Kano State

By Muhammad Sulaiman

In a significant move to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has unveiled a series of strategic appointments and initiatives. This announcement was made through a press statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.

The governor’s actions are directed toward ensuring that skilled professionals occupy key positions within the state’s administration. He emphasizes the need for improved financial management and the overall efficiency of services provided to Kano’s citizens.

The statement noted several key appointments, including Jamila Magaji Abdullahi, the new Accountant General of Kano State. With over 16 years of experience in financial compliance and risk management, Abdullahi, a Bayero University graduate, is expected to bring integrity and transparency to the state’s financial operations. Previously, she held prominent roles in the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Kano State Ministry of Finance.

Additionally, Muhammad Yahaya Liman has been appointed as the Director of the Treasury. Liman is a seasoned banker with extensive experience in financial reporting and regulatory compliance. He holds multiple degrees from Bayero University, including an MBA in Finance and Investment. His leadership is anticipated to significantly strengthen the state’s treasury operations.

In administration, Akibu Isa Murtala has been promoted to Special Adviser on Administration, a role that highlights his effectiveness in ensuring smooth governance processes. 

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf has reassigned Engr. Abubakar Sadiq has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA). This strategic move aims to enhance the quality of life in rural communities by addressing critical infrastructure needs.

A major highlight of the announcement was the revival of the Kano State Transport Authority, colloquially known as Kano Line. Governor Yusuf has established a strategic committee, chaired by Sa’idu Abdullahi Shu’aibu, to oversee the operation of Kano Line over the next six months. This initiative seeks to improve public transportation efficiency and align it with the state’s broader developmental goals.

The committee includes representatives from various ministries and sectors, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing transportation services in the state.

In his message to the newly appointed officials, Governor Yusuf highlighted the importance of innovation, dedication, and accountability in their roles. He urged them to work diligently and stressed that their contributions are vital to achieving the administration’s vision of improved governance and service delivery.

These appointments and initiatives are seen as a clear commitment from Governor Yusuf’s administration to foster development and position Kano State as a model of effective governance. 

By Uzair Adam 

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism and avoid political bias, particularly in its operations within the state.  

This follows the controversy surrounding a terror alert issued by the Kano State Police Command on the eve of the annual Maulud celebration organised by the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.  

In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso commended the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for successfully hosting the significant event. 

He also congratulated Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their contributions to the event’s success.  

However, he expressed disappointment over the police alert, which he claimed caused unnecessary panic among Kano residents and attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.  

“The conduct of the police, which appears to align with the Federal Government’s habitual interference in Kano’s affairs, further erodes their credibility,” Kwankwaso stated.  

He warned that issuing unverified threat alerts could lead to public complacency during genuine security threats.  

“Issuing a false threat alert of this magnitude sets a dangerous precedent. It risks making people dismissive of genuine threats in the future,” he noted.  

Kwankwaso also criticised the global impression created by the police’s actions, given the international participation in the event. 

He called on the Kano State Police Command to prioritise professionalism and avoid partisanship, emphasising the need for the Federal Government to steer clear of interfering in Kano’s governance.  

“The Federal Government must resist involving itself in matters that complicate governance in Kano State,” he added.  

The Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration remains a prominent annual event for the Sufi order, attracting participants from across the globe.

By Bashir Uba Ibrahim, Ph.D. 

Onomastics is the study of names and the naming of objects, places, and things. Its two main branches are anthroponymy and toponymy. While the former is concerned with individual proper names, family names, or surnames, the latter is interested in studying the motivations behind the proper names of places. This article is interested in toponymy—changing the names of places. Thus, it aims to synthesise the nexus between onomastics and history in naming places and how some circumstances trigger their penultimate changes. 

One of the impetuses behind this article is a Facebook post by Dr. Abdullahi Dahiru, a physician and public commentator, regarding the renaming of “Kunchi” Local Government to “Ghari.” In his post, he attributes this change to a distortion of history, citing Prof. Tijjani Naniya’s views on the etymology of “Kunchi” as historically linked to the bravery of its people. 

