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Tag: Kano

  • LG Polls: Gov Yusuf vows to address youth unemployment

    LG Polls: Gov Yusuf vows to address youth unemployment

    Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has promised to take advantage of the presence of elected local government chairmen in all the 44 LGAs of the state to further touch the lives of rural dwellers and address youth unemployment.

    The governor spoke shortly after casting his vote at Chiranchi Ward, Kano Municipal Local Government Area in Saturday’s local government elections.

    He said his government had done so much even without elected chairmen, initiating a lot of developmental projects across 44 local government areas.

    According to a statement from his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, the governor said; “I think the rural dwellers are the luckiest as far as we are concern, these things that we have been doing without elected chairmen. Now, today we are electing the executive of the local government councils that will be able to talk and have direct contact with the rural dwellers, therefore, it would be unprecedented.

    “My message to people is to be ready to receive more and more development in the state especially in the area of health, education, agriculture, empowerment; especially for our young men and women that have been looking for jobs, they should be rest assured that Kano State government in conjunction with all the 44 local government areas is going to take absolute care of their well-being, security and all that they deserve,” he assured.

    Governor Yusuf maintained that those that would be elected under NNPP as chairmen and councillors are very responsible and credible personalities.

    He assured that new elected local government council leaders would not be allowed to steal from treasury, warning that any of them who deviate from provision of needful developments would be punished according to Kano established laws.

    The governor expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters while saying that they should be rest assured that those they elected would live up to expectations.

    He said, “They will work together with the state government to ensure that all the dividends of democracy are provided as promised during our campaign 2023 and even this year during our campaign for chairmen and councillors elections.

    “I must say thanks to God Almighty, People have come out en masse to vote for the NNPP, during this local government elections where the voters are casting their votes to vote chairmen and councillors peacefully”.

    The deputy governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo voted at Kofar Fada ward in Gwarzo Local Government Area.

    Gwarzo also expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and the peaceful conduct of the election process crediting it to efforts of security agencies, including the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), vigilante groups, and Hisbah personnel.

  • MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    The Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation) in collaboration with UNESCO Abuja is set to mark the 2024 Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week in Kano.

    The event is scheduled to hold from October 22-24.

    In a statement, it said: “It will feature a two-day MIL capacity building training for youth and youth-led organisations in northwest Nigeria, culminating with a high-level advocacy gathering on the importance of media and information literacy.

    “The Global MIL Week is an annual event organised by UNESCO worldwide to raise awareness and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for all.

    “The week, observed every October, features a series of activities by stakeholders, including a major event by UNESCO’s head office in partnership with a Member State.

    The global theme for this year, “The new digital frontiers of information: Media and Information Literacy for public-interest information,” highlights the importance of MIL for the public good, particularly for young people.

    “Media and Information Literacy is a crucial skill for all consumers of media and information, particularly in countries like Nigeria with a burgeoning youth population that requires critical thinking skills and competencies in their engagement and interaction both online and offline,” said Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director, MILID Foundation.

    Speaking about the importance of such interventions, Head of Office and Representative, UNESCO Abuja Office, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo said, “UNESCO understands the vital role youths and youth-led organisations play in the information sharing space. With Media and Information Literacy skills, the youths are strategically placed to engage in youth-led advocacy for a better, peaceful, integrated, prosperous, and more informed world.”

    Representatives of youth and youth-led organisations at this maiden national MIL and youth engagement are expected from Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

    The high-level advocacy gathering will also feature government officials including Kano State commissioners for information and education, academics, media, civil society organisations, and students.

  • Kano community gets solar borehole, electric tricycles

    Kano community gets solar borehole, electric tricycles

    Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has given relief to Dumaji in Garun Malam in Kano State to mark World Food Day and International Day of Rural Women.

    The reliefs are solar-powered borehole, women’s processing centre, solar-powered marketing hub, and electric vehicles, particularly for women and people with disabilities.

    The solar-powered borehole, designed to serve the school, mosque, and others, will solve Dumaji’s water scarcity, improving health and hygiene.

    This highlights WOFAN’s commitment to uplifting rural communities and foster sustainable development.

    At the unveiling, Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, noted the empowerment these projects bring to Dumaji, especially through WOFAN’s ICON2 Project, with Mastercard Foundation.

    Read Also: FG set to concession Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu airports

    She said the borehole, which reaches 13 points in Dumaji and neighbouring areas, will benefit three million people.

    “The people are farmers and entrepreneurs, which is why we chose them to kickstart our activities for World Food Day and International Day of Rural Women,” Garba said.

    In addition, 24 agro-tricycle loaders were distributed to farmers to ease transportation challenges.

    The processing centre, with solar-powered dryer and processing machines, will reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security.

