Abba Kabir Yusuf

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf says his administration has fulfilled 85 per cent of the promises made to the people since assuming office, with just 15 per cent remaining as he begins the second half of his four-year tenure.

He made the declaration on Thursday in Kano during the swearing-in of his new Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali Sani; the Director General of the Special Services Directorate, Major General Sani Muhammad (rtd); and 11 newly appointed Special Advisers.

Speaking at the event, the governor said a recent internal assessment showed significant progress on his campaign agenda.

“I’m happy that last week, when I reviewed our polling points and campaign promises, I saw that we have executed 85% within two years,” Yusuf said. “What remains is 15%, and we still have about two years to complete it.”

He said the matter had been presented before the State Executive Council and assured the public that the remaining promises would be delivered in due time.

While assuring citizens of renewed efforts, Governor Yusuf said new initiatives would soon be introduced to further uplift the lives of Kano residents.

He stated, “We are bringing in new programmes and practices that will, by the grace of Allah SWT, positively impact the lives of the good people of the state. But we cannot do it alone—we must work together.”

He called on the newly sworn-in appointees to maintain transparency and accountability, urging them to offer sincere and constructive advice rather than conceal challenges.

“If there is any problem, don’t start investigating yourself or hiding it. Come straight and tell us what we need to know. That’s why you’re here,” Yusuf said.

The governor also reminded them of the weight of their responsibilities in managing public resources, urging caution and integrity.

“Ensure the judicious use of the limited resources entrusted to you by the people. You cannot afford to misstep,” he said.

Yusuf concluded by expressing confidence in the new officials, saying he was personally familiar with each of them and trusted their capabilities.

The appointments come as part of a broader strategy to reposition the administration for greater results in its second half, with emphasis on consolidating achievements and fulfilling the remaining pledges.

By Uzair Adam

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of four persons and the injury of seven others following the collapse of a three-storey uncompleted building at Abedi Sabon Gari in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA Coordinator for the Kano Territorial Office, disclosed the development to the newsmen on Monday.

According to him, the agency received a distress alert on Sunday, July 13, at about 6:49 p.m., reporting the collapse of the structure after a prolonged heavy downpour.

He said the incident occurred at about 6:42 p.m.“On receiving the information, we immediately mobilised a Search and Rescue (SAR) response team to the scene in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that eyewitnesses at the scene indicated several individuals were inside the building at the time of the collapse, with many believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

The agency, he said, confirmed two fatalities and rescued six injured persons by 1:56 a.m. on Monday. By 5:41 a.m., two more deaths and one additional injury were recorded.

All victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano for treatment.

“Several individuals are suspected to be trapped, and efforts are being intensified to reach them safely,” he said.

He added that the rescue team secured the perimeter to control the crowd and ensure safety while using heavy equipment and Amida lighting for the night operation.

Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing in collaboration with stakeholders and local authorities.

Abdullahi said a detailed post-incident assessment report will be compiled at the conclusion of the operation.

He also noted that there is currently no immediate request for additional external reinforcement, but updates will be provided as necessary.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a significant move to fulfill pre-election commitments and address long-standing welfare concerns, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the disbursement of over Six Billion Naira (₦6,000,000,000) to retired civil servants.

This marks the governor’s fourth major pension payment initiative since taking office.

The payment, described by the state government as a “restoration of dignity,” targets pensioners who served Kano and Nigeria diligently but faced years of neglect and hardship under previous administrations.

Governor Yusuf stated that the gesture underscores his administration’s commitment to justice and compassion for those who built the state “with their strength and intellect.”

At a ceremony overseeing the disbursement, officials highlighted the critical timing of the support amid Nigeria’s severe cost-of-living crisis.

Many beneficiaries had reportedly endured years without income or stable employment, with some battling illness or struggling to support dependents.

The state government stated that the funds offer “a beacon of new life and a foundation to rebuild dreams.

“Beyond the financial relief, the payment aims to formally recognize the retirees’ contributions and restore their sense of value after retiring “with integrity.”

Governor Yusuf’s administration framed the ₦6bn payout as evidence of prioritizing worker welfare, contrasting it with the perceived inaction of past governments.

“What others couldn’t achieve in eight years, we have accomplished in just two,” a government statement noted, positioning the fourth installment as proof that Governor Yusuf’s government “has not forgotten its contributors.”

The administration reaffirmed its pledge to continue supporting retirees and upholding social contracts with the people of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani as the new Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano.

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

Dr. Sani, a seasoned medical doctor, policy expert, and retired Permanent Secretary, brings over 40 years of public service experience to his new role.

Prior to this appointment, he served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters.

A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with MBBS degrees, he also holds a diploma from Bayero University, Kano, and the prestigious mni certificate from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Sani held top-level administrative positions, including Director General in the Ministries of Health and Commerce, Executive Secretary, and Permanent Secretary in various government institutions.

