Kano

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A delegation led by Hon. Ibrahim Namadi, the state’s Commissioner of Transportation, recently embarked on a fact-finding mission to Lagos State. This initiative, endorsed by His Excellency Gov. Abba K. Yusuf, aims to learn from Lagos’s notable achievements in transportation.

The delegation comprised several key officials, including Hon. Aliyu Isa (Permanent Secretary), Bashir Ado Gaya (Director of Admin and General Services, Ministry of Transportation), Dr. Nura Ibrahim Hassan (Technical Advisor for Transport Policy and Planning), and Najeeb Mahmoud Abdussalam (Transport Specialist Consultant).

The team toured prominent facilities, including the Ikeja Bus Terminal, the Red Line Ikeja Station, and the Blue Line, to gain insights into their operations and management.

During the visit, Hon. Namadi praised Lagos State for its exemplary transportation system and expressed a strong desire to replicate similar successes in Kano, particularly through the establishment of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Hon. Namadi emphasised the importance of collaboration and pledged to work closely with the Lagos State government and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LAMATA) to achieve this ambitious goal.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday arrested and detained three officials of Nasarawa Local Government Council and a Senior Special Assistant to the governor, Mustapha Maifada, over an alleged diversion of N105 million.

Credible sources told SolaceBase that the council’s Director of Personnel Management, Treasurer, and Cashier were instructed to allocate N105,000 for a program but allegedly issued a cheque of N105 million to the governor’s aide in November 2024.

Acting on intelligence from a monitoring team overseeing local government finances, the commission launched an investigation into the alleged fraud.

During interrogation, the detained officials claimed the payment was a mistake—an explanation the anti-graft agency rejected, citing the time lapse and other evidence gathered.

A source disclosed that the suspects might have turned to the police after sensing the arrangement had failed.

Further investigation reportedly revealed that Maifada had used the funds to acquire properties.

The commission stated that investigations are ongoing and prosecution may follow.

Attempts to reach the commission’s chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, and spokesman, Kabir Abba, were unsuccessful, as their phone lines were either unavailable or unanswered.

By Uzair Adam

With over 837,000 out-of-school children in Kano, the state government has intensified efforts to address the crisis, beginning with a comprehensive assessment tour of rural communities ahead of a planned sensitization campaign.

The Kano State Ministry of Education embarked on the tour to identify the root causes of the problem and engage with communities to find lasting solutions.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve access to education, especially in underserved areas.

Led by the State Coordinator for Girl Child Education, Hajiya Amina Kassim, the assessment team visited several rural settlements, including Bange village in Albasu Local Government Area and Mawashi in Garko Local Government Area.

During the visit, the team engaged with parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to understand the challenges keeping children out of school.

Speaking to residents, Hajiya Kassim emphasized that poverty, insecurity, and socio-cultural norms are key factors contributing to the alarming number of out-of-school children.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling these challenges, citing the recent declaration of a state of emergency on education as proof of its dedication to reforms.

“The state government is taking bold steps to improve education outcomes, and this tour is a crucial part of that process.

“We will ensure that our sensitization campaign reaches areas most affected by this issue,” she stated.

Vice Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Alhaji Garba Adamu Wudil, described the assessment tour as a critical step in designing effective strategies to curb the crisis.

He stressed that direct engagement with communities would provide valuable insights into the complexities surrounding access to education.

In their remarks, the village head of Kafin Malamai in Garko, Mukhtar Aliyu, and the representative of the village head of Bange, Yau Ibrahim Bange, commended the government’s initiative.

They appealed for the establishment of more secondary schools in their communities to accommodate the growing number of students completing junior secondary education.

The government’s assessment tour sets the stage for a more focused and community-driven approach to tackling the out-of-school children crisis in Kano State.

By Uzair Adam

Kiru Tahfeezul Qur’an Secondary School has graduated 1,643 students who have memorized the Holy Qur’an.

The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday at the school’s conference hall, celebrated students who completed their studies between 2019 and 2024.

In a statement, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Education, disclosed the achievement.

Speaking at the event, the Kano State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, congratulated the graduates, describing their accomplishment as a divine blessing.

He commended the school for its role in promoting Qur’anic and Islamic education, recognizing it as one of the best in the state.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, the commissioner announced the state government’s plan to renovate the school under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

He noted that a team of engineers had recently assessed the school’s infrastructure to prepare a bill of quantity for the renovation.

Dr. Makoda reiterated the government’s commitment to improving education through various initiatives aimed at enhancing learning conditions.

He urged the graduates to uphold the values instilled in them and be exemplary representatives of their alma mater.

Earlier, the school’s director, Alhaji Mamuda Abdullahi, highlighted the institution’s impact, noting that many of its alumni have attained prominence within and outside Kano.