  • JUST IN: Fire guts Kano textile market

    JUST IN: Fire guts Kano textile market

    • …as traders count losses

    A devastating fire has consumed several shops at the renowned Kantin Kwari textile market in Kano State, leaving some traders with significant losses.

    According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out on Saturday around 7 p.m. at Gidan Inuwa Mai Mai on Bayajidda Street, spreading rapidly through numerous shops.

    The inferno, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, destroyed textiles and other valuables worth billions of Naira. 

    Among the affected traders is Alh. Yahaya Hotoro, as confirmed by Saminu Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service.

    Hotoro disclosed that over 50 shops and stores were destroyed before the fire service arrived at the scene

    Muhammed Inuwa, who also owns a shop at the Kantin Kwari textile market, said he lost fabrics and other items of clothing worth millions of naira to the disaster.

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    The fire was, however extinguished, following interventions by the Kano State Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service and reinforcements from private companies, Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets, it was learnt.

    The Chairman of the traders’ association, Balarabe Tatari, also confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying it would have been worse but the timely response from the Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, and private companies, along with support from Sabon Gari, Dawanau, and Singa Markets, averted further spread.

    He also commended the presence of personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and other authorities for ensuring security at the market.

    The market’s congestion and inadequate access roads, according to Tatari, were among factors that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

    “The state government should do everything possible to clear the obstructions that hinder movements and block drainage channels in the market,” he opined.

  • Kano to declare position on new minimum wage

    Kano to declare position on new minimum wage

    Kano State government has said it would look at the new minimum wage template critically in order to come out with a concrete position on when it would start paying the #70,000 agreed upon by the federal government and labour.

    The Kano State government of Governor Abba Yusuf currently pays N30,000 as minimum wage to its workers.

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    “Kano will come up with a position and when to start paying,” State Commissioner for Information Baba Dantiye, told The Nation.

    The Information Commissioner added that “Kano State is not owing monthly salaries to its civil servants.”

  • Kano Govt refutes claims of inaction on flooding, erosion control

    Kano Govt refutes claims of inaction on flooding, erosion control

    The Kano state government has dismissed reports claiming it spent nothing on flood and erosion control last year, stating that significant funds have been allocated to address the issue.

    Dr. Dahiru Hashim, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abba Yusuf on Climate Change Initiatives, highlighted that the state’s efforts are being implemented through the Kano State Watersheds, Erosion, and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA) and the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) project.

    Hashim’s response was in reaction to media reports by Solacebase, which alleged Kano’s poor spending history on erosion and flood control.

    The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment had predicted several days of heavy rainfall that would lead to flooding in 21 states, including Kano.

    Hashim in a statement on Tuesday said the major cause of flooding and erosion in Kano is the blockage of waterways, especially within the metropolitan local government areas and poor drainage system in the local councils.

    “Knowing this, the ACRESAL project of the state government conducted a pre-rainy season advocacy visit to all the 44 local government areas for sensitisation and awareness creation on the consequences of human activities that aggravate the problems of erosion.

    “The government then mapped out of all the watersheds and erosion sites for inventory taking, vulnerability assessment, and prioritisation of the erosion sites.

    “We then cleared the blockage of waterways assigned by the Kano State government which has approved the exercise as carried out in the eight metropolitan local governments of the state.

    “These measures have gone a long way in curtailing the problems of flooding which might have otherwise been terrific,” he said.

    The Special Adviser said the drainage channels cleared include Mumbayya House to the defunct Triumph Publishing House, Ahmadu Bello Way, Tarauni Market to Yar Fulani, Yahaya Gusau Rd in NNDC quarters, Gwarzo Road, Bilal Masjid to Darmawa and Sokoto road among several others.

    According to him, the drainage channel clearing project has helped avert flooding in the affected areas of Kano State.

    For sustainability of the drainage clearing project, the Yusuf administration empowered over 30 community self-help groups with wheelbarrows, rakes, head pans, hand gloves, spades, cutlasses, and other equipment, he explained.

    Read Also: Kano Govt approves conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University to degree-awarding institution

    Another measure, he mentioned, is the desilting of the Jakara-Kwarin Gogau River, which passes through Jakara, Fagge, and Nomansland, causing flooding in those communities.

    In mitigating the impact of flooding, Hashim said: “At Bulbula Gayawa, the state government, through the ACRESAL project has concluded a baseline study and conducted a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to ensure that all properties are adequately captured, and all individuals are fully compensated while civil work commences soon.

    “At Rarin Erosion Control Sites, relevant studies (baseline, RAP, and ESMP) have been conducted and the Kano State Government has commenced civil work to avert the effects of erosion in the affected community.

    “Erosion control works are currently in progress at Bachirawa Layin Maiunguwa in Dala and Rijiyar zaki Hauran Isyaku of Ungogo. The works have reached completion level,” he added.

