Hajj experience. 

“I also thank the local government chairmen for their unwavering support in caring for the people from their areas. And there are also members of the State Assembly, like I said. None of them is sleeping. Everyone is doing their best,” he added.

The governor concluded by praying for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and a safe trip back to Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Lamin Rabi’u Ɗan Baffa, expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for his unwavering support and leadership during the pilgrimage.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The academic community is mourning the passing of Professor Abubakar Roko, a respected lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Physical and Computing. He died after a period of illness, despite efforts made to secure advanced medical treatment abroad.

Professor Roko had been battling a critical health condition that required specialist care, prompting a crowdfunding campaign to support his medical trip to Cairo, Egypt. The campaign received overwhelming support from colleagues, students, friends, and well-wishers.

Notably, the Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, contributed ₦5,000,000 to the cause, a gesture that was widely appreciated by the family and academic community.

In a message announcing his passing, the department expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported him during his time of need. “We are saddened to announce the demise of Professor Abubakar Roko… May Allah SWT reward you abundantly,” the statement read.

Prayers are being offered across the campus and beyond for the repose of his soul. “May Allah bestow His grace on him,” the department added.

Professor Roko is remembered not only for his academic excellence but also for his humility and dedication to the advancement of computer science education in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday a public holiday to sympathise with the families of the 22 Kano athletes who died in a tragic accident while on their way from Ogun State.

The governor gave the directive while still away on a pilgrimage for the 2025 Hajj.

“He directed that Monday, 2nd June 2025, be declared as a public holiday for the good people of Kano to pray and sympathise with the families of the victims.”

In a late-night statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed his profound sadness over the loss and assured that all necessary support would be provided to the grieving families.

“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured,” the Governor was quoted as saying.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief,” he added

The state also called on Imams and all Muslims within and outside Kano to pray for the departed souls and for their respective families to bear the loss.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed the automatic employment of 84 foreign-trained graduates into the Kano State Civil Service, following his administration’s full settlement of their outstanding fees at Near East University, Northern Cyprus.

The graduates, who had been abandoned mid-study after the previous government withdrew scholarship funding, were recently issued their certificates after the state paid N2.24 billion in arrears to the university.

Addressing the students at the certificate presentation ceremony in Kano, Governor Yusuf said the graduates would be immediately absorbed into public service. “These students have suffered enough. Now, they will be given the opportunity to contribute to the growth of our state,” he said.

Among the beneficiaries are medical doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, computer scientists, and biomedical experts — all of whom earned degrees under immense hardship.

The governor’s action is seen as both a humanitarian and developmental gesture, aimed at harnessing the skills of foreign-trained professionals while restoring faith in government-backed education programs.

Education experts have praised the move, describing it as a practical step toward addressing youth unemployment and reversing the brain drain trend.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has brought relief to 84 students abandoned in Northern Cyprus after settling a massive N2.24 billion debt owed to Near East University, paving the way for the release of their academic certificates.

The students were part of a foreign scholarship scheme initiated by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso but were left in limbo when the succeeding administration halted funding. The withdrawal left them unable to pay tuition and accommodation fees, effectively trapping them in a foreign country without support.

Governor Yusuf, during a ceremony in Kano, described the situation as a national embarrassment and expressed satisfaction at resolving the crisis. “This marks the end of years of hardship, uncertainty, and humiliation for our children abroad,” he said.

The affected students, including 28 medical graduates and others in health and engineering disciplines, faced legal threats, eviction, and exclusion from classes during the years of neglect. Their ordeal sparked widespread concern both locally and internationally.

Stakeholders have commended the governor for the intervention, calling it a timely and compassionate move to restore dignity and hope to the affected families.

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

At the commencement of the 28th Kano State Executive Council on Monday 19th of May, 2025, held at Kwankwasiyya City, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf presided over the swearing-in of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru (rtd.) as the new commissioner of Internal Security and Special Services.

His nomination, screening and confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly and subsequent swearing-in followed the resignation of the pioneer Commissioner of the Ministry some few weeks back.

The new commissioner was the immediate past Director-General of the Special Service Directorate, Kano Government House, responsible for coordinating the operations of security agencies and other engagements critical to safer living in the state.

Before his debut in the government business of Kano State, he was a retired Airforce Officer with vast experience in peacekeeping operations and national assignments both locally and internationally.

He is passionate and committed to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship skills development, with a firm belief that empowering youth will help improve the living standard of the state’s residents and boost rapid socioeconomic development and prosperity.

As a retired Air Vice Marshal, his new position as commissioner will bring a wealth of experience from his illustrious military career in curbing security challenges in the state.

 Indeed, his sojourn as Director-General of the Special Service Directorate and subsequently as commissioner underscores the state government’s commitment to harnessing expertise from various fields to drive progress.

The appointment of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru as Commissioner in Kano State Government has sparked widespread interest and debate. As a seasoned security expert, AVM Umaru’s induction into the state executive council is seen by many as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in bolstering security and development initiatives in the state.

