Kano

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Kano state government through the attorney general of the state and the commissioner of justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, urges the public to comply with the appeal court’s judgement.

Yesterday the appeal court has delivered a judgement on the Kano emirate suit in which set aside the judgement of Federal High Court which invalidates the reinstatement coronation of Muhammadu Sanusi || as emir of Kano.

Speaking at a press conference that held on Saturday at NUJ Kano headquarters, the commissioner and attorney general of the states urges all parties in the suit and general public to comply with the court’s judgement.

“On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.

“The verdict overturned earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions,” he said.

The commissioner said, “Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.”

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed profound grief over the demise of Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Works, who passed away on Tuesday in Egypt.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday.

Governor Yusuf described the death of Engr. Bunkure as a tragic and irreplaceable loss to the state, his family, and the political community at large.

He offered prayers for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and fortitude for his family to endure the painful loss.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for us as a government. Engr. Bunkure was a dedicated professional whose expertise and contributions were expected to drive our administration’s vision for development. His loss is deeply felt,” the governor stated.

Engr. Ahmad Ishaq Bunkure’s appointment as Special Adviser on Works had been announced just a day prior, making his sudden death a shock to many.

Condolences have poured in from various quarters, including His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of the Kano State Government.

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the Kano State Research and Documentation Directorate, Gimbiya Nana Asma’u Jibrin, has lauded Governor Yusuf’s exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to the state’s development.

In a statement she issued and signed on Sunday, Gimbiya Nana commended the governor on the occasion of his 62nd birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose efforts have transformed Kano State across various sectors.

She stated his administration’s strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, noting that his passion for improving the lives of the people remains unparalleled.

“The governor has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Kano State.

“His initiatives in promoting quality education, revamping healthcare delivery, and expanding infrastructure have brought remarkable changes to the lives of many citizens,” she said.

Gimbiya Nana further praised the Governor’s dedication to fostering unity and inclusivity, emphasizing that his approach to governance has earned him admiration both within and outside the state.

She urged citizens to continue supporting his vision for a better Kano.

“On this special occasion of his 62nd birthday, we celebrate a leader whose legacy of service and dedication will undoubtedly inspire future generations,” she added.

The statement concluded with a call for continued prayers and support for the governor as he steers the state towards greater heights.

By Anwar Usman

Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf of has extended warm and heartfelt New Year greetings to the people of the state within and outside the state including those in the diaspora.

He expressed optimism that 2025 would be a brighter and more prosperous year.This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Tofa on Wednesday.

In his message, the governor appreciated the resilience and patience of Kano residents in navigating the challenges of 2024 and reassured them of his unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful progress and development in 2025.

The governor, in the statement was quoted saying “Happy New Year to the good people of Kano State. May 2025 bring us peace, prosperity, and more unity”.

While pledging to work tirelessly to improve the lives of every citizen of the state, Yusuf said his administration had made significant efforts to ensure the timely approval of the 2025 budget, describing it as a critical step toward accelerating development across the state.

With the budget now in place, the governor expressed confidence that Kano would witness remarkable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture in the year ahead.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering youth and women through skills acquisition initiatives and increased access to credit for small and medium-sized businesses.

The governor called on the people of Kano to remain united and supportive of the government’s vision for progress.

By Hafsat Jaafar 

2024 was an amazing and memorable year that changed my life. Having my parents and siblings alive is one of the most joyous gifts of life, for they give me a positive vibe. My mother and siblings support me through every phase of life in whatever path (good) I walk. 

I got a job with a popular private primary school around September 2023, and it was one of the most challenging working environments. I was new to teaching kids, new working environments, colleagues, and different standards/sets of rules. My mother and siblings supported me with the ‘you-can-make-it’ idea when I thought about quitting for certain reasons and incidents. 

I finally persevered through every hardship, believing that challenges are part of growth and experience. This experience made me realise that not all that glitters is gold, and not everyone you meet at your workplace who smiles and laughs with you is a true friend, though I made many friends who are like family.

For all the years I have been a teacher, teaching kids has been one of my best experiences and has changed many thingsin my life. Kids tend to give you joy and hope. Seeing them happy brings a sense of satisfaction to your soul, for they have no worries and don’t even know what life is about. They only care to be given whatever they wish or request, no matter the circumstances. ‘NO’ is not an answer to them.

Technological Kids, as I call them, are always curious; they ask many questions and expect you to know all the answers and everything in the world. Being an adult, they tend to see you as their role model, parent, doctor and saviour. They are the coolest, most annoying, innocent beings you would ever meet. 

One of the most memorable moments of my life was getting an offer for a teaching job. I wasn’t expecting it to come soon, but God was so kind that my prayers were answered. When a call came in about the job, I thought it was a scam,so I ignored it. My father was called and informed, and that was when it dawned on me that the call was for real.

My relationship of three years–we have already been friends for about six years–crashed and collapsed like the national grid in Nigeria. It died a natural death. Turning a blind eye to things in a relationship matters a lot, but when it’s been toxic with many red flags, letting go of whatever and whoever you are dating matters the most for your safety and mental health. It takes a lot of courage to do that, though. It was one of the most challenging decisions I ever made in 2024.

December, the last month of the year, comes with festivities, especially weddings. We were invited to many weddings. The one that stood out was that of a family friend, who is Kanuri: paternal side Yusufari, Yobe state, Nigeria and maternal Niamey, Niger Republic. 

The coming together of two countries with diversified cultures and traditions gave a unique picture of how the two ethnic groups, though from the same country, celebrate weddings as one of the most important events in a person’s life.