As a fortress town established to shield Kano from the external aggression of Damagaram, which sporadically attacked Kano in ancient times, the people of Kunchi successfully obliterated and defeated Damagaram infinitum. Thus, they were tagged by the Kano people as “Kun ci”, meaning “you have won”. As time passed, the phrase blended and metamorphosed to “Kunchi”. Henceforth, the town is called “Kunchi”, according to Prof. Naniya, cited by Dr. Abdullahi Dahiru. Therefore, the semantic change of the word was purely motivated by an extralinguistic factor, as the hardship and backwardness faced by the people of Kunchi were onomastically attributed to the pejorative nomenclature of the word in Hausa.

This scenario is called semantic and morphological change through blending in linguistics, a situation whereby the structure and meaning of the word change over time. Many types of semantic changes exist, including Broadening, Amelioration, Semantic Reclamation, and Pejoration.

The fourth one, “pejoration”, is where a semantic change of the word “kun ci” to “kunchi” falls. According to John (2000: 55), “pejoration is when the word’s meaning changes from positive to negative”. It usually occurs due to the extralinguistic factor or associating it with the taboo, as the name “kunchi” in Hausa is pejoratively associated with the taboo or something negative. 

Meanwhile, the stigma that the name “kunchi” pejoratively carries in Hausa and the negative stereotype it connotes make the people of the area opt to change the name of their local government. This will be a significant setback to the town’s history because, as time goes on, the upcoming generation from there will not know the history of their forefathers and their bravery in warfare.

On the other hand, semantic anomalies—those who believe there is no relationship between a word and what it stands for—triumph over analogists, who argue that word meaning represents what it stands for. Thus, the historical and semantic imports of the word “kun ci,” which was subsequently transformed to “Kunchi,” were not only changed but also its whole structure and form were replaced, displaced, and dislocated.

Finally, this is not the first time a place or city name has changed. Historically, we have seen how some places or cities’ names change due to varied circumstances. For instance, Mumbai, the capital of India, was formerly known as Bombay. But when the nationalist party Shiv Sena rose to power in 1995, it changed Bombay’s name to Mumbai, citing that the former name carries relics of British colonial legacy. 

Similarly, Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, was formerly known as Constantinople for hundreds of years. It was renamed Istanbul in 1930 after the Republic of Turkey was created. Therefore, changing place names is normal, depending on the circumstances and historical events that motivated them.

NB:

Dr. Raji Bello draws my attention that the case of the historical change of the name of “Kunchi” to “Gari” is similar to Lynchburg, Virginia, Black American people whose nomenclature of their city etymologically derived from the historical event of their racial subjugation and maltreatment and want the name of their town change.

Dr. Bashir Uba Ibrahim wrote from the Department of English and Literary Studies, Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State.

By Uzair Adam

The 2022 graduates of the Mass Communication Department, Bayero University Kano (BUK), have celebrated their former level coordinator, Dr. Ummi Muhammad Hassan, in recognition of her recent PhD achievement.

The event, held on Tuesday at BUK’s new site, was attended by family members, alumni, and lecturers from the Faculty of Communication and related departments.

It featured a cake-cutting ceremony, an award presentation to Dr. Ummi, and speeches from invited guests.

Dr. Ummi’s PhD research focuses on the Challenges and Perceptions of Muslim Hausa Female Rap Artists in Kano and Kaduna States.

Speaking at the event, the students said the celebration was a way to honor Dr. Ummi as their “academic mother” and acknowledge her dedication to their success.

“We wanted to express our gratitude to Dr. Ummi for all she did for us during our time at BUK,” said Umar Isa Dandago, one of the event organizers.

He added, “She treated us as family, and this celebration is our way of giving back.”

In her response, Dr. Ummi expressed heartfelt appreciation. “When one of my students, Uzair Adam, informed me about this, I was speechless.

“I consider my students as my second family, and seeing them organize this for me melts my heart,” she said.

The Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Gambo Nababa, lauded the students for their thoughtfulness.

He also encouraged Dr. Ummi to continue her academic journey and expressed optimism about her attaining the rank of professor soon.

Dr. Ummi’s husband, Dr. Musa Labaran, who also serves as the department’s examination officer, shared his pride and gratitude.

He noted that the gesture reflected Dr. Ummi’s devotion to her students.

Other notable attendees included the Head of the Information and Media Studies Department, Dr. Nura Ibrahim, as well as Dr. Hadiza J. Ibrahim, Dr. Ibrahim Siraj, and Dr. Muhammad Danja.

They described Dr. Ummi as a remarkable academic who has left an indelible mark on her students.

The celebration underscored the enduring bond between Dr. Ummi and her students and highlighted her contributions as an educator and mentor.

By Salisu Uba Kofarwambai

“Daba” comes from the Hausa term for a gathering place where people would sit and converse during their leisure time. Over time, the term took on a different connotation, referring to a spot where idle individuals would congregate, discuss, and plan their criminal activities, often fueled by drug addiction.

Historically, Hausa society had warriors known as Yan Tauri. These brave adventurers possessed magical powers and charms that made them nearly invincible in battle. They were also skilled hunters, often engaging in fierce competition over their prey. However, the Maitatsine crisis in the late 1970s to early 1980s marked a turning point for Yan Tauri. The crisis erupted when the followers of the heretic preacher Maitatsine clashed with the Nigerian government. 

Maitatsine, a Quranic teacher from Cameroon, had attracted a large following in Kano before beginning to preach against orthodox Islamic teachings. He started labelling people as infidels for merely watching TV or drinking tea with milk. When his son was killed at the street fight in Sabon Gari, Maitatsune started attacking people and killed many Kano residents.

The federal government refused to intervene, mainly due to party rivalry and Governor Abubakar Rimi’s criticism of the ruling party, NPN, and President Shehu Shagari. Thus, the Kano state government was left to handle the crisis on its own. The state government enlisted Yan Tauri’s help to combat the Maitatsine followers. Yan Tauri fought bravely, killing many followers, but this exposure to violence and bloodshed had a profound impact on them.

Following the Maitatsine crisis, Yan Tauri began to metamorphose into Yan Daba, a group notorious for their thuggery and violence. Politicians exploited Yan Daba for their gain, employing them as enforcers and thugs. During Governor Rimi’s tenure, the divide within the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano State further exacerbated the situation. The party split into two factions: the Santsi group, led by Governor Rimi, and the Tabo group, led by Malam Aminu Kano. Both factions employed Yan Daba thugs, leading to a deadly fight between the two groups.

Notorious Yan Daba members during this period included Gogarma, Mal Hadi, Gambo Cooperation, Sarki Change, Sabo Wakilin Tauri Mai Adashin Sara, Uba Dala Bala Turu, and many others. These thugs were known for their brutality and willingness to do whatever it took to achieve their objectives.

The reign of terror by Yan Daba continued until Major General Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 1983. Buhari’s administration cracked down on Yan Daba, arresting, killing, or forcing many of its members to flee Kano.

Then, in 1989, during General Ibrahim Babangida’s effort to transition Nigeria back to civilian governance, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) were established. These parties significantly influenced Nigeria’s move towards democracy. However, they also, perhaps unintentionally, aided the revival of Yan Daba in Kano as politicians continued to manipulate them for personal gains.

Yan Daba’s activities plagued Kano, with members engaging in robbery, assault, and other forms of violence. The emergence of notorious gangsters marked their reign of terror.

With the return of democratic rule in 1999, Yan Daba continued to pose a significant problem in Kano. Politicians continue to exploit them for their own gain, and their activities remain a major challenge for law enforcement agencies. Over time, Yan Daba has evolved, with many members now engaging in phone robbery and other forms of cybercrime.

Today, Yan Daba remains a challenge, with members engaging in various forms of criminal activity. Their history should be a cautionary tale about the dangers of exploiting violence and thuggery for political gain.

