Kano

By Uzair Adam Imam  

At a media briefing on the “Agro Commodities Standard Grading System National Validation” programme, Jafar Umar, Director General of the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), called for the standardisation of Nigeria’s agro commodities grading system to align with international standards.

The event is scheduled to take place in Abuja. The organisation believes that agriculture, as a major sector of the economy, has the potential to lift Nigeria out of its current socio-economic challenges, according to the Director General.

He also highlighted NABG’s ongoing efforts to partner with public, private, and donor institutions to improve the business environment for agribusiness. 

Celestine Okanya, Director General and CEO of NiNAS, stated that NABG is dedicated to ensuring that agribusiness people and smallholder farmers receive the maximum return on their investments.  

This is achieved through a focus on improving the productivity and profitability of the agribusiness sector.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has distributed food items to over 2,000 households in eight local government areas of Kano State, mostly for people with disabilities (PWDs). 

Abdulrahman ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Zaben, the team leader of the foundation, said the program aims to support families and those in need during the holy month of Ramadan every year to alleviate hardship and suffering. 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) implemented the program in Nigeria.  

Food items distributed included 25kg bags of beans, 25kg bags of rice, and 4kg of Masavita, among others. At the event, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo expressed gratitude to the centre for remembering the people of Kano during Ramadan. 

The Director of Special Duties at NEMA, Fatima Kashim, who represented NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, also thanked the centre for reaching out to those in need. 

The deputy governor, DG NEMA, and the representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Relief Center called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to improve the lives of their families.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Following a trial at the Kano State High Court, Frank Geng-Quangrong, a Chinese citizen, has been condemned to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Ummukalthuum Buhari. 

The verdict came after Quangrong was found guilty of culpable homicide, stemming from an incident amidst alleged discord between the couple that garnered significant public interest. 

Throughout the trial, Quangrong vehemently denied intentionally causing Buhari’s death. 

The sentencing has ignited discussions surrounding the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the boundaries of self-defence.

While Quangrong’s plea for mercy echoes the inherent desire for compassion in the face of tragedy, the court’s decision shows the gravity of the offence and the pursuit of justice for the victim. 

The repercussions of this ruling resonate not only within the confines of the courtroom but also within broader societal discussions on justice and accountability.

As the case concludes, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic disputes peacefully and the imperative of upholding the principles of justice in all circumstances.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Africa’s wealthiest individual, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has launched an initiative to feed 10,000 fasting Muslims daily in Kano State, along with distributing one million bags of rice nationwide through the Aliko Dangote Foundation. 

According to a statement by Samira Sanusi, an official of the foundation in Kano, the aim is to alleviate hunger amidst economic challenges across Nigeria.

The gesture, valued at over N13 billion, seeks to provide essential sustenance during the holy month of Ramadan. 

The distributed meals, which include jollof rice, white rice and stew, jollof spaghetti, yam, beans with chicken, and beef, are complemented with a bottle of water and a drink for each recipient.

These provisions are dispersed at Juma’at mosques, streets, prisons, orphanages, remand homes, and other locations in Kano city and its environs. 

Musas Maikatako, a beneficiary of the meal, expressed profound gratitude for the assistance, highlighting its significance in easing the hardship faced by many during Ramadan.

He stressed that the provision of solid food for breaking the fast is a significant relief, particularly for those who would otherwise have only water. 

Similarly, Hajiya Inna Tukur shared her joy at receiving such nourishing food during challenging times, expressing heartfelt thanks to Aliko Dangote and his foundation for their benevolence. 

This initiative builds upon Dangote’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, with Mrs. Sanusi revealing that for over 30 years, the Dangote Foundation has quietly fed 10,000 residents of Kano daily with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This sustained effort, originating from Dangote’s mother’s residence in Koki and various cooking locations, shows a profound dedication to uplifting communities and combating hunger. 

Through such impactful initiatives, Aliko Dangote continues to demonstrate his commitment to social responsibility.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The federal government has stepped in to offer support by donating two cutting-edge digital firefighting trucks to the Kano State government.

The unveiling ceremony, graced by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was marked by expressions of gratitude towards the Federal Government for its crucial assistance. 