Events are celebrated with lots of food, especially snacks,fura (a different kind with chunks of cheese), grilled meat garnished with lots of vegetables, and bread (French bread). Guests are considered among the most important people and are treated with the utmost respect, especially elderly people. Their attire, Laffaya (a wrap around the entire body with a colourful fabric), is one of the most unique and modest modes of dressing for which the Kanuris are known.

Incense will be burned throughout any event, indoor or outdoor; it’s like a necessity in every part of their lives, creating an aromatic environment that changes their mood from being gloomy to a vibrant person. 

Three different languages are the means of communication between the two tribes (Kanuri, French, and Zarma), though some understand English, while a few speak the Hausa language. The wedding is one of the most elegant, colourful and the most expensive of the year 2024 that I have attended.

This year, I learned three lessons: to leave people where they are, accept situations for what they are, and realise that not every action needs a reaction. 

Come 2025. In sha Allah, I look forward to success, blessings, a calm heart, a peaceful soul, and lots of love.

Hafsat Ja’afar wrote from Kano via jaafarhafsat@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidential Emergency Action on Climate Change Initiative (PEACCI) organized the maiden edition of the Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II Climate Action Cup on Sunday at the Race Course Field, Kano.

The event, aimed at promoting awareness of climate change, featured a football match and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.

Edidiong Etefia, the Director General of PEACCI, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“This event is not just a football match but a tribute to Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, a visionary leader who believes in empowering Africans to address the challenges of climate change,” she said.

The football tournament targeted under-13 players to emphasize their role in securing a sustainable future.

Etefia explained, “We believe that the future belongs to these children. By involving them in such initiatives, we’re making them aware of the importance of tree planting, renewable energy, recycling, proper waste management, and climate-smart agriculture.”

During the event, participants planted a tree as a symbolic gesture, underscoring the need for millions more to combat climate change.

Etefia noted, “This is just the beginning. The children who planted this tree today have taken a bold step towards saving their future. We hope their actions inspire others to join this cause.”

The event concluded with medals and awards presented to participants, reinforcing the message that the activity was a community service initiative rather than a competition. Etefia added, “There were no losers today because everyone who participated contributed to a vital cause—saving our planet.”

PEACCI hopes the Climate Action Cup will serve as a platform to inspire more young people and communities to take responsibility for combating climate change, ensuring a healthier and sustainable future for generations to come.

By Uzair Adam

The Rumfa College Old Boys Association (RUMFOBA) Class of ’94 commemorated its 30th anniversary in Kano on Thursday, urging the state government to establish community-based database centres.

The centres, proposed to be managed by village heads, aim to provide vital household data for effective planning, decision-making, and project execution across Kano State.

Professor Ibrahim Sani Madugu, the Chairman of RUMFOBA Class ’94, underscored the significance of these centres in enhancing security, fostering community development, and supporting small-scale industries.

He noted the potential of these initiatives to address critical challenges and drive sustainable growth.

In support of their alma mater, the association has already undertaken key projects, including ensuring water availability in essential areas and installing a CCTV surveillance system.

Following discussions with the school principal, additional initiatives were identified.

These include the installation of solar-powered security lights in sensitive areas such as the NCC computer centre and laboratories, the provision of carpets for the school mosques, the replacement of non-functional solar batteries, and the settlement of outstanding allowances for security personnel.

Madugu also advocated for the state government to expand the use of renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to mitigate electricity challenges.

He praised the government’s progress in establishing the Kano Hydro Electricity Development Company (KHEDCO) and the power projects at Tiga and Karaye dams.

As the leader of a research team on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) at Kampala International University, Madugu highlighted the need for innovative solutions to combat climate change and enhance sustainability in Kano.

During the event, three individuals were honored for their contributions to education and their support for Rumfa College.

The awardees included former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar-mata, and another distinguished recipient. Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar-mata, Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, lauded RUMFOBA’s dedication to educational advancement.

He advised the association to focus on executing one significant project annually while bringing other issues to the government’s attention for resolution.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Government has announced plans to prosecute tax defaulters beginning in 2025 as part of comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing tax administration and compliance.

The disclosure was made in a statement issued by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Saturday in Kaduna.

Dr. Zaid Abubakar, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), shared the update during a presentation to the Governor at a High-Level Retreat for top government officials.

According to the statement, the reforms are not intended to increase tax rates but to improve the efficiency of tax collection and ensure strict adherence to regulations.

Dr. Abubakar also revealed that the state is projecting revenue generation of over twenty billion naira per quarter in 2025, which would amount to more than eighty billion naira annually.

The statement highlighted that under Governor Yusuf’s administration, a significant restructuring of KIRS has already yielded positive results in the third and fourth quarters of 2024.

The Governor’s decision to replace the previous leadership of the revenue service and implement a new management structure was credited with improving the agency’s performance. Additionally, a new model for tax collection will be introduced in 2025.

This approach is expected to significantly boost revenue and support the government’s efforts to fulfill campaign promises across critical sectors of development.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has instructed all reassigned commissioners to complete their handover and assume their new roles by Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor emphasized that the cabinet changes would take full effect during the state executive council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

He stressed the importance of completing all transition processes ahead of the meeting.

“All commissioners affected by the changes are directed to hand over their responsibilities between Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024,” the statement read.

The Governor further urged members of the state executive council to strengthen their teamwork and commitment to advancing his administration’s goals for the benefit of the people of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has carried out a reshuffle of his cabinet.

The development was disclosed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Thursday via his verified Facebook page.

Further details of the changes are expected to be revealed soon.

Stay tuned for updates.