Salisu Uba Kofarwambai wrote from Kano via salisunews@gmail.com.

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman

In the bustling city-state of Kano, a silent revolution is taking place – one that may not capture the headlines every day, but which is certainly transforming the lives of countless residents.

At the heart of this change is the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose tireless focus on the health and welfare of Kano’s most vulnerable population has started to yield tangible, life-saving results.

When Governor Yusuf assumed office in May 2023, one of the first areas he addressed was the health sector, which had been severely neglected in the previous administration. Topmost among his priorities was the reinstatement of routine immunization services that had been abandoned for 18 months under the previous leadership.

This was not just a bureaucratic fix, but a critical step towards safeguarding the lives of newborns, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups who had been left exposed to preventable diseases.

The restoration of immunization services was, therefore, an immediate response to a looming crisis and a clear signal of the governor’s commitment to maternal and child health.

In addition to reviving routine healthcare services, Governor Yusuf also recognized the need for more infrastructure to support the state’s health system.

For instance, during the re-commissioning of the 86-bed Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, he declared free maternal healthcare services across the state.

The Hasiya Bayero Hospital, named after the mother of the late Emir of Kano, had been allegedly sold under the previous administration, despite consistent denials from the former government. Governor Yusuf lamented the hardship caused by the hospital’s closure, noting that it had forced Kano residents to seek paediatric care elsewhere at unaffordable costs.

Moreover, Governor Yusuf made it clear that his administration was committed to restoring the hospital’s services. “Our administration is dedicated to providing all the necessary support for a quality healthcare system in the state, including free maternal healthcare services,” he declared while commissioning the hospital.

Additionally, he emphasized that the hospital would offer nutritional services, immunization, research and training, and two-way referral services.

This commitment forms part of his broader plan to reduce high neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality rates, an issue that has plagued the state for years.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of redeploying skilled medical personnel to run the hospital efficiently, reinforcing his government’s focus on health worker dedication and professional ethics.

In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Governor Yusuf’s focus is not limited to hospitals alone. As part of his digitalization agenda, he recently distributed 484 computers to the Apex Primary Healthcare Centres across all 44 local government areas.

This move is part of a larger initiative to ensure the efficient operation of healthcare facilities through technological upgrades, as well as a commitment to renovating several major hospitals, including Sir Muhammadu Sanusi, Hasiya Bayero, and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Additionally, solar facilities were provided to key offices to ensure uninterrupted services.

This comprehensive upgrade of the healthcare infrastructure aims to ensure that every resident, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to affordable and quality healthcare.

As a result, Governor Yusuf’s administration has allocated substantial funds in the 2025 budget to continue this renovation work, targeting hundreds of secondary and primary healthcare facilities across the state.

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf’s health-focused vision also tackles another major issue facing Kano State: malnutrition. As part of his efforts to improve maternal and child health, the Governor committed N500 million in counterpart funding to UNICEF for nutrition initiatives. Furthermore, during the flag-off of the second Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week, he announced an additional N170 million to renovate and upgrade malnutrition treatment and referral centres.

These funds, alongside other initiatives such as the provision of essential healthcare services during MNCH Week, are part of the Governor’s broader strategy to combat child killer diseases and improve access to life-saving healthcare services.

In addition, Governor Yusuf’s commitment to improving the health of Kano’s children is also reflected in his efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, foster sustainable development, and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents.

This continued investment in the health sector highlights the state government’s dedication to addressing critical health challenges and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

Beyond infrastructure and immediate healthcare services, Governor Yusuf’s administration has launched the Abba Care Initiative, a free health insurance program aimed at over 300,000 vulnerable residents, including pregnant women, the elderly, and people living with sickle cell anaemia.

This bold program is a key component of his effort to achieve universal healthcare coverage and make quality health services available to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. In this regard, the Abba Care Initiative, backed by the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency, represents a transformative step towards creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for the people of Kano.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s quiet yet powerful leadership is remaking the health landscape of Kano.

