Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured that all outstanding earned academic allowances owed to staff of state-owned universities will be fully paid before the end of December 2025.

The governor also directed the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning to conduct a comprehensive assessment of land belonging to Northwest University, Kano, with a mandate to revoke any illegal allocations or encroachments linked to the previous administration.

These decisions were disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Governor Yusuf spoke during the 35th State Executive Council meeting, which featured a courtesy visit by the Pro-Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, alongside members of the Governing Council and the university’s management.

The visit was to formally present Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero as the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Prof. Bayero, a pioneer academic staff member of the university, recently made history as the first female Vice-Chancellor to emerge from within the institution’s academic ranks.

According to the statement, the governor commended the Governing Council for concluding a rigorous and transparent process that led to the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

He urged Prof. Bayero to carry out her responsibilities with diligence and to work closely with all stakeholders to enhance academic excellence throughout her five-year tenure.

Governor Yusuf further reassured the new management of his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting the university, while expressing optimism that the institution would witness improved academic standards and institutional growth under the new leadership.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, revealed that the selection process for the Vice-Chancellor lasted ten months and received unanimous approval from the Governing Council.

He added that the appointment of the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor had been widely welcomed.

In her remarks, Prof. Bayero expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged her full commitment to the task ahead.

She also unveiled a 14-point agenda aimed at repositioning Northwest University, Kano, for greater academic and administrative excellence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Government has completed the payment of N15.67 billion in outstanding allowances to former local government councillors, settling a financial obligation that had lingered for over ten years.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the conclusion of the process on Wednesday, fulfilling an earlier pledge to clear the backlog before the end of 2025. The final tranche of N8.26 billion was disbursed to 1,371 councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.

This payment marks the third and final phase of a settlement initiative begun earlier this year. In May, the state paid N1.8 billion to 903 former councillors from the 2014–2017 term. This was followed by a N5.6 billion payment to 1,198 councillors from the 2018–2020 batch in August. In total, more than 3,400 former council members have benefited.

Governor Yusuf described the exercise as a “restoration of dignity, trust, and justice.” He stated, “We are not just closing a ledger; we are opening a new chapter. Never again should those who serve the public be left in uncertainty about what is rightfully theirs.”

The governor also confirmed that current councillors, whose tenure began in 2024, have received 50% of their furniture allowance, totaling N1.27 billion.

He credited several agencies, including the Ministry for Local Government and the Office of the Accountant-General, for ensuring a transparent verification process in collaboration with the Former Councillors’ Forum.

To prevent a recurrence, Governor Yusuf announced ongoing institutional reforms such as digitalizing records and upgrading payroll management systems.

The announcement event was attended by former councillors, senior officials, and labour representatives. Many beneficiaries expressed relief, calling the payment long overdue but welcome.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving water access in public hospitals amid growing concerns over climate-related water stress.

The commissioner made this known in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday.

Dr. Hashim, who has been at the forefront of the state’s environmental interventions, explained that many hospitals continue to face severe water shortages, which hinder sanitation, hygiene, and effective healthcare delivery.

He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the installation of solar-powered boreholes in major hospitals to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of clean water.According to him, the measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

“The governor’s directive aims to improve water security and the overall quality of care in our health facilities,” he noted in the statement.

The commissioner disclosed that he inspected the ongoing borehole installations at Sheikh Muhammad Jiddah General Hospital, the Kano State Hospital Management Board, Sir Muhammadu Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Gezawa General Hospital, and Minjibir General Hospital.

He said the visit was aimed at monitoring progress and ensuring that the work meets the standards set by the ministry.

Dr. Hashim added that water samples from the boreholes were submitted to the Kano State Pollution Control Laboratory for analysis.

He said the laboratory confirmed that the water meets acceptable standards for human consumption, describing the development as proof of the government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable water in public health institutions.

He urged the benefiting hospitals to ensure proper maintenance to sustain the facilities. He also appealed to borehole drillers in the state to prioritize water-quality testing.

“We encourage public and private borehole drillers to make use of our laboratory services to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered an immediate investigation into an alleged assault case involving Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi, following widespread public concern generated by a social media video in which the victim appealed for the governor’s intervention.

The development was confirmed in a press release issued on Sunday by Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim, the Special Assistant on Media to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State.

The statement outlined the circumstances surrounding the case and the government’s response.

According to the release, Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi was allegedly attacked at her residence by one Kabiru Aminu, resulting in injuries that left her in a fragile condition.