He added that the school currently has 1,400 students from all 44 local government areas of the state and beyond.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of Kiru Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Sa’idu Kafin Maiyaki, and the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Rabiu Saleh Gwarzo.

The ceremony underscored the school’s commitment to quality Islamic education and the Kano State Government’s efforts to support learning and infrastructure development.

By Ashir Abdullahi Yahaya

Recalling the writing competition in 2023 with the title Kano of My Dream and how participants showcased their skills in competing, along with presenting valuable ideas, ignited my passion for writing this article on how I would like Bauchi and its people to be in the future.

Bauchi faces severe challenges, such as attacks, corruption, social insecurity, illiteracy, debt, and a poor economy. These issues threaten the region and may worsen due to external factors. Residents are torn between praying, taking action, or focusing on family. The situation strains endurance, confusing even the most devoted supporters of Bauchi.

The state is entirely dependent on salaries. If salaries are delayed, people will walk around as if half-dead. There are no satisfactory business opportunities to support the over 8,308,800 residents (based on the estimated 2023 population following Kaduna, Katsina, Lagos, and Kano, respectively). The state’s needs are not being adequately met, and companies in the state are not functioning at all.

Bauchi, the fifth most populous, is also blessed with a large area, making it the fifth-largest among the 36 states in Nigeria. The pearl of tourism, where everyone is eager to visit its stunning natural spring water called Yankari: a large wildlife park in the southern part that contains large populations of waterbuck, African buffalo, patas monkeys, and western hartebeest, along with some of Nigeria’s last remaining West African lions, African leopards, and African bush elephant populations, but it lacks adequate care.

The educational sector faces numerous challenges, including dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of qualified teachers, and inadequate teaching and learning facilities. These challenges bedevil the sector yet hinder its development. Moreover, rural settlers primarily grow goods for sale to outsiders and companies, often disregarding the impact on the state’s well-being. Moreover, farming is often dismissed as a viable option for most urban residents.

This, among other things, has become a trait of Bauchi’s transformation. Of course, there is always a solution—a positive solution that has refined the dream I hold dear…

In the Bauchi of my dreams, our challenges have vanished, and the state has reached exhilarating heights by allocating a significant portion of the budget to the sector that deserves it most—the education ministry. The schools have been improved, and the number of out-of-school children has been drastically reduced, bringing the total down to just 2,000 from the previous figure of 521,000.

Thanks to effective governance, agencies have been restructured, removing selfishness, self-importance, and the culture of favouritism. The emphasis is now on merit, prioritising knowledge and skills. Everything is carried out with transparency.

Social security issues have been addressed by actively engaging the youth in employment opportunities with companies and schools. Additionally, some youths are pursuing education abroad through government scholarships. As a result, nearly everyone is now employed in the public or private sector.

Furthermore, Bauchi has transformed into one of the world’s most remarkable and eye-opening cities, comparable to Istanbul in Turkey, Kyoto in Japan, and Paris in France. The key defining characteristic of the state’s landscape, Yankari National Park, has been developed, contributing significantly to GDP and surpassing the world-class Blue Hole of Jamaica. 

Attracting millions of tourists annually, it has claimed the prestigious world-class crystal-clear water award. The lush greenery and vibrant exotic flowers enchant visitors, their voices quivering with the interjections of amazement at the unparalleled natural wonder.

Eventually, the Bauchi of my Dreams distinguished itself as a place where religious tolerance, peace, unity, and emotional intelligence flourished among its residents. It separated the do’s and don’ts of peaceful coexistence, guided by the wisdom of religion (Malams). The Bauchi of my Dreams is a beacon, an antidote to the obstacles that shadow the days.

Ashir Abdullahi Yahaya teaches at Minaret International School and Giwo Science Academy, Bauchi. He can be reached via ashirayahaya6530@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has sworn in the chairpersons, commissioners, and members of the Sharia and Zakkat and Hubusi Commissions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi DawakinTofa, said the inauguration took place on Monday, with Yusuf emphasizing Kano’s significance in the Islamic world due to its many scholars, Islamiyya schools, and Islamic study centers.

The governor said the appointees were chosen based on merit, competence, and trustworthiness, expressing confidence in their ability to serve with dedication and integrity.

He tasked the Sharia Commission with fostering unity among Muslim sects to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the state.

Similarly, he directed the Zakkat and Hubusi Commissions to develop effective strategies for collecting alms from the wealthy to support the less privileged and combat poverty.

Sheikh Abbas Abubakar Daneji was appointed chairman of the Sharia Commission, with Malam Yahaya Gwani Hadi and Sheikh Ali Dan Abba serving as permanent commissioners.

Other members include Malam Abubakar Mai Ashafa, Malam Naziru Saminu Dorayi, and several Islamic scholars. Sheikh Dr. Sani Ashir was named secretary.

