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Tag: Governor Abba Yusuf

  • Yusuf appoints new political adviser

    Yusuf appoints new political adviser

    Kano Governor Abba Yusuf on Saturday named Alhaji Mustapha Buhari Bakwana as his new Political Adviser, praising his political savvy and support for the administration.

    The appointment was announced at Government House during a ceremony where 800 motorcycles were handed out to journalists and social media influencers.

    Bakwana’s appointment comes after the former Political Adviser Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso was sacked by the Governor.

    It was gathered the loyalty of the sacked political adviser Yusuf was in doubt after the governor resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    “His loyalty is still with the leader of the NNPP Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the detriment of the governor,” a source told The Nation on Saturday.

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    Yusuf said Bakwana’s appointment was based on his commitment, loyalty, and contributions to the administration’s growth.

    He expressed confidence that Bakwana would strengthen government policies and political engagements.

    The Governor said Bakwana’s loyalty and contributions to the government’s growth will be key to strengthening policies and engagement.

    “His experience and commitment earned him the appointment,” Yusuf said.

    The motorcycles, distributed to boost media coverage of government activities, were part of Yusuf’s push to partner with journalists and influencers in promoting governance and democratic values.

    Yusuf noted the media’s critical partnership in governance, informing the public and deepening democratic values.

    He appealed to beneficiaries to support his administration by objectively projecting its achievements and policies, stressing the importance of collaboration for development goals.

    Beneficiaries praised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to supporting media practitioners and social media influencers.

    Abubakar Sanusi from Fagge Local Government Area lauded the Governor for identifying with social media influencers, saying they would mobilise residents to highlight projects executed by the administration.

  • Disquiet, heavy security as Kano Gov joins APC

    Disquiet, heavy security as Kano Gov joins APC

    There was a tense atmosphere and disquiet in Kano state on Monday, following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defection was rescheduled to Monday after the January 5 date.

    Governor Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP but decided to join the ruling APC to improve on his development efforts in the state, his aides say.

    It was also learnt that Yusuf’s decision stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP that could jeopardise his mandate.

    Although, there was no official speech from the State Government or formal ceremony heralding the defection, it was clear that the Governor and his administration were no longer of the NNPP platform.

    Unlike before the defection, some government officials were walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with the infinity insignia of the famous President Bola Tinubu’s freedom cap.

    The Tinubu cap had surfaced since Sunday at a Government House function attended by the Governor and cabinet members.

    The NNPP flag at the main entrance to the seat of power was removed leaving the pole naked, while new national flags were flying.

    The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also seen removed when The Nation correspondent visited the two premises.

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    Senior government officials were not in their offices, except their junior counterparts spotted holding talks in groups.

    The discussants did not wear the Kwankwasiyya caps and their discussions were not without the defection.

    Heavy security apparatuses, including armoured tanks and personnel, were deployed at the State Government House.

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS) and those of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen tightening security at the gate of the State House.

    A grapevine source told The Nation that the Governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.

    “We are no longer in NNPP. The most important things about the defection to APC have been done and the process is still ongoing,” a member of the cabinet told The Nation on Monday.

    Credible sources told The Nation that Yusuf was billed to fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu, having defected.

    It was gathered the ceremony was skipped to avoid violence between the governor’s supporters and those of his benefactor Rabiu Kwankwaso who has kicked against the defection.

    Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano, who doubles as factional leader of the NNPP, has vehemently disapproved the move, insisting that the governor should relinquish his position if he must defect.

    The disagreement between Yusuf and Yusuf has divided the state.

    It was however, gathered Governor Yusuf decamped with all the chairmen of local government councils and all NNPP House of Assembly members to the APC.

  • Kano governor presents N549.1b 2025 budget to Assembly

    Kano governor presents N549.1b 2025 budget to Assembly

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Friday presented an appropriation bill of N549,160,417,663.00 to House of Assembly members for the fiscal year 2025 for their consideration and approval.

    The budget’s capital expenditure was given as N312.6 billion, while recurrent expenditure stood at N236.5 billion.

    A breakdown of the budget, which is N111.8 billion more than this year’s N437.3 budget, shows that Education got the lion’s share of N168.4 billion, about 31 percent of the total budget.

    Other priority sectors include: Health, N90. 6billion; Transport, N12. 2billion; Agriculture, N21.03billion; Water Resources, N27. 23billion and Infrastructure Development, N70.78 billion.

    The sum of N3.89 billion (1.22 percent) was allocated to Manufacturing, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, while Environment and Sanitation got N15.52 billion (2.83%).