Many observers view AVM Umaru’s appointment as fitting, given his background and the current security challenges facing Kano State. His experience in security matters is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability.

The appointment seems to align perfectly with the needs of the state, making it a case of a “square peg in a square hole.”

With AVM Umaru on board, the Kano State Government will likely benefit from his strategic insight and operational expertise. His role could be pivotal in enhancing Security Measures.

He will also utilize his military background to strengthen security frameworks and responses, advise on policy matters, provide informed counsel on security and development policies, and Facilitate dialogue and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

AVM Ibrahim Umaru’s appointment appears well-considered, aligning his skills with the state’s needs. As he takes on this new role, expectations are high for meaningful contributions to Kano State’s security and development landscape. Only time will tell how effectively he navigates the complexities of his new position, but the outlook seems promising.

Congratulations, AVM, and may your appointment yield positive results for our dear state, Kano.

Sani is the Deputy Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano Government House.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a nine-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations that 379 local government staff received salaries without proper identification.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Aliyu Yusuf, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Office of the Head of Service.

He said the decision followed growing agitation from civil servants over salary inconsistencies, prompting the state to revamp its payroll committee.

According to Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, the Head of Service, the committee will determine whether the affected staff members are retired, deceased, or otherwise untraceable.

The situation reportedly came to light during a salary validation exercise in which dummy vouchers were distributed across MDAs to help staff cross-check their pay against official records.

Musa explained that the discovery raised serious concerns, necessitating the constitution of a committee to ascertain the status of the affected workers and recover any salaries paid in error.

The committee is also tasked with recommending measures for preventing such irregularities in the future.

He urged members to approach the assignment with sincerity, merit, and the fear of Allah.

The committee is chaired by Hajiya Kubra Iman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Other members include Abdulmalik I. Rogo and Auwalu Saminu Sagagi from the Local Government Payroll Standing Committee; Lamido Aminu from the Office of the Head of Service; and Nura A. Baba from the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Also on the team are Aminu Malamijo Abdullahi of SUBEB, Aliyu Sani Muhammad from the Office of the SSG, with Sulaiman Hodi Adamu and Sadiq Faruk Yola serving as secretary and co-secretary, respectively.

The committee has been given two weeks to submit its report.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In a touching act of compassion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has adopted Hauwa Yusuf (popularly known as Ummi), a 31-year-old woman battling a rare and debilitating illness known as muscular dystrophy.

Ummi, a law graduate of Bayero University Kano (BUK), has been living with the incurable condition for 18 years. Despite her severe physical limitations and financial hardship, she defied the odds to complete her university education. Today, she can barely walk without support.

Social media personality and academic, Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, who has followed Ummi’s story for two years, revealed that she had previously received some assistance from Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, who sponsored a short medical trip to India. However, her condition remained unmanaged until a turning point came on the night of May 18, 2025.

In a desperate bid for help, Ummi reached out to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf via text message. The Governor responded promptly and compassionately. According to Dr. Ibrahim, Governor Abba promised to take full responsibility for her well-being, saying he would do “everything a father would do for a daughter.”

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the Governor connected Ummi with his own daughter, also a law student, fostering a personal friendship to provide emotional support. Additionally, he directed that Ummi’s family be provided with adequate food supplies and pledged to make her upcoming Sallah celebration “memorable.”

In a further show of generosity, the Governor ordered that Amina, a lady who has spent years caring for Ummi, be placed on the Government House’s casual staff payroll with immediate effect.

The Governor’s actions have drawn widespread praise, with many Nigerians taking to social media to commend his empathy and swift intervention.

“May Allah make it easy for Ummi and reward Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf handsomely,” Dr. Ibrahim concluded in his heartfelt tribute.

Accelerating Kano’s Future Through Technology and Innovation

Your Excellency, 

I write to you with profound optimism about the transformative potential of technology and innovation to position Kano State as a beacon of progress in Nigeria and beyond. As Africa’s youth population surges, Kano, rich in culture, commerce, and human capital, is uniquely poised to harness this demographic dividend by embracing technology as a catalyst for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.  

Your Excellency, I recognise and commend your commendable efforts and those of the Kano State Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, in laying the groundwork for transformative projects already in the pipeline. The recent establishment of the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) is a particularly strategic leap forward, signalling the state’s resolve to institutionalise tech-driven growth. These efforts are a critical foundation, and I urge sustained momentum to ensure their timely execution. 

The recommendations outlined herein aim to complement and accelerate these existing plans, providing additional frameworks to attract global partnerships, amplify local talent, and unlock scalable opportunities. By building upon the Ministry’s initiatives and KASITDA’s mandate, Kano can fast-track its rise as a regional leader in technology-driven development.  

Why Technology Matters

Technology is not merely a tool but a foundation for modernisation. It drives efficiency, creates jobs, and bridges gaps in education, healthcare, governance and more. For Kano, where over 60% of the population is under 25, investing in tech equips our youth with skills to compete globally while addressing local challenges like unemployment, agricultural productivity, and access to public services.  