For the Zakkat and Hubusi Commission, Barrister Habibu Dan Almajiri was appointed chairman, with Sheikh Nafi’u Umar Harazami and Dr. Ali Quraish serving as permanent commissioners.

Other members include religious leaders, academics, and a representative from the Kano State Civil Service Commission.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated officials would enhance Islamic governance and social welfare in Kano.

By Anwar Usman

Four people have reportedly been killed in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a violent clash with security operatives over the demolition of properties.

Security operatives reportedly killed the victims after residents protested against the destruction of their buildings.

Reports have it that the demolished buildings—primarily residential buildings under construction estimated at 40—had been previously marked by the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) as illegal.

The land in question reportedly belongs to Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

A resident affected by the demolition, who spoke to journalists and asked to remain anonymous, said that KNUPDA had cleared the properties earlier.

“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They affirmed to us that our properties were not within BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and started demolishing the buildings.

“When people insisted, security operatives opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.

Daily Trust reports that efforts to get an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as the agency’s managing director was unreachable.

A senior director at KNUPDA, the only high-ranking official available, reiterated that KNUPDA did not carry out the demolition but rather by a task force from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.

An official from the ministry, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that the land belongs to BUK and assured that the government would soon issue an official statement.

By Uzair Adam

A civil society organization, War Against Injustice (WAI), has urged the Kano State government to prioritize essential sectors such as education, healthcare, and job creation instead of allocating N2.5 billion for quarterly mass weddings in 2025.

In a statement on Monday, WAI’s Executive Director, Comr. Umar Ibrahim Umar, expressed concern over the government’s decision, describing it as a misplacement of priorities at a time when the state is struggling with unemployment, poor infrastructure, and rising social challenges.

The group emphasized the need for strategic investments in job creation to curb youth unemployment, which has contributed to the rise in street crimes such as phone snatching and violent clashes.

It suggested that supporting small-scale industries in areas like Bompai, Challawa, and Sharada would stimulate economic growth and provide sustainable job opportunities.

WAI also highlighted the state of education in Kano, citing a report by UNICEF that only 9.6% of primary school pupils have reading proficiency, while 11.2% possess basic numeracy skills.

Despite the government’s renovation efforts, many schools remain in poor condition, requiring urgent intervention.

Similarly, the organization pointed to the challenges facing the healthcare sector, where many primary health care centers lack adequate facilities, equipment, and personnel.

It called for immediate action to improve medical services across the state. The statement stressed that channeling funds into productive sectors such as agriculture could help lift citizens out of poverty, addressing the root causes of social instability and marital challenges.

“We urge the Kano State government to reconsider the allocation of N2.5 billion for mass weddings and instead focus on investments that will directly improve the lives of its people,” the statement read.

WAI further called on the government to promote good governance by making decisions that align with the pressing needs of the people, emphasizing that economic stability would enable citizens to build strong families and communities.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the movement of vehicles and the operation of motor parks during environmental sanitation hours, warning that violators will face strict penalties.  

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, issued the warning on Saturday while overseeing the end-of-month sanitation exercise across motor parks, markets, and major roads in the state.  

He announced plans to block key roads to prevent travellers from entering Kano during designated sanitation hours. 

The commissioner also highlighted gaps in waste management, emphasising the need for immediate intervention.  

“The issue of vehicle movement during sanitation hours will not be taken lightly, especially for those coming from outside Kano who continue to violate our regulations. 

In the next exercise, we will deploy adequate security and block some roads leading into the state,” he said.  

Dr Hashim also criticised motor parks that remained operational during the sanitation period, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated. 

“Some motor parks continue their business activities in defiance of the law, which is unacceptable. We will take decisive steps to ensure compliance,” he added.  

He urged residents and travellers to respect the restrictions and adjust their travel plans to avoid disruptions. 

He reiterated that any individual or transport operator caught violating the directive would face strict penalties.  

“I want to express my displeasure over the continuous movement of vehicles during sanitation hours. This is a clear violation of existing regulations, and anyone who fails to comply will face appropriate sanctions,” he warned.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Hashim commended the residents of the Kauyen Alu community in the Tarauni Local Government Area for actively cleaning their environment, including cemeteries, drainage channels, and surrounding areas.  

The Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, lauded the commissioner’s commitment to environmental cleanliness, assuring him of the local government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation and enhance sanitation standards.  

During the exercise, the task force arrested 28 offenders and imposed fines totalling N78,000 on those who violated sanitation laws.

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman 

Kano State has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Thus, the scenario has continued to earn the governor more commendations. The achievement followed his administration’s outstanding progress in key areas, such as infrastructure, safety and economic growth. 

In fact, among his administration’s most notable achievements is the widespread installation of solar street lights on major roads and key areas in the state.

This initiative, which has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the state’s urban environment, has had far-reaching positive effects on the safety, economy and overall well-being of its residents.

