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Tag: Kano

  • Kano Governor clears N5.6 billion councillors’ dues

    Kano Governor clears N5.6 billion councillors’ dues

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has disbursed N5,604,205,998 to 1,198 former councillors, fulfilling outstanding entitlements and prompting the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore, to endorse him for a second term.

    The APC councillors were denied their between 2018 to 2023 by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration, Yusuf said.

    Five years after a prolonged delay, Governor Yusuf has settled over N5.6 billion severance and furniture allowances owed to councillors.

    The Governor had earlier paid N1.8 billion in May 2025 to 903 former councillors who served between 2014 and 2017 as the first tranche. The second tranche of N5.6 billion is now being disbursed to 1,198 former councillors.

    Speaking during the payment of the second tranche, an excited Falgore said, “The only way we can repay him is to reelect him in 2027.”

    Governor Yusuf confirmed that bankers had been directed to begin crediting the councillors’ accounts immediately.

    Governor Yusuf said he inherited the liability of N15.6 billion from the previous APC-led administration, which failed to pay its councillors that served between 2014 and 2020 across the 44 local government areas.

    He described the payment as a defining moment for Kano State, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity, fairness, and justice to those who served at the grassroots level.

    “These are moments when we rise above the ordinary to restore dignity, fairness, and justice to those who have served with loyalty and dedication. Today, by the grace of Allah, is one of the defining moments in the history of Kano State.

    “It is my belief that many of you have already started receiving your alerts, as I instructed the bankers to begin crediting your accounts even before I finished my speech,” Yusuf added.

    He further assured that preparations were underway for the third and final tranche amounting to N8.2 billion which will cover 1,371 former councillors. He said the final payment is expected to be disbursed by the second week of November.

    Yusuf stressed that the initiative was not just a financial obligation but a means to strengthen trust between the government and its people.

    The governor added that government is not only about building roads, schools, or hospitals. It is also about building trust and honoring those who have served.

  • Lawmaker gives 3,500 students N300m scholarship in Kano

    Lawmaker gives 3,500 students N300m scholarship in Kano

    A member of the House of Representatives from Kano State, Mohammed Shehu, has awarded scholarships to 3,500 indigenous students of his constituency across

    tertiary institutions within two and half years.

    He also supported secondary school students with WAEC/NECO/JAMB registration fees in 2023 and 2024.

    Shehu, a lawyer, who briefed journalists after his town hall meeting with constituents, said he also gave over 25 Law school candidates a scholarship of ₦250,000 each.

    Shehu, who represents Fagge federal constituency of Kano at the National Assembly, said a computer room and library at Aisha Shehu Secondary School was also established by him.

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    “My efforts in Education for the people of my constituency include the constructions of Science Model Primary School at Kwachiri Maidorawa and a block of classrooms at Airforce Base Kano.

    “I also constructed a block of six classrooms and toilets at Na-Tsugune Primary School in Jaba.

    “Also, the refurbishing of Computer room at Aisha Shehu Gilrs Secondary School Fagge; and provision of over 2000 sets of school uniforms, are some of my efforts.

    “Others include the demolition and reconstruction of Khairul Bariyyah Islamiyah at Rijiyar Lemo, as well as provision of modernised canopies to Quranic Schools in Fagge,” Shehu said. 

  • Customs arrests four for vandalising power cables worth N5.3m in Kano

    Customs arrests four for vandalising power cables worth N5.3m in Kano

    The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested four suspects who allegedly used a school bus to vandalise high-voltage power conductors valued at ₦5.33 million.

    Briefing journalists at the Customs House in Kano, the Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhat Abubakar, said the suspects were intercepted on September 11 during a routine patrol.

    Recovered items included 13 bundles of vandalised 155-millimetre aluminum conductors measuring 1,771 metres, 73 bundles of firewood used to conceal the cables, a cutting plier, vehicle registration papers, and ₦250,000 in cash allegedly offered as a bribe.

    Abubakar explained that the suspects disguised the act using a box-body wagon marked as a school-board vehicle. He noted that the vandalism deprived communities of water and electricity, causing health and safety risks.

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    He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies to safeguard critical infrastructure, warning that such acts lead to costly repairs, insecurity, and loss of public trust.