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    Governor Yusuf explained that the sum of N98.24 billion (17.57%) was set aside for Governance Institutions.

    Security, justice and emergency services was allocated 4 percent, which is about N23.4 billion; Water Supply and Rural Development got 4.9 percent (N27,235,112,601.05), transport Development got 2.3 percent (N12.8 billion); Women, Youth and People with Special Needs were allocated 3.2 percent (N17.3 billion).

    When approved, the governor said the budget is projected to have a ratio of capital to recurrent of 57:43 percent, respectively, adding that “This is a Budget of Hope, Human Capital and Economic Development.”

    He promised to faithfully implement the provisions of the 2025 budget for the general good and well-being of Kano people.

  • I wasn’t aware of minors’ arrest until their arraignment, says Kano Governor Yusuf

    I wasn’t aware of minors’ arrest until their arraignment, says Kano Governor Yusuf

    • 76 detained minors return to Kano

    • Kaduna governor promises jobs, skills for released protesters

    • Sunusi hails President over minors’ release

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has said he was not aware of the minors’ arrest until they were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Yusuf spoke at the Muhammadu Buhari Special Hospital in Kano, where a team of medical professionals were designated to assess the physical and mental health of the 76 released minors.

    He said: “On learning of the matter, I promptly directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to take charge of the case.”

    The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging his compassionate gesture towards the children.

    “I also extend my gratitude to everyone involved in ensuring the minors’ safe return. I also commend the parents for their fervent prayers and demonstrated maturity throughout this challenging period – during and after the release of the affected minors. Their composure and resilience are truly admirable,” he said.

    Yusuf assured Nigerians that his administration would do everything humanly possible to reunite the children with their parents and provide them with essential support to engage in small-scale businesses.

    The governor also emphasised the importance of education, ensuring the children return to school to contribute to the state’s development.

    Yusuf said the state government would reintegrate the minors who were arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest in August.

    “I will ensure that these children get a second chance at a normal life by enrolling them in local schools and providing opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth.

    “This thoughtful approach acknowledges that their actions, although regrettable, shouldn’t define their future,” he said.

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    Also, the 76 detained Kano minors on Tuesday night returned from Abuja via the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport aboard a Max aircraft.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plane, which also flew Governor Yusuf, touched down around 9:57 p.m.

    The governor had received the minors who were released on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earlier that day.

    The minors were received at the airport by Deputy Governor Abdul Salam Gwarzo, House of Assembly Speaker Isma’ila Falgore, commissioners, top government functionaries as well as politicians.

    The minors were immediately conveyed to Muhammadu Buhari Special Hospital for the assessment of their physical and mental health.

    In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has promised to rehabilitate and empower the released #EndBadGovernance protesters from the state, if they turn a new leaf and become responsible and law-abiding members of the society.

    Addressing reporters after the protesters were released, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere, said: “The governor promised that some of them will be given start-up capitals to commence trading, others will be taught skills and some will be given employment.”

    The SSG stressed that the state government would track the activities and conduct of all 39 of them to ensure that they behave well “before these benefits will be extended to them”.

    He said the government had taken the details of the released detainees, including their contact addresses, telephone numbers and names of their next-of-kins, for easy tracking and monitoring.

    The SSG said Islamic and Christian religious leaders preached to the released youths to embrace the teachings of their faiths and to avoid bad company.

    According to him, the detainees were given a telephone each because they lost their phones during detention and “the governor has graciously given each of them N100,000 as a measure of goodwill”.

    Also, the Emir of Kano, Malam Mohammad Sunusi II, has hailed President Tinubu for releasing the minors over #EndBadGovernance protests in August.

    Sunusi spoke yesterday when he visited the victims at the Muhammadu Buhari Special Hospital at Giginyu in Kano.

    The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the President and Governor Yusuf for their swift action.

    He said the decision to release the minors arrested in connection with the protests was one of the best decisions in recent times.

    “This compassionate gesture has brought relief to the affected families and demonstrates the President’s commitment to protecting the welfare of vulnerable citizens, especially children,” the Emir said.

  • NUT honours Yusuf for outstanding performance in education reform

    NUT honours Yusuf for outstanding performance in education reform

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has honoured Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf with a prestigious award, saying his performance in reforming the state’s education sector has been exceptional.

    The event, held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, was officially organised by the NUT, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to mark this year’s World Teachers’ Day.

    According to the NUT National Chairman, Comrade Titus Ambe, only six governors were selected for the award, based on their “unwavering commitment in advancing education, particularly through the support of teachers’ welfare and continuous training”.

