Kano

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinforced his administration’s dedication to fostering religious harmony and development during an Iftar gathering at the Government House on Saturday, which celebrated the 15th day of Ramadan. 

The event welcomed prominent members of the Council of Ulama and Imams, offering a platform to strengthen unity and recognize the vital role of religious leaders in promoting peace within the community. 

In a significant announcement, Governor Yusuf revealed plans to transform the Kofar Mata Eid Prayer Ground into an International Islamic Conference Centre. He explained that the venue, utilized only twice a year for Islamic gatherings, will be repurposed into a world-class facility to support ongoing religious activities, scholarly discussions, and community engagement. 

“The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Centre is set to occur two weeks after Eid al-Fitr, after which it will be handed over to the Ulama for management,” the governor stated, outlining his vision for a lasting religious infrastructure in the state. 

Additionally, Governor Yusuf affirmed his commitment to renovating all Friday mosques across Kano State and ensuring they meet proper worship standards. He instructed the Commissioner for Religious Affairs to compile a list of mosques requiring urgent government intervention. 

In further developments, a new, larger Friday Mosque at the Government House is currently under construction. It aims to accommodate more worshippers and enhance spiritual activities in the region. 

Expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of religious leaders, Governor Yusuf urged them to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the populace, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and religious institutions. 

During the gathering, Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Adam, Imam of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Mosque, praised the governor’s vision, emphasizing Islam’s encouragement of charitable acts, such as feeding those who fast and nurturing places of worship. 

He reassured the governor of the Ulama’s steadfast support and prayers for the advancement of Kano State. Members of the Shari’a Commission, the Executive Council, and other distinguished figures attended the Iftar event. 

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s strong ties with the Council of Ulama, assuring them that their contributions will continuously inform government policies to ensure lasting peace, stability, and religious harmony in Kano State. 

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Joint Task Force Committee on Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation has arrested 53 individuals suspected of involvement in thuggery and drug-related activities.

The committee’s chairman, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim-Kofarmata, who also serves as the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Kano.

He explained that the arrests followed an intelligence-led clearance operation conducted between March 13 and 14 as part of efforts to curb crime and substance abuse in the state.

The operation targeted criminal hideouts and black spots across various locations, including Yakasai, Kofar Mata, Zango, Zage, Zanzado, Rimi Market, Shahuchi Park, Kano Line, Sharada, Ja’in, Dan Agundi, and surrounding areas.

During the raid, the task force recovered three parcels, 50 wraps, and other large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, along with two bottles of codeine syrup, two tubes of rubber solution, and a gallon of a toxic substance known as “suck and die.”

Additionally, security operatives seized 105 pieces of suspected exol tablets, five cutlasses, two scissors, two clubs, and a collection of suspected charms.

A significant quantity of cannabis sativa was found at a known drug joint in Zanzado, where authorities also seized a delivery vehicle and five cattle believed to belong to a notorious drug dealer.

Ibrahim-Kofarmata stated that the suspects would face prosecution upon the completion of investigations, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring a drug-free environment in Kano.

He noted that the task force, comprising security agencies and government officials, remains dedicated to cleansing Kano’s streets and safeguarding the well-being of its residents.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a total of $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The interception occurred during a routine baggage inspection of Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, a passenger who arrived from Saudi Arabia on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401.

According to the NCS, officers discovered the foreign currency hidden inside packs of palm-date fruits, commonly known as Dabino, during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage.

The agency stated that the operation aligns with its ongoing efforts to enforce financial regulations and curb illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

Following due process, both the suspect and the confiscated funds were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and legal proceedings.

A court subsequently convicted the defendant and ruled that the undeclared money be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The NCS has reiterated that all travelers must adhere to Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the obligation to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved limit when entering or leaving the country.

The agency emphasized that failure to comply with these laws is a violation of Nigerian financial regulations and carries serious legal consequences.

Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS remains committed to combating smuggling, illegal financial transactions, and other cross-border crimes.

This latest seizure, the agency noted, underscores its determination to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and enforce financial compliance.

The NCS assured the public of its continued collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, ensure adherence to financial laws, and safeguard the nation’s economy.

It urged travelers and financial sector stakeholders to remain vigilant and strictly follow legal financial practices.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has cleared eight months’ salary arrears for 2,369 street sweepers, reaffirming its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and environmental sanitation.

The official disbursement took place on Wednesday at the Coronation Hall, Government House, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, handed out ATM cards loaded with the payments.

Dr. Hashim explained that the government had earlier disbursed one month’s salary to ease the workers’ financial burden while working on a sustainable payment system.

“Today, all outstanding payments have been settled, and moving forward, salaries will be paid promptly every month, In Sha Allah,” he assured.

He urged the sweepers to remain dedicated to their duties and continue supporting the administration’s efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier Kano.

He also highlighted the crucial role of street sweepers in the government’s urban renewal initiatives.

Dr. Hashim noted that upon assuming office, the administration inherited a backlog of six months’ unpaid salaries for the workers, which later increased to eight months.

He reiterated that the settlement of these arrears aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernize the city and enhance public infrastructure.