    The four suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution in line with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

    NSCDC Kano Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga commended the Customs Service for the arrest, describing it as a product of “scientific, kinetic collaboration and synergy.” He assured that the Corps would conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute the suspects if found guilty.

  • Nigerian conjoined twin baby girls return to Kano after successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia

    Nigerian conjoined twin baby girls return to Kano after successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia

    …Governor Yusuf promises scholarship, welfare 

    Nigerian conjoined twin baby-girls, Hassana and Husaina Isa, who underwent a successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia, on Friday returned home in Kano.

    Governor Abba Yusuf, his deputy Aminu Gwarzo, and the Consular General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Khalil Ahmed Al-Admawi, were at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to receive them and their parents. 

    The life-saving operation was carried out at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the Crown Prince/Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

    On Tuesday October 30, 2023, the Saudi Medeval plane marked: HZ-MS4C airlifted Hassana and Husaina with their parents and other family members, departing through the Aminu Kano Airport.

    On October 31, the conjoined twins, who were barely five days old then, arrived in Riyadh, where they underwent months of comprehensive medical examinations.

    Doctors revealed that the twin sisters were joined at the lower abdomen, pelvis, spine and lower spinal nerves, sharing vital organs that made the case complex.

    A team of 38 consultants and specialists, including experts in pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, anesthesia, and plastic surgery, collaborated seamlessly to ensure the success of the operation, the Press Attache to Saudi Embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, said.

    It was gathered that the surgery, which unfolded in nine stages, lasted approximately 14 hours.

    “Each stage required precise coordination to safely separate the twins and reconstruct their individual systems. The successful outcome was hailed as one of the most challenging, yet rewarding achievements of the Saudi programme for separating Siamese twins,” Alsahabi said.

    The Consular General of the Kingdom of Saudi (Al-Admawi) on Friday described the success of the surgery as a “demonstration of the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian service.”

    “Saudi Arabia will continue to extend medical assistance and goodwill to countries in need, through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, especially Nigeria with which it shares historical ties,” he added.

    It was gathered the separation of Hassana and Husaina is the 65th successful operation under the Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme, which has provided care for 150 sets of conjoined twins from 25 countries over the past 35 years. 

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    Separated twins get scholarship:

    Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state on Friday, while receiving the separated conjoined twins at the airport in Kano, promised that the state government will give them a full scholarship to university level. 

    Yusuf assured he would fully support their welfare and healthcare, including routine medical checkups in Saudi Arabia. 

    “Even when I leave office, subsequent governments will be advised to continue to take care of them,” Yusuf said.

    The twins’ father, Hassan Isa and his wife were all tears while thanking the governor of Kano and the Saudi government. 

  • ISWAP fighter surrenders as troops arrest several collaborators in Kano, Lagos, others

    ISWAP fighter surrenders as troops arrest several collaborators in Kano, Lagos, others

    An Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighter has surrendered to troops of 242 Recce Battalion, Nigerian Army, in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State. 

    Troops also arrested several terrorist and criminal collaborators in Kano, Plateau, Taraba, Lagos, and Rivers States, recovering weapons and ammunition.

    A military source told The Nation on Tuesday that the success was achieved following a renewed vigor and intensive military onslaught across the country from August 31 to September.

    According to the source, a preliminary investigation into the surrendered ISWAP fighter revealed that he had been with the group since 2013 but abandoned the insurgency due to hardship and internal divisions.

    “In the same period, troops arrested several criminal collaborators and suspects across Kano, Lagos, Plateau, Taraba, and Rivers States, recovering weapons and stolen items which have been handed over to relevant authorities for further action.”

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    According to the source, an intensive operation in the Northwest on August 31 led to the rescue of nine kidnap victims – six children and three women – from bandits in Zamfara State.

    “In a related operation, troops of 8 Division Garrison neutralized a terrorist at Gidan Garkuwa in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. 

    “Similarly, troops of 1 Brigade made contact with armed groups at Magazu in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, leading to the recovery of motorcycles and military uniforms.” 

    The source noted that the coordinated operations have “significantly weakened terrorist mobility and logistics”, fostering a safer environment that will enhance agricultural activities in the region.