  • Kano converts Sa’adatu Rimi varsity to degree-awarding COE

    Kano converts Sa’adatu Rimi varsity to degree-awarding COE

    The Kano State Executive Council (SEC) has approved the conversion of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kumbotso, into Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, now a degree-awarding institution.

    In line with this decision, Governor Abba Yusuf dissolved the university’s management, instructing the Vice Chancellor to transfer responsibilities to the most senior deputy.

    The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, revealed that the conversion followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders.

    According to him, “the decision aims at enhancing educational quality and maintaining effective management.”

    He said SEC acted on the recommendation of a high-powered committee appointed by the State Government which looked into the status of the university and charted the way to enhance its academic quality.

    “The committee’s findings highlighted concerns from the academic and non-academic communities and other stakeholders regarding the potential negative impact of the transition to university status.

    “Especially that the college is serving multiple kinds of students from non-metropolitan areas due to its strategic location and access,” he said.

    Read Also: Barau lauds Tinubu for upgrading FCEs Kano, Zaria to federal varsities of education

    According to the commissioner, the concerns include the risk of losing experienced lecturers, salary-related conflicts, and administrative challenges that could hinder the institution’s operational efficiency.

    It was gathered that SEC had reasoned that several similar institutions in Nigeria have successfully operated as colleges of education while offering a variety of degree programmes without transforming into university status, under the “Dual Mode” introduced by the NCE-regulated body.

    “The conversion is expected to have no adverse effects on students, as the current undergraduates in the College will continue with their studies.

    “Also, the certificate of the University will be safely kept for future use. Moreover, the institution will continue to offer both its traditional courses and additional degree programmes in line with its new expanded academic mandate,” Dantiye was said to have been quoted

  • Stakeholders urge Northern Govs to emulate Kano Govt on educational reforms

    Stakeholders urge Northern Govs to emulate Kano Govt on educational reforms

    Stakeholders at an X (formerly Twitter) Spaces have said the Kano State government’s declaration of a state of emergency on education has distinguished Governor Abba Yusuf in such a way that should inspire his colleagues in northern Nigeria.

    The Spaces, titled “Education in Northern Nigeria: Is Kano On The Right Track?”, had in attendance critical stakeholders. 

    Recall in June, Kano governor took decisive action to address the poor state of the education system by declaring a state of emergency on education to address the sector’s challenges. 

    Yasmin Muktar, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Education, said the condition the current administration in Kano met in the sector was deplorable.

    “Schools were like graveyards and school premises became breeding grounds for reptiles, while infrastructure, resources and policy frameworks were nothing to write home about,” she said.

    Participants also said Governor Abbah’s decision to declare a state of emergency on education should be commended and supported.

    Iorinma Ahmad said, “Education in the northern part of Nigeria requires priority attention, that is why the governor showed immediate interest in revitalizing the sector to save it from collapse.

    “In fact, school resumption was slightly delayed in Kano to ensure that some measures and facilities are in place,” he said.

    Another speaker and founder of Arewa Twitter, Abdullahi Adaki said genuine commitment was the difference between the Kano government’s interventions and those of other northern states. 

    Speakers, who decried the out-of-school situation in northern Nigeria, urged other northern states to follow Kano’s example as a way of addressing the situation.

    Mariam Rabiu, who said the out-of-school situation in the region was a “pandemic”, along with inadequate quality teachers, said the interventions under the present administration mean that the state is on track.  

    Speakers therefore commended the recruitment of 5,000 new teachers as part of efforts to revitalize the education system. 

    The governor said the initiative aimed to provide the required manpower for public schools in the state to provide quality education.

    They also commended the school feeding programme, which the governor reintroduced, saying it would increase enrollment and discourage cases of dropouts.

    Participants however admitted that poverty played a role in the underdevelopment of education in the region.

    “Poverty is one of the major reasons hindering enrolment, but now that we are feeding students and providing them with instructional materials and a conducive learning environment, they are excited to go to school,” Muktar said. 

    On his part, Prof. Usman Modibbo advised the Kano State governor to retain his education reforms legacy through legislation so that the gains recorded won’t regress after his tenure.

    The Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at the National Open University of Nigeria, said the governor should create an incentive system so that teachers employed and trained under the intervention would be retained.

    He also said component skills should be included in the education system so that graduates can be prepared for opportunities. 

    “For instance, if a microbiology student is allowed 30 per cent opportunity to study a component course in food technology, it will place them in better stead,” he said.

  • Rain destroys buildings, crops, vehicles in Kano

    Rain destroys buildings, crops, vehicles in Kano

    A torrential downpour on Friday, September 6, has wrecked havoc in Kano state, destroying buildings, farm crops and other valuables.