He also served as Chief Medical Director at both the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital.

He has played a significant role in shaping health policies, civil service reforms, and social development in the state and beyond.

He has participated in over 40 state and national committees and has represented Nigeria in international medical and administrative engagements.

In a related development, Governor Yusuf has also approved the appointment of retired Major General Mohammed Sani as the new Director General of Special Services at the Government House.

A highly decorated infantry officer, Maj. Gen. Sani served in the Nigerian Army for over 35 years, holding several key command and staff positions.

He played critical roles in peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and national security operations before retiring.

The statement further noted that the decision to reinstate the Office of the Chief of Staff—scrapped in December 2024—is part of the governor’s broader effort to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.

Both Dr. Sani and Maj. Gen. Sani are expected to assume duties immediately.

By Uzair Adam

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday night, leading a high-powered delegation to attend the funeral rites of the late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dantata passed away in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.This was made known in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Accompanying the Governor on this solemn journey are the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi, former Governor Barr. Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, and other senior government officials and notable dignitaries from Kano.

The Daily Reality reports that Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a towering figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community service, spent his final days in devotion in Abu Dhabi before his passing.

His death marks the end of an era, closing a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian history.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Governor Yusuf described the late Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

He added that the presence of the delegation in Madina reflects the deep respect and gratitude the people and government of Kano State have for the deceased elder statesman.

The funeral in Madina is expected to attract delegations from across Nigeria, including federal and state officials, family members, business associates, Islamic scholars, and admirers, all gathering to pray for the repose of his soul.

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata will be remembered for his humility, deep faith, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and community development.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government is set to establish a dedicated management structure for the Farm Centre GSM Market to ensure transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

During a visit to the market, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called on traders and market users to cooperate with security agencies in addressing the growing incidents of phone snatching and petty crimes in the area.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes will continue to serve as platforms for skills development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

In his welcome remarks, Comrade Jamilu Gama, Chairman of the GSM Market, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the government’s swift intervention.

He noted that the prompt response brought hope and relief to traders affected by the recent fire outbreak.

Situated in the heart of Kano metropolis, the Farm Centre GSM Market spans 20 plazas and serves as a major hub for mobile phones, gadgets, and related services.

It provides direct employment to over 39,000 youth, making it one of the largest tech-related informal job markets in Northern Nigeria.

Stakeholders have described Governor Yusuf’s visit and the state’s support as a bold and strategic move to promote economic recovery, enhance infrastructure, and ensure greater youth inclusion.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a technical committee to probe the recent fire incident at the GSM Market, Farm Centre, and oversee reconstruction efforts.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday, said the committee was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, who represented the State Governor.

Ibrahim stressed the importance of transparency in donations and cautioned against politicizing the relief efforts.

He directed that all donations be made through the Committee or the designated Zenith Bank account (Account Name: FARM CENTRE GSM MARKET FIRE INCIDENCE SUPPORT FUNDS ACCOUNT; Account Number: 1310076187).

The committee, chaired by Alhaji Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties, comprises representatives from key ministries, security agencies, traders’ associations, and the private sector.

Other members include the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; officials from the Kano State Fire Service; Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs; Director of Treasury; State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); Nigeria Police Force; KNUPDA; Farm Centre GSM Traders’ Association; Department of State Services (DSS); Kano State Investment and Properties; KACCIMA; as well as local government officials, special advisers, and senior stakeholders.

Abdulkadir Shehu AGS-HOC serves as the Committee Secretary.The committee’s mandate covers investigating the fire’s cause, assessing damages and any loss of life, reviewing emergency response and current safety measures, and proposing preventive strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future.

It will also gather testimonies from victims and witnesses, compile a verified list of those affected, review the market layout in line with urban safety standards, and propose a framework for improved market management.

The committee will manage all donations and is expected to submit a detailed report within a week.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to assisting victims and rebuilding the market in a safer and more organized way, urging all stakeholders to support the committee’s work.

By Lamara Garba

In a world where leadership often wears the heavy cloak of command, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State walks a different path—one marked not by spectacle, but by quiet grace. His recent donation of N5 million to support the health of Professor Abubakar Roko, a senior lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, shines like a candle in a stormy night—a gesture simple in form, yet profound in meaning.

This act of compassion stirred a ripple through the academic community, reaching hearts far beyond Sokoto. The family of Professor Roko, alongside the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UDUS branch, offered their deep thanks. For them, the governor’s support was not just financial—it was a lifeline, a moment of humanity in an often indifferent world.

Professor Roko’s struggle for access to medical care echoes a troubling truth: that even those who nurture the minds of generations can find themselves abandoned in times of need. When society allows a scholar—one who has dedicated his life to the service of knowledge—to fall through the cracks, it begs the question: who among us is truly safe?