Globally, nations such as Rwanda and India have demonstrated that prioritising tech ecosystems can spur prosperity. Closer home, Lagos’s emergence as a start-up hub highlights the power of deliberate policy and infrastructure. Kano, with its strategic location, historical significance, and entrepreneurial spirit, can surpass these models by tailoring solutions to our unique context.  

A Blueprint for Transformation

To unlock this potential, I propose the following actionable initiatives:  

1. Establish Kano Tech City

Create a dedicated innovation district with co-working spaces, labs, and incubation hubs. Partner with organisations like Google, Alison – Free Empowerment Platform, Microsoft Africa, Altmentor and more to offer training, mentorship, and funding access. This ecosystem will nurture startups in EdTech, AgriTech, FinTech, HealthTech, etc, sectors critical to Kano’s economy.  

2. Revolutionise Education

Integrate digital skills into school curricula. Launch “Kano Code Clubs” and sponsor scholarships for students pursuing careers in STEM fields. Collaborate with Universities to offer advanced degrees in emerging technologies, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent.  

3. Upgrade Infrastructure

Prioritise broadband expansion, especially in rural areas, and deploy solar-powered tech centres to overcome energy challenges. Reliable internet and electricity are non-negotiable for attracting global investors.  

4. Enact Innovation-Friendly Policies

Offer tax breaks for tech start-ups, streamline business registration, and establish a regulatory sandbox for testing solutions. Launch a Kano Innovation Fund to provide grants and venture capital. Some Innovation-Friendly Policies are outlined below;

-Tax Incentives & Financial Support

• 5-Year Tax Holiday: Exempt early-stage start-ups (0–3 years) from corporate income tax, PAYE, and land use charges. 
• Investor Tax Exemptions: Offer 100% capital gains tax relief for investments in Kano-based tech start-ups. 
• R&D Grants: Fund 50% of R&D costs for startups in priority sectors (AgriTech, EduTech, renewable energy).
• Kano Equity Fund: Establish a state-backed venture capital fund to co-invest in high-potential startups, matching private investments 1:1.  

-Ease of Doing Business

• 24-Hour Start-up Licensing: Create a dedicated tech desk at the Kano Investment Agency to fast-track business registration, licenses, and permits. 
• Regulatory Sandbox: Allow start-ups in FinTech, HealthTech, and mobility to test products for 12 months without full regulatory compliance. 
• Land Grants: Allocate subsidised land in Kano Tech City to start-ups and investors who commit to hiring at least 60% local talent.

-Talent & Immigration

• Tech Talent Visa: Partner with the Federal Government to expedite visas for foreign founders, engineers, and investors relocating to Kano. 
• Residency Rebates: Offer 50% discount on residency fees for startups that train and hire 100+ Kano youths annually.  

-Market Access & Growth

• Government Procurement Quota: Mandate 20% of state procurement contracts (e.g., e-governance tools, agri-supply chains) to be awarded to local tech startups.
• Export Incentives: Subsidise Saas (Software-as-a-Service) startups to scale across Africa by covering 30% of their cross-border marketing costs.  

-Investor Confidence & Exit Opportunities

• Investor Matchmaking: Host quarterly pitch sessions connecting startups with angels and global VC networks.
• Acquisition Support: Legal and financial advisory subsidies for startups exiting to foreign or local acquirers.  

-Sector-Specific Boosts

• AgriTech Subsidies: Free state-owned farmland for AgriTech startups piloting IoT-enabled irrigation or crop-monitoring drones.
• AI Ethics Framework: Develop Nigeria’s first state-level AI governance guidelines to attract ethical tech firms and global grants.  

-Long-Term Stability

• 10-Year Policy Guarantee: Legislate a “Kano Innovation Charter” to lock in incentives beyond political cycles, ensuring investor confidence. 
• Kano Tech Ambassadors: Appoint youth innovators as global ambassadors to showcase success stories in international media.  

5. Host Annual Tech Conferences

Showcase Kano’s potential through events like “Kano Innovates,” attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and thinkers. Celebrate local success stories to inspire a culture of innovation.  

Attracting Investment

A thriving tech ecosystem signals stability and opportunity. By cultivating homegrown talent and infrastructure, Kano will attract investors seeking opportunities in untapped markets. Public-private partnerships can further de-risk investments, while success stories will generate organic interest.  

A Call to Legacy

Your Excellency, this vision demands bold leadership. Imagine a Kano where farmers use drones to monitor their crops, artisans sell their products globally via digital platforms, and students use AI to solve community problems. Championing this agenda will secure Kano’s place as a hub of African innovation, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and inspiring generations.  

The time to act is now. Let us collaborate with stakeholders, businesses, educators, and youth to build a Kano that leads, not follows.  

Abubakar Sadiq Umar writes from Kano and can be reached via email at aserdeeq@gmail.com