His administration’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for the state’s most vulnerable populations underscores a deep understanding of what it means to govern with compassion, vision and urgency.

Notably, the Governor’s efforts in addressing health issues such as immunization, sickle cell anaemia, malnutrition, and maternal and child health not only respond to immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for all residents of Kano State. His legacy of service to the people, with a focus on healthcare, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

Governor Yusuf’s work represents more than just reforms – it marks a true revolution in the healthcare sector that will resonate across the state, benefiting not just the current generation, but future generations as well. Ultimately, his leadership offers a model of governance that prioritizes the well-being of the people and is poised to transform Kano into a healthier, more equitable society.

#AbbaIsWorking

Ibrahim is with the Triumph and can be reached at Hussainiibrahim470@gmail.com

By Sulaiman Ibrahim Lala

The Pandora Awards is an annual event organised by Mama’s Boy Entertainment that aims to recognise outstanding contributions from public figures in northern Nigeria across various fields. The latest edition, held in Kano on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, honoured several notable figures, including footballer Abdullahi Shehu, celebrated Kannywood scriptwriters Fauziyya D. Sulaiman (Uwar Marayu) and Yakubu M. Kumo, social media personality Abba Pantami, among others.

Upon closer examination of the awards ceremony, it becomes apparent that the Kannywood/entertainment industry categories, encompassing music and film, favour familiarity and personal connections over genuine merit. This raises concerns that deserving artists may have been overlooked in favour of those with closer ties to the organisers.

I wholeheartedly agree with some awards, particularly MANYAN MATA, as Best Web Series. Similarly, DJ AB as Best Hip-hop Artist and Sadiq Sani Sadiq’s honour as Best Actor of the Year are also well-deserved.

However, I have reservations about the remaining awards. Some other projects and individuals demonstrated exceptional work and dedication, making them more deserving of recognition.

I am surprised by some of the award outcomes. For instance, Hamisu Breaker took home an award despite not releasing any notable hits in 2024. Meanwhile, Sadiq Saleh’s impressive ‘Da Ransu’ album featuring the standout track ‘Mai Kishina,’ arguably one of the most impactful Hausa songs of 2024, was overlooked.

I also believe the Best Music Video award should have gone to ‘BANI’ by Ado Gwanja, skillfully directed by Jafs, rather than ‘Zuciya’ by Auta Waziri.

The award results were met with surprise and disappointment. NGULDE took home the Best Comedian of the Year award despite Jok3r (Anty Maina) having a more impactful year. Abale’s win for Best Villain Artist over Sultan Abdurrazak, who consistently delivered strong performances last year, was also unexpected.

DEEZELL’s Best Collaboration win raised eyebrows given their lack of notable collaborations in 2024 since the release of ‘NAMIJI’ in 2023. Other nominees like ‘TAWAN’ by Nazifi Asnanic ft Naziru Sarki Waka, ‘Daga Ke’ by Lilin Baba, and ‘Aure remix’ by Boyskiddo seemed more deserving.

Additionally, Mummy Gombe’s Best Female Artist win over Firdausi Yahaya, who excelled in ‘Garwashi’ and ‘Labarina,’ was also surprising. MAISHADDA’s Producer of the Year win for ‘Gidan Sarauta’ over Umar Uk’s outstanding work on ‘Garwashi’ felt like a missed opportunity.

The Queen of the North award went to Fati Kinal despite intense competition from Hadiza Gabon, Rahama Sadau, and Nafisa Abdullahi, leaving some questioning the award’s credibility.

The Pandora Awards’ geographical bias is concerning due to a disproportionate focus on artists from Kano and Kaduna. Despite their significant contributions to the northern entertainment scene, talented artists from Jos, Kogi, and Benue were overlooked.

This regional disparity raises questions about the awards’ inclusivity and representation. The fact that the organisers are primarily from the North-West may have contributed to this bias, undermining the credibility of the awards and their ability to showcase the diversity of northern talent.

Note: These are my personal views as a dedicated fan and keen observer of the Arewa film and music industry.