Plans are underway to introduce mechanized street cleaning, with daily road washing expected to commence within the next three to four months.

Additionally, the government has screened the workers and opened bank accounts for them, ensuring future payments are made simultaneously with other government employees.

He further revealed that Governor Yusuf had directed the renewal of uniforms and the provision of protective gear, including face masks and shoes, for the sweepers.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the payment, with Dayyaba Abubakar from Kumbotso Local Government thanking the governor for his support, while Salisu Sani described the salary settlement as a great relief.

By Uzair Adam

Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has forwarded a nominee to the state House of Assembly for screening as a commissioner.

During Monday’s plenary, Speaker Jibrin Falgore read a letter from the governor, introducing Ibrahim Yakubu Adamu as the nominee.

Adamu currently serves as the Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

Falgore stated that the assembly would soon invite the nominee for screening.

Meanwhile, the House passed a bill establishing an infrastructure management agency.

Majority Leader Lawan Husseini (NNPP-Dala) explained that the agency would oversee the planning, development, and maintenance of key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, to enhance efficiency in the state.

By Uzair Adam 

Police in Kano have successfully thwarted an attempt by suspected bandits to infiltrate the state, leading to the arrest of four individuals.  

The spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the development, stating that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that they had arrived in Kano intending to purchase an AK-47 rifle.  

SP Haruna added that the suspects were found in possession of various weapons and are currently in custody as investigations continue.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged the State House of Assembly to prioritize laws that promote significant development and improve citizens’ well-being. This call came during a special breakfast meeting with members of the State and National Assemblies from Kano.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf emphasized the need for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches to enhance governance and address challenges in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. He urged lawmakers to align their agendas with the administration’s vision for a prosperous Kano.

Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Ismail Falgore commended the governor for his commitment to inclusive governance and cooperation with the legislature. He highlighted the recent signing of a ₦719 billion appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year, reflecting the governor’s dedication to enhancing education and healthcare.

Also attending, Hon. Hassan Hussain, representing the National Assembly Caucus of the NNPP, noted that Kano representatives are actively facilitating strategic constituency projects to boost development.

The meeting provided a vital platform to discuss governance and strategies for accelerating development in Kano State, with a strong commitment from all parties to work collaboratively for the benefit of the citizens.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the reconstruction of 17 dilapidated roads in the Kano metropolitan area as part of his urban renewal agenda for the city to meet a mega city status.

The governor said the effort is to make Kano state “one of the finest mega cities in Nigeria.”

This is contained in a statement released by the Spokesperson to the governor Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa and distributed to journalists on Saturday.

The statement in part read that, “The Governor flagged off the reconstruction of Club Road as part of 17 Urban Renewal Projects in Kano Metropolis held at Nassarawa Local Government Area on Saturday”.

“I feel highly delighted, I feel happy and I feel fulfilled, as your governor who made a promise during our NNPP electioneering campaign, especially in the metropolis, we made a promise when elected, by the Grace of Almighty Allah we are going to make Kano in terms of infrastructural development as one of the best cities in Nigeria,” Yusuf was quoted as saying.

“Today, we are flagging one of the gigantic projects for the rehabilitation of dilapidated metropolitan roads which were deliberated and approved by the State Executive Council,” the governor hinted.

Yusuf noted to the people of the state that any project under his administration would meet global standards before being handed over.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed by the contractor and appealed to him to maintain the standard.

The governor said contractors should expect his unplanned visits to the site anytime to ensure accountability.

On the other hand, the Commissioner of Works and Infrastructural Development Marwan Ahmad said the Urban Renewal Programme for Kano Metropolis was initiated by Governor Abba Kabir and approved by cabinet members.

He said this particular project begins from Club Road to Ashton Road to Airport Road to Murtala Mohammed Road respectively.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has lost his Special Adviser on Intercommunity Relations, Alhaji Abdussalam Abiola Abdullateef, who passed away after a brief illness.

Family sources confirmed to journalists that Abdussalam died on Saturday and was laid to rest in the evening at Hajji Camp burial ground.

Originally from Osun State, the late Abdussalam was a graduate of accountancy from Bayero University Kano and had recently retired from the National Orthopedic Hospital Dala in Kano.

He previously served as a special adviser from 2011 to 2015 under the administration of Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has suspended the Acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, with immediate effect over alleged salary deductions and non-payment of some civil servants’ salaries.

A statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed that Mustapha has also been directed to step aside from his position as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, under the Office of the Head of Service, to allow for a thorough investigation.

To ensure smooth administration, the governor approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary of REPA, as the new Acting Head of Service pending the outcome of the probe.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice, warning that anyone found culpable will face severe consequences.

Earlier on Thursday, the governor had issued a stern warning over the widespread complaints of salary underpayment and non-payment affecting state civil servants since October 2024.

In response, he inaugurated a seven-man committee led by Abdulkadir Abdussalam to investigate the issue.

The committee has been given seven days to uncover the root of the irregularities and submit its findings.

Mustapha was appointed Acting Head of Service earlier this month following the medical leave of the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who is currently receiving treatment in India.