Although the suspect was initially remanded by Magistrate Court No. 36 until January 20, 2026, the victim later discovered that he had been released—an action that triggered significant public outrage and questions about possible irregularities in the handling of the case.

The viral video, in which the victim appealed directly to Governor Yusuf for justice, brought renewed attention to the matter.

The governor, described as deeply concerned by both the severity of the allegations and the circumstances of the suspect’s release, immediately directed the Attorney General, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Attorney General has since assured the governor that all necessary legal steps will be taken and that anyone found complicit—whether in the alleged assault or in any procedural lapses—will be held accountable in line with the law.

The statement reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening public trust in the justice system, and ensuring that cases of this nature are handled transparently and without prejudice.

By Uzair Adam

After several twists and turns, the Kano State government and landowners in the Dangoro community, Kumbotso Local Government Area, have reached an understanding over the use of disputed farmlands.

The development follows a session with the Commissioner of Land, Abduljabbar Umar Garko, on 27 November.

The dispute began when the government announced plans to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to Dangoro, sparking fears among residents that their lands could be seized.

Earlier appeals to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had not yielded immediate intervention, heightening tension in the community, especially among the landowners.

On Saturday, the leadership of the landowners held a meeting to brief members on their meeting with the commissioner ahead of the expected commencement of government work scheduled for next Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the Landowners Association for the Struggle, Alhaji Gambo Saminu Adamu, said the gathering was meant to reassure landowners that the agreement reached with the government would be implemented fairly.

“We convened this meeting to inform landowners that, God willing, government officials will begin work on Monday. We have met with the Commissioner of Land, and both sides have reached a mutual understanding,” he said.

He added that arrangements were made to ensure representation for landowners who were absent or living abroad, guaranteeing that everyone’s interests would be protected.

“We have agreed on a fair 50-50 plan. The Commissioner gave us his assurance, and we trust that Governor Yusuf, known for his fairness, will ensure no injustice. We also urge members to exercise patience,” Adamu said.

Another landowner, Sunusi Haruna, an Esco, explained that the agreement was communicated to the wider community. “We informed our people about the reasons behind the decision and the government’s plan. We also made it clear that any actions contrary to this agreement will not be accepted,” he said.

Resident Jami’u Akilu emphasised the need for fairness in implementing the plan. “The Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market will be relocated to the area. The market should benefit the community as agreed, not outsiders. We call for strict adherence to the 50-50 arrangement and transparency in its execution,” he said.

Residents expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the government’s development plan while insisting on justice and protection of their lands.

Earlier, the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, unveiled a plan for the use of the disputed Dangoro farmlands.

Under the arrangement, landowners are to retain 50 percent of their lands, while the government takes the remaining 50 percent for development purposes.

For instance, if a landowner has space to build 10 shops, five would be allocated to the government and the other five would remain with the landowner.

The plan aims to balance development with the protection of landowners’ rights.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the Kano State Government’s call for his arrest, describing the move as baseless and irresponsible.

The former governor made his position known through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.In the statement, Ganduje faulted the approach of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, insisting that the government had failed to address the worsening security situation in the state.

“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” he said.

Ganduje noted that residents in Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa, and other communities had suffered repeated assaults from criminals.

He said the governor had not visited the affected areas or shown concern for the victims.

“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” the statement added.

The former governor emphasised that he had never been associated with violence. He stated that the accusations were an attempt to mislead the public and divert attention from the government’s shortcomings.

He called on Governor Yusuf to concentrate on his constitutional responsibilities, especially the protection of lives and property, instead of engaging in political distractions.

The development followed the Kano State Government’s announcement on Friday, calling for the immediate arrest of Ganduje over alleged inciting statements and attempts to form an illegal militia group in the state.

By Uzair Adam

Landowners in Dangoro community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State, have expressed disappointment over what they described as poor representation and lack of transparency during a meeting between government officials and community leaders on the ongoing land dispute in the area.

The meeting, which took place at the Kumbotso Secretariat, was attended by representatives of the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), officials from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, and traditional rulers from the area.

The landowners alleged that they were deliberately left out of the meeting by their district head, Ishaq Yusuf Ishaq, despite prior attempts to engage him on the matter. They accused him of siding with the government instead of protecting the interests of his subjects.

Speaking on behalf of the landowners, Vice Chairman of the group, Sunusi Haruna, said they only learned about the meeting through unofficial sources after it had already begun.