Since taking office, Governor Yusuf has prioritized the provision of solar-powered street lights. This bold initiative is part of a larger vision to enhance the state’s infrastructure, improve public safety, and promote sustainable development. 

Solar energy, being both cost-effective and eco-friendly, has proven to be an excellent alternative to traditional street lighting, which previously depended heavily on expensive diesel generators. 

Not only has this shift saved the state substantial amounts of money, but it has also ensured that major roads and urban streets remain illuminated throughout the night, significantly boosting security for residents and businesses alike.

Governor Yusuf’s pioneering solar street lighting project aligns seamlessly with the global push to increase the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change.

Beyond merely brightening streets and residential areas, the solar lighting initiative has extended the hours businesses can operate. 

This has stimulated economic activity in the evenings, benefiting both large corporations and small enterprises.

The improved street lighting has fostered a sense of security and normalcy, particularly in areas notorious for crime due to poor visibility. The state’s once-limited night economy is now flourishing, with businesses staying open later, providing more opportunities for local traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

A notable outcome of the solar street lighting project has been significantly reduced criminal activity, especially crimes such as phone snatching, drug trafficking and other petty offences. According to a report from the state police command, the installation of solar streetlights has led to a noticeable decline in crime rates, particularly in urban zones and densely populated areas. 

Before the solar lights were installed, the state’s city faced mounting challenges with night-time criminal activities. Criminals frequently took advantage of the poorly lit streets to commit offences, including phone snatching, robberies, and the smuggling of illegal drugs.

However, the increased visibility brought about by the solar lights in previously notorious areas, such as Kofar Dan Agundi, Zoo Road, Sabon Gari, Sharada and Tudun Maliki, has resulted in a sharp drop in criminal activities, with phone snatching being notably reduced. Local authorities have noted that these areas, once plagued by insecurity, are now safer and more secure.

Kano, one of the nation’s most populous and economically significant city-states, has long struggled with unreliable power supply and limited infrastructure. 

Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, however, the state’s economy—particularly in urban areas—has revitalized, largely thanks to the solar street light initiative.

The improved lighting has created a more conducive environment for businesses, especially those that depend on evening hours to generate revenue.

For instance, street hawkers, small-scale traders and night market vendors have greatly benefited from the extended hours of operation. 

With more reliable lighting, these businesses now have the opportunity to thrive after dark, contributing to increased sales and revenue. 

This transformation in the state’s economic landscape is evident in the resurgence of night markets and retail businesses catering to residents long after sunset. 

Moreover, the move away from expensive diesel generators, once used to power streetlights and business premises during power outages, has significantly reduced operational costs for many businesses.

The financial savings generated by the solar street light project have been substantial. These savings have freed up valuable resources that the state government can reallocate to other critical sectors, such as healthcare, education and further infrastructure development.

Governor Yusuf’s decision to invest in solar energy reflects a broader global trend of transitioning to more sustainable and cost-efficient energy solutions. This underlines his commitment to modernising the state’s infrastructure while being mindful of its environmental impact.

In addition to improving infrastructure, Governor Yusuf’s administration has taken decisive steps to address state unemployment. 

A key initiative to support local entrepreneurs has been the distribution of N50,000 to 465 street hawkers across the state’s 44 local government areas. 

Vendors have widely celebrated this gesture, which they see as a direct effort to empower small businesses and reduce unemployment.

The N23.2 million provided to the street hawkers has enabled many to expand their businesses, purchase goods in bulk and even invest in new ventures. 

This financial assistance has proved to be a lifeline for numerous hawkers, helping them become more self-sufficient and less reliant on informal employment.  The initiative has been met with widespread praise from the public, particularly from the hawkers themselves, who now have the capital to reinvest in their businesses, boosting the local economy.

Governor Yusuf’s administration has set a new benchmark for regional governance. His focus on solar street lighting, crime reduction, economic revitalisation and youth empowerment has created a model of leadership for other states to emulate. 

The positive outcomes of these initiatives, particularly in terms of enhanced security, economic vibrancy, and infrastructural development, have reinvigorated the state and instilled a renewed sense of optimism and purpose among its residents.

Looking ahead, the continued expansion of solar street lighting and ongoing support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs demonstrate that Governor Yusuf’s vision for the state is one of sustained growth, security and prosperity.

His leadership has shown that even in the face of significant challenges, innovative solutions can uplift communities and lay the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future.

In summary, the changes in the state under Governor Yusuf’s guidance exemplify the impact of considerate and inclusive leadership. 

Governor Yusuf has set the state on a path toward long-term success by investing in infrastructure, empowering the people, and prioritising security.

Residents, from street vendors to entrepreneurs, are experiencing the benefits of these initiatives, positioning the state to become one of the most vibrant and prosperous areas in the country.

Suleiman covers activities of the state Deputy Governor’s office for The Triumph.