    Many vehicles broke down as they couldn’t sail through the sea of water on the streets, which drainage channels had been blocked by refuse and debris.

    Abubakar Umar, 23, said he lost some birds and economic trees to the heavy rain, which also affected many businesses.

    The rain, which lasted for seven hours, began at 7:00am and climaxed at about 1:00am.

    The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment had predicted several days of heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding in 21 states, including Kano.

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    The centre had predicted significant rainfall exceeding 221.1 mm in 24 days in September, warning downstream communities to evacuate the areas.

    The areas affected in Kano include Kano Municipal, Nasarawa, Fagge (Sabon Gari), Sumaila, Kunchi, Karaye, Gwarzo, Bebeji and Tudun Wada.

  • FULL LIST: Kano, Borno, other States with highest number of applicants for NELFUND Loan

    FULL LIST: Kano, Borno, other States with highest number of applicants for NELFUND Loan

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has revealed the data showing student loan applicants by state of origin.

    President Bola Tinubu in July launched NELFUND.

    The revised Student Loan Act 2024 was signed to remove financial barriers and make education more accessible to all Nigerian students, regardless of their economic background.

    The loans cover tuition, fees, and maintenance costs. The repayment process starts two years after the beneficiary completes the NYSC program.

    The Federal Government recently allocated over N2.5 billion in student loans to over 22,00 students nationwide, with institutions in the Southeast notably absent from the list of beneficiaries.

    Students from Kano and Borno States have emerged as the frontrunners in the NELFUND student loan applications.

    Kano State recorded 17,122 applications out of 20,814 registered tertiary students.   

    Borno State followed closely, with 13,798 students applying for the loan out of 16,353 registered students. 

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    These figures were shared on NELFUND’s X account, highlighting the distribution of registered students and subsequent loan applicants by state of origin.

    Benue State ranked third, with 11,754 of its 16,127 registered students applying for the student loan.

    Oyo State saw 14,086 students register, with 8,990 moving forward with the application process. 

    In Kaduna State, 13,873 students registered, and 10,380 proceeded to apply.

    Katsina State had 13,538 students register, of which 10,952 eventually applied.

    Osun State registered 13,368 students, with 8,093 applying for the loan.

    Kogi State saw 12,675 students register for the NELFUND student loan, with 8,400 of them proceeding to apply.

    In Plateau State, 11,624 students registered, and 9,328 of them went on to submit their loan applications. 

    Adamawa State had 11,219 students register, of which 8,977 successfully applied for the loan.

    Kwara State recorded 11,126 registrations, with 7,645 students applying for the loan. 

    In Taraba State, 10,699 students registered for the student loan, and 8,668 of them proceeded to apply.

    Yobe State had 10,398 students register, with 8,966 going on to apply for the loan. 

    Ogun State saw 10,387 registrations, with 5,943 students moving forward with the application.

    Akwa Ibom State recorded 9,594 registrations, with 6,525 students applying for the loan. 

    In Bauchi State, 8,358 students registered, and 6,517 applied for the student loan.

    Kebbi State had 7,873 students register, with 6,333 proceeding to apply for the loan. 

    Gombe State recorded 7,594 registrations, with 6,121 students applying for the loan.

    Niger State saw 7,487 students register, and 5,804 of them went on to submit their loan applications. 

    In Jigawa State, 6,937 students registered, with 5,535 successfully applying for the loan.

    Ondo State had 6,519 students register, with 3,854 proceeding to apply for the student loan. 

    Nasarawa State saw 6,192 students register, and 4,789 of them applied for the loan.

    Ekiti State recorded 6,065 registrations, with 3,497 students applying for the loan.

    In Imo State, 5,458 students registered, with 2,802 going on to submit their loan applications.

    Delta State saw 4,943 registrations, with 2,771 students applying for the loan. 

    Ebonyi State recorded 4,749 registrations, with 2,981 students applying for the loan.

    In Cross River State, 4,282 students registered and 2,476 of them proceeded to apply. 

    Enugu State had 4,133 students register, with 2,247 successfully applying for the loan.

    Abia State saw 4,068 registrations, with 2,170 students moving forward with the application. 

    Lagos State recorded 3,947 registrations, with 2,347 students applying for the loan.

    Anambra State had 3,747 students register, with 1,840 proceeding to apply for the student loan. 

    In Zamfara State, 3,721 students registered, and 2,986 of them successfully applied for the loan.

    Edo State saw 3,612 registrations, with 2,149 students applying for the loan. 

    Rivers State recorded 3,612 registrations, with 2,162 students applying for the loan.

    Sokoto State had 3,014 students register, with 2,055 proceeding to apply for the student loan. 

    Bayelsa State saw 1,977 students register, with 1,267 of them applying for the loan.

    In the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 894 students registered for the loan, while 676 proceeded to submit their applications.