He stated that, “When he was informed about the meeting, he kept mute. He thinks what we are doing for our lands is wrong and sees us as his enemies. When we heard about the meeting, we rushed to the disputed land, only to be told it was at the village head’s palace.

“By the time we got there and later moved to the secretariat, the meeting was already over, and we didn’t know what was discussed,” Haruna added.

The landowners described the situation as a calculated attempt to exclude them from crucial discussions that could determine the fate of their farmlands and plots. They maintained that the district head’s decision not to inform them was unfair and contrary to his duty as a community leader.

They further argued that showing empathy and ensuring fair representation for his people would not amount to defying the government but rather demonstrate good leadership.

It will be recalled that residents of Dangoro community recently held a special prayer session, seeking divine intervention over what they described as the continuous takeover of their farmlands and plots by the state government.

The residents said they were thrown into panic following the government’s plan to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to their area — an action they fear could result in another round of land seizures and displacement.

Also Speaking during the latest meeting, another landowner, Haruna Muhammad, who represented a group of individuals with inherited lands in the area, warned that the planned relocation could cause serious hardship.

He stated that, “There are many people whose plots are under my care. Some of them inherited these lands from their parents. It will be a great problem if the government takes them away.”

Also speaking, a respected community elder, Alhaji Gambo Saminu Adamu, appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to personally intervene in the matter.

“We are pleading for your intervention. We know you are just and compassionate. We want you to come to our rescue and choose what is best for us, and we will accept it,” he said.

When contacted, the Secretary of Kumbotso Local Government, Abubakar Bala Sheka, urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government had no intention of forcefully taking over their lands.

He expressed surprise that the district head failed to inform the landowners about the meeting but noted that the government’s plan was purely developmental.

She added that, “There is a need for understanding. Governor Yusuf bears no ill will. The market is going to be modern and standard. As explained by the Chief Surveyor, if there are ten shops on your land, the government will take five and you will retain five.”

Despite the assurances, the landowners vowed to continue advocating for fair treatment and transparent engagement, insisting that their voices must be heard in any discussion affecting their lands and livelihoods.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dismissed claims suggesting a rift between him and his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, emphasizing that no one can succeed in creating division between them.

The governor made the clarification on Tuesday in Madobi during a ceremony marking Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday.

He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the former governor and vowed to continue upholding the ideals and vision of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

“Those within and outside trying to create a quarrel between me and our leader, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not succeed,” Yusuf stated.

He described Kwankwaso as a divinely inspired leader whose principles have guided the political direction of Kano State, adding that he would remain committed to sustaining his legacy.

Governor Yusuf also prayed for long life and good health for the NNPP national leader, describing him as a visionary whose leadership continues to inspire progress across the state.

Speculations about tension between the duo had surfaced in recent months following the emergence of a movement called “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (Abba Stand on Your Feet), allegedly led by former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi, and ex-Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Salisu Digol.

The movement was said to be pushing for greater administrative independence for Yusuf’s government, a development that fueled rumours of a possible power struggle within the Kwankwasiyya political family.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expanded its hypertension prevention and treatment services to 208 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the 44 local government areas of the state, according to the Ministry of Health.

The initiative, which builds on an earlier pilot phase, was launched under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to strengthen early detection and management of hypertension — a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and premature deaths in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, said the expansion followed the successful implementation of the programme in 52 PHCs under the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI).

He explained that the initiative, with technical support from Resolve to Save Lives and Project HOPE, has now been scaled up to 208 facilities to ensure more residents have access to regular blood pressure checks, treatment, and follow-up care within their communities.

Quoting the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the statement noted that the government’s decision reflects its commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system and addressing non-communicable diseases across the state.

Dr. Yusuf commended the dedication of health workers participating in the programme and urged them to sustain their efforts to ensure lasting success in hypertension prevention and control.

“The scale-up of hypertension services across 208 PHCs demonstrates Kano’s leadership in improving access to essential care. This should serve as a model for other states in advancing equitable and sustainable health services,” the commissioner said.

The Ministry expressed optimism that the initiative will help prevent costly complications, reduce hospital admissions, and promote healthier, more productive lives for Kano residents.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the state’s Commissioner of Police, accusing him of incompetence and lack of professionalism.

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that Nigerians deserve security officers who are fair, transparent, and dedicated to safeguarding lives and property without bias or political interference.

His call comes at a time of heightened debate over the management of security in Kano, especially the role of the police in the state’s political affairs.

Details later…….