Governor Yusuf, acknowledging the donation, expressed profound appreciation for the gesture, highlighting the substantial impact these firefighting trucks would have on bolstering safety and security within the state.

He assured the public that the resources would be utilised judiciously for the benefit of all citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In a bid to strengthen ties between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano State Government, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, held a crucial meeting with Governor Abba Kabir on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The meeting underscored the commitment of both parties to enhancing trade facilitation and addressing food security challenges within Kano State. 

During the meeting, CGC Adeniyi reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to fostering trade and cooperation with the Kano community.

He stated the importance of establishing an export terminal in the state to streamline business operations, addressing concerns regarding food security.

Additionally, directives from President Ahmed Tinubu regarding the return of detained grains to alleviate food insecurity were shared. 

Governor Abba Kabir warmly welcomed CGC Adeniyi, commending the proactive efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding national borders and promoting economic prosperity.

He pledged full support from the Kano State Government to facilitate the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing import and export activities, especially within the Dawanau International Grains Market. 

In a separate engagement aimed at fostering collaboration with stakeholders, CGC Adeniyi visited the Mamuda Group of Companies in Kano.

This visit showcased the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to forging strong partnerships with private enterprises to facilitate trade and revenue generation across the nation. 

During the visit, CGC Adeniyi noted the importance of easing business processes for traders nationwide, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration between the Customs Service and private enterprises.

In response, Mr. Hassan Hammoud, Chairman and CEO of the Mamuda Group, expressed appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to complying with customs regulations, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider reopening the country’s borders for the importation of foodstuff in order to address the current food crisis.

Governor Yusuf stressed that the closure of the borders has had a significant impact on the people of Kano State, leading to increased food prices and suffering.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf called for the reopening of the country’s borders to address the current food crisis.

The statement was released following a meeting between the governor and the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the Government House in Kano.

Governor Yusuf noted the critical condition of hunger and starvation in the country, which has been exacerbated by the sharp increase in commodity prices.

The statement read in part; “We wish appreciate the President’s intervention on the ongoing national food initiative which he considers Kano as the host for the initiative to be launched believing that the programme will cushion the effects of food scarcity if implemented”

Governor Yusuf stressed the urgent need for intervention, including the reopening of the borders to allow for the importation of commodities.

In his meeting with the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Governor Yusuf highlighted the hardships faced by the people, particularly during Ramadan.

He stressed that the opening of the borders would be a crucial step in alleviating the distress of the people.

In addition to advocating for the reopening of the borders, Governor Yusuf commended the Customs Service’s initiative to distribute food items to the people of Kano, who have been facing hardship and hunger.

He urged the Customs Service to ensure that the food reaches those who are most affected. The governor also pledged his support to the Customs Service in its efforts to benefit the people of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

In his response, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of building strong ties between the Nigerian Customs Service and the Kano community.

He emphasized the Service’s commitment to collaboration and constructive dialogue, and pledged to implement policies that would improve business processes and strengthen engagement with all stakeholders.

In addition to his interaction with stakeholders, the Controller General Adeniyi revealed that the Customs Service had made extensive plans to address the challenges of food scarcity and hardship in Kano. This includes the distribution of food items to the people of Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a demonstration of respect and commitment to bolstering positive relations, yesterday paid a visit to the Palace of the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. 

During the meeting, CGC Adeniyi stated the importance of fortifying the bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano community, noting a deeper dedication to collaboration and mutual understanding. 

Expressing a resolve to facilitate trade in the region, CGC Adeniyi pledged to implement policies aimed at simplifying business processes and engaging with stakeholders effectively. 

Moreover, CGC Adeniyi revealed the NCS’s plans to address the pressing challenge of food scarcity in Kano by distributing food items to the state’s citizens, aligning with the upcoming season of Ramadan. 

In his address to the Emir and members of the Emirate Council, CGC Adeniyi stated, “We are here in Kano for two reasons: first, as we approach the season of Ramadan, it is good for us to come around and extend our felicitations to the Emir and join him in the prayers that Almighty God will make this month a blessed and glorious one for us and our country.”

Highlighting the agency’s responsibility in tackling national challenges, CGC Adeniyi stated the NCS’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in achieving food sufficiency. 