Sulaiman Ibrahim Lala wrote via sulaimanibrahimlala@gmail.com.

By Bilal Muhammad Bello (BMB)

The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made commendable strides in supporting education. Among these initiatives is the foreign scholarship program for postgraduate studies, a legacy dating back to the second tenure of former Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. While this policy has benefited many, addressing the growing need to prioritise local scholarships for Kano State students studying in Nigerian institutions is crucial.

Since the 2019/2020 academic year, there has been a noticeable gap in the distribution of local scholarships in Kano State. Regrettably, since Governor Yusuf assumed office, no official scholarships have been disbursed to students in tertiary institutions nationwide. 

While it is laudable that the state government recently paid the fees of students affected by tuition hikes at federal universities such as Bayero University Kano, Federal University Dutse, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and the University of Maiduguri, this initiative has excluded students from state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Many of these students face severe financial hardships, and some even drop out due to a lack of support.

With utmost respect, I urge His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to reconsider the state’s scholarship policy. The government must prioritise local students struggling to fund their education amidst the country’s economic challenges. Local scholarships would provide a lifeline to these students, ensuring they complete their education and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

Similarly, states like Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, and Kaduna support students with local scholarships every year for those studying at various institutions in the country. These local scholarships provided by respective state governments help alleviate the challenges students face on campuses.

During your 2019 and 2023 campaigns, Sir, you pledged to prioritise education. While the foreign scholarship program for postgraduate studies is admirable, the pressing needs of local students studying on Nigerian campuses cannot be overlooked. I respectfully call on His Excellency to direct the State Scholarship Board to open its portal and ensure that students in Kano benefit from the state government’s scholarship program.

Investing in local scholarships is not just a fulfilment of campaign promises but a commitment to building a brighter future for Kano State. Students are the backbone of any society, and supporting their education is an investment in the prosperity of the state. Governor Yusuf, this is an opportunity to cement your legacy as a leader who prioritises education for all Kano students at home and abroad.

Bilal Muhammad Bello Department of Mass Communication Bayero University, Kano.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

To expand educational access for young Nigerians, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin has launched a domestic scholarship program funding 300 Master’s degree students at leading Nigerian universities.

This initiative comes just a week after the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) facilitated the departure of 70 students for postgraduate studies in India. The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of Kano State, left via Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 29, 2024.

Through the BIJF, applications have now been opened for the “Postgraduate Domestic Scholarships for the 2025/2026 Academic Session,” targeting outstanding graduates from Kano State.

Speaking on the program, Maikudi Lawan, PhD, Secretary of the BIJF Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering academic growth and human capital development in fields critical to Nigeria’s future.

“This initiative offers a unique platform for academic excellence, research, and innovation in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Data Science, Mineral Exploration, Climate Change Management, and many others,” Dr. Lawan said.

Six prestigious universities have been selected for the program: Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Barau, described the scholarship as part of the senator’s broader vision for human capital development in Kano State and beyond.

“Senator Barau is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders through education. This program underscores his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and national development,” Mudashir said.

The announcement has been met with widespread commendation, with many viewing the initiative as a game-changer for graduates in Kano State seeking advanced education opportunities.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the foundation’s portal for more information and to submit their applications promptly.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated a new set of commissioners to lead key ministries in the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ante-Chamber of the Kano Government House.  

Governor Yusuf emphasised his administration’s commitment to fostering development through a capable team, noting that the appointments are strategic to achieving the state’s development goals.  

The newly sworn-in commissioners are:

1. Dr. Ismail Danmaraya – Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development  

2. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu – Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy

3. Dr. Dahir M. Hashim – Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change

4. Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi – Commissioner for Commerce and Industry  

5. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya – Commissioner for Information  

6. Abdulkadir Abdulsalam – Commissioner for Rural Development  

7. Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji – Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring  

8. Adamu Aliyu Kibiya – Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs (reassigned)  

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in the appointees’ ability to deliver on their mandates and urged them to prioritise service delivery and the welfare of Kano residents.