Indeed, Governor Yusuf’s gesture is more than an act of charity; it is a quiet protest against this injustice. It is a reminder that governance, at its best, is an extension of empathy. That leadership is not just about steering the ship, but about seeing those who have fallen overboard—and reaching out a hand.

Beyond the naira and kobo, what Governor Yusuf has given is dignity. His kindness says, “You matter.” It is a message sorely needed in times where those who build the foundations of our future—our teachers, our thinkers, our guides—are too often overlooked.

The ASUU Zonal Coordinator Professor Abubakar Sabo in terse verbal message of appreciation who, himself a staff of UDUS described Governor Abba as a “Messiah.” Saying, forever we shall not forget you, in our hearts. While titles are fleeting, the sentiment behind the praise is enduring. Governor Yusuf’s empathy has breathed life into the belief that leadership can still be rooted in service, not self.

In a letter penned by Professor Aminu Muhammad Bui, Head of the Department of Computer Science at UDUS, heartfelt gratitude poured forth: “This act of kindness and compassion from your esteemed office has brought immense joy and relief to Professor Roko and his loved ones.” These are not just words of thanks—they are testaments to the healing power of compassion.

Meanwhile, Professor Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, Chairman of ASUU BUK, illuminated the grim landscape of public education: dwindling morale, poor working conditions, and an exodus of talent—each one a symptom of a system that has long been neglected. His call for reform is a plea to rescue the very soul of the nation’s development engine.

Indeed, a society that does not cherish its educators weakens the roots from which all progress grows. The conditions endured by those in the education sector are not just unfortunate—they are unacceptable. Their resolution demands more than words; it requires will, vision, and urgent action.

Therefore, Governor Yusuf’s act is a glimmer in this long night, a sign that compassion can still guide power, and that true leadership is not found in titles, but in the quiet decisions that uplift lives.

It calls us to imagine a new dawn—where educators are honored, not merely with words, but with systems that support them; where acts of kindness are not rare exceptions, but a culture of care. Governor Yusuf’s compassion is a seed—may it find fertile ground in the hearts of other leaders.

And so, as the dust of this singular act settles, may it not fade into memory, but grow into a movement—a call to conscience. For in Governor Yusuf’s gesture, we find a lesson not just in leadership, but in humanity. And may that lesson echo far beyond Kano, beyond Sokoto—into every corner where hope waits to be awakened.

Perhaps, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s donation to Professor Abubakar Roko is more than just a gesture of kindness; it is a reflection of his character as a leader. It shows that he is a man of compassion, empathy, and enduring humanity—one who listens not just with his ears, but with his heart.

It is worthy to note that in a time when many cry out for leaders who truly understand the burdens of everyday people, Governor Yusuf’s act stands as a quiet yet powerful answer.

It reminds us that leadership is not measured by grand speeches or lofty titles, but by the courage to care and the grace to act. His benevolence has not only lifted a man in need, but also rekindled faith in the idea that public service can still serve the public. May this gesture inspire others in power to lead not from above, but from among—and to remember that the true strength of leadership lies in the strength it gives to others.

Lamara Garba writes from Bayero University, Kano

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Rabi’u, a Senior Special Reporter attached to the Ministry of Transportation, over what the government described as unguarded and inflammatory remarks.

The suspension followed a recent statement issued by Rabi’u, in which he allegedly spoke on the rumoured defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement, which surfaced on Saturday, was widely circulated and attributed to Kwankwaso — a claim both the former governor and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have since disowned.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, announced the suspension on Saturday, stating that a query has also been issued to the aide.

In a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, the government firmly distanced itself from the claim, noting that the controversial statement was made solely by Rabi’u and not on behalf of the state government.

The government reiterated that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Waiya, is authorised to speak for the government, while the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, speaks for the Governor.

“All political appointees are hereby cautioned against making unauthorised public statements, especially those outside their official jurisdiction,” the statement said.

It added that clearance must be obtained before issuing any comment on matters of public concern or politically sensitive issues.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Government has announced that it will not pay April salaries to its workers until each employee is physically verified in an effort to curb fraudulent salary payments.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim, disclosed this during a press briefing on the government’s measures to address irregularities in salary payments, including payments to ghost workers and deceased or retired staff.

The report revealed that at least 247 individuals have been receiving salaries illegally every month, amounting to over ₦28 million in wasted funds.

According to Alhaji Umar, these fraudulent payments stem from local government areas and some state agencies.

“Starting from the end of April, every worker must present themselves physically and complete the necessary documentation before receiving their April salary,” he stated.

He noted the difficulties workers may face but urged patience and cooperation to ensure the process is successful.

The SSG added that salary payments for April will begin this week, but each employee must undergo verification using their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

He appealed to workers to understand the government’s position, adding that the new measures are not meant to punish employees but to correct systemic flaws and ensure transparency.