He further reiterated the NCS’s readiness to collaborate with the Emirates Council, acknowledging the significance of traditional institutions in preserving cultural heritage. 

In response, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero warmly welcomed CGC Adeniyi and commended the NCS’s initiative to alleviate the suffering of Kano citizens amidst prevailing hardships. 

Expressing gratitude for the gesture, Emir Bayero underscored the importance of effective partnerships between governmental agencies and traditional authorities in fostering shared prosperity. 

The Emir assured CGC Adeniyi of his palace’s unwavering support and cooperation, reaffirming a commitment to initiatives that would yield positive outcomes for Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

By Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel

Resignations are normal in the corporate world. Corporate culture makes employees understand that they work for their bosses, not really the organization per se. Your deliverables are the deliverables of your boss. If you achieve them, he will achieve his. If you fail, he fails. This is why bosses hold employees with high sense of accountability.

As such, employees leave bosses. They don’t really leave organizations. Whenever it goes sour between you and your boss beyond reconciliation, then you look for another job! Take a bow and go. It’s very normal there. That’s what they do. In fact I have met a high performing CEO of one of Nigeria’s beverages companies who told me that he spends a maximum of 5 years in any organization that hires him. And he leaves whenever the ovation is high. Within 15 years of starting his career, he is already an MD/CEO!

It’s only in civil service and public service that people think resignation is a big deal. In corporate world, it’s part of the culture. It is okay for both employee growth and corporate efficiency and effectiveness. An organization does not deserve an employee who is not happy with his job, or who believes his boss is frustrating his job. It impacts corporate performance. You cannot get anything significantly great from an employee who is not motivated to deliver.

Shaikh Daurawa’s resignation from Kano Hisbah is both good for him as an individual, and perhaps Hisbah as an organization. Had he stayed, he will feel tied down by the public condemnation he received yesterday from his boss, Gov Abba Kabir Yusuf. He will not be able to give Kano Hisbah his very best again. He would be an apathetic leader, who no longer cares about how TikTok’s Murja is corrupting the moral upbringing of Kano adolescents. He will now be very doubtful of every single operation he is going to make. What will be the reaction of my boss, Gov Abba? Will he be happy or not? Will he publicly lash me? These questions will always ring a bell in his heart.

Now that he has resigned, he has saved his image and mental peace. It also opens doors for him to greater job opportunities because his next boss will know that the man cannot compromise on his work ethics. It will be part of his discussion with his next boss. And if there’s a governor who truly has interest in moral policing, he would be happy to employ Shaikh Daurawa.

For Kano Hisbah, perhaps Gov Abba will have time to reflect on what he truly wants the organization to be doing under his tenure. Chase alcohol only? Or cut the hair of youth who styled them badly? This resignation gives the governor an opportunity to re-define how the enforcement agency will function in his tenure.

If you ask me, Shaikh Daurawa did very well by resigning. I could have done the same. I wish him the very best in his next job. I also wish Kano Hisbah the very best in getting their next Director-General.

Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel writes from Zaria, Kaduna State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Commander General of Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, has tendered his resignation following criticisms from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the board’s methods of operation. 

Sheikh Daurawa announced his resignation in a brief video clip posted on his official Facebook page on Friday.

His departure comes less than 24 hours after Governor Yusuf expressed disapproval of the tactics employed by Hisbah in combating acts of immorality within the state. 

Governor Yusuf, while addressing Ulama at the Government House on Thursday, voiced his objections to the approach of Hisbah, particularly condemning their practice of conducting raids on public spaces to apprehend individuals engaged in immoral activities, which he deemed uncivilised. 

The governor also expressed dissatisfaction with the methods used by Hisbah in apprehending suspects, urging the board to reevaluate its current operations to address societal wrongs. 

In response to Governor Yusuf’s remarks, Sheikh Daurawa defended the actions of Hisbah under his leadership, stating that the board had taken measures to combat immorality, particularly targeting social media influencers.

He asserted that Hisbah’s actions were in accordance with Islamic principles. 

However, acknowledging the governor’s stance, Sheikh Daurawa announced his resignation from his position and extended well wishes to Governor Yusuf and his administration. 

The resignation of Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding the methods and effectiveness of Hisbah’s operations in Kano State.