    Yusuf’s counterparts from  Borno, Oyo, Benue, Enugu and Kebbi states were among the recipients honoured for their significant contributions by the union, which brought together teachers from across the 36 states.

    President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, commended the governors for their dedication.

    NUT said Governor Yusuf won the union’s Golden Award because “he has rescued Kano’s education sector from years of decay and neglect.”

    Among his achievements in the education sector, according to the Kano Government Media and Publicity Director, Sanusi Bature, the governor allocated 29.97 percent of the state’s annual budget to education and declared state of emergency on the sector in Kano State.

    “The governor has convened international conference on education recovery to galvanise the support of local, national and international stakeholders in the education sector including multi-national and bilateral donor agencies.

    “He has reviewed the 60 year old state education law and sent 1,001 post graduates with first class and second class upper decrees for foreign post graduate studies.

    “He has settled the backlog of NBAIS examination fees 2020,2021,2022 owed by the State to NBAIS and subsequently secured the release of students results which were withheld for three years.

    “He has paid N740 million to three examination bodies namely NECO, NBAIS and NBTE for 2023 examination. In response to the increase of tuition fees by the federal government in federal institutions, Governor Yusuf approved and paid N1.3 billion to 15 federal institutions to cushion the effect on Kano students, paid off the backlog of the graduate and postgraduate students in various private universities in Nigeria who were denied their results as the immediate past administration abandoned them.

    “He has also approved for the reduction of 50% tuition fee in all Kano state owned tertiary institution as a relief to the students and their parents. He has also refurbished and put back to proper use 73 high capacity buses to shuttle girls to and fro school on daily basis within the municipality local government.

    “Governor Yusuf  spearheaded the distribution of ATM card for conditional cash transfers (CCT) to 45,850 under AGILE. He  has increased by 100% the cost of feeding student in boarding schools across the state,

    “He has so far, expended more than N4 billion for food supply to boarding schools. He also bought JAMB forms for 5,000 students.

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    “Governor Yusuf  has paid N2.9 billion to different examination bodies for SSCE Examination 2024 for 109,000 students.

    “He approved and released N1.5 billion for the purchase and sewing of students uniforms for primary 1 pupil numbering more than 800,000 this year.

    “He has consistently ensured prompt payment of teachers’ salary as from 25th to 26th of every month. He has boldly cleared the backlog of promotion from 2017 to 2022 affecting 39,000 eligible personnels in education sectors mostly teachers. He has approved the payment and implementation of promotion to 20,542 teachers across the 44  Local  Government  Areas from 2023 to January 2024 with effect from 2nd October 2024.

    “Governor Yusuf has approved and released N300 million to be distributed to teachers as soft revolving loan. He recruited 5,643 teachers on permanent and pensionable appointment and recruited additional 4,000 under BESDA programme.

    “Few days ago, he distributed essential teaching and learning materials Phase III on each occasion spending more than N2 billion.

    “He has so far spent more than N3.5 billion to fabricate more than 80,000 3-seater seats accommodating 240,000 students that were inherited sitting on the bare  floor. He has also released N2 billion to the  Community Re-orientation Committees  (CRC) across the 44  Local Government Areas, renovating and equipping more than 250 classrooms providing seats for 15,000 students.

    “The Governor of Kano has approved N5 billion for the construction of 402 new standard class rooms, of which work is in different stages of completion across the 44 local government councils.”

    Speaking on behalf of the other awardees, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to continue to invest in education.

    “We shall continue to invest in education, as it’s the best way to sustain progress and ensure that future generations thrive in our state,” Yusuf said.

  • Yusuf urges faithful on sustaining peace

    Yusuf urges faithful on sustaining peace

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf yesterday felicitated the Muslim faithful and all Nigerians on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr.

    This is contained in a statement by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Malam Sunusi Bature, in Kano.

    Yusuf underscored the significance of upholding the virtues of compassion, generosity, discipline, patriotism and harmonious coexistence.

    “As Ramadan draws to a close and the Shawwal Crescent is sighted, the principles of compassion, generosity, discipline, patriotism and peaceful coexistence it instilled should be embraced by all,” he said.

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    He urged residents to pray for divine guidance for leadership across all echelons.

    Yusuf pledged that his administration would initiate policy framework for peaceful cohabitation and unity for all.

    “Promising days await the populace of Kano as the imminent administration under my stewardship will cultivate a propitious policy milieu for all to reside in peace”, he said.

    He implored residents to uphold patriotism and a spirit of tranquility while entreating for peace and prosperity of Kano State and Nigeria at large.

    He advised against reckless driving and other unbridled Eid festivities, to ensure safety of residents and visitors to Kano.