    According to the source, the troops’ onslaught in the Northcentral region has prevented criminals’ free movement and secured major roads for commuters. 

    “Accordingly, troops thwarted criminal activities in Plateau State by foiling armed robbery along the Jos–Bauchi road and responding to attempted cattle rustling in Mangu Local Government Area.” 

    Regarding the operations in Lagos and Rivers States, the source stated that troops uncovered illegal refining sites and intercepted suspects involved in the theft of construction materials.

    “These operations highlight the Nigerian Army’s commitment to tackling both terrorism and criminality nationwide,” the source said. 

  • Kano denies protocol director diverted N6.5 billion

    Kano denies protocol director diverted N6.5 billion

    Kano State Government on Monday denied the allegation of N6.5 billion diversion by the Director General, Protocol Directorate of Kano State Government House, Abdullahi Rogo.

    A statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, said the allegation was nothing more than a work of fiction, carefully crafted by political opponents.

    The statement said the allegation was part of the opposition members’ blackmail and propaganda in their desperation to remain relevant ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “One of the ill-intended narratives, most likely sponsored, was a publication on Daily Nigerian, a Kano-based online news platform, on August 22nd, 2025, which particularly drew government attention to the allegation of withdrawal and diversion of ₦6.5 billion from the state treasury.

    “First, government makes bold to say every cash outflow into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is properly budgeted with clear codes well spelt out in the fiscal policy of the state. Hence, no individual in government MDAs handles public funds without proper designated purpose.

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    “The Directorate of Protocol, Kano State Government, handles critical responsibilities in Government House and key operations in the Office of the Chief Executive of the state.

    “These responsibilities cover but are not limited to logistics, accommodation, welfare, and management of the Governor’s itineraries within and outside the country.

    “The Directorate of Protocol is equally entrusted to provide required logistics to VIPs and VVIPs, which include the Presidency, Ministers, foreign aides, and other diplomatic visitors on official state visits to the Governor.

    “The large number of personalities captured in this category also includes ordinary citizens that mostly attract the special attention of the Governor.

    “Expectedly, over 95 per cent of the responsibility of the Directorate of Protocol involves large volumes of financial transactions and more often than not, settles liabilities incurred on the state at the instance of His Excellency.

    “While the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will remain focused on governance and maintain its position on financial prudence, accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, the government will not sacrifice the integrity of its aides to deliberate acts of political blackmail being orchestrated by unpatriotic elements of society.

    “The government is also not in doubt of the credibility of the Director General, Directorate of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo,” the statement reads.

  • Police charge 333 to court over alleged electoral violence in Kano

    Police charge 333 to court over alleged electoral violence in Kano

    The police in Kano State have charged 333 suspected thugs to court for various electoral offenses.

    The suspects were arrested for disrupting the electoral process in Ghari, Bagwai and Shanono local government areas during the rerun and by-election on Saturday.

    Exhibits recovered by the police included two ballot boxes, 163 thumb-printed ballot papers, 14 vehicles and over N4 million cash.

    Dangerous weapons recovered from the suspects included a pump action rifle, five locally made guns, 16 swords and 18 cutlasses.

    Other dangerous weapons recovered included a bow and 223 arrows, seven catapults and 45 stones, 18 knives and 94 long clubs.

    Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who briefed reporters on Monday stated that the polls were conducted under “challenging circumstances, as it witnessed individuals disrupting the process through massive importation of thugs from within and outside Kano State.”

    He disclosed that the suspects were charged to Magistrate Courts 20,27, 44 Nomansland and Magistrate Courts Number 8 and 53, Gyadi-Gyadi Kano, on Monday for prosecution under various electoral offences.

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    The charges against the suspects include: Criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, intimidation and loitering without lawful excuse after voting or being refused to vote.

    Other charges include snatching or destruction of election materials, improper use of vehicles and solicitation for votes of another voter on election day, the police commissioner said.

    Bakori disclosed that the arrests were successful through “clearance operations,” spearheaded by the Kano State Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “I would like to commend the combined security agencies for their dedication, commitment, and selfless service during this challenging electoral period.

    “Their professionalism and coordinated efforts were instrumental in containing the violence from spreading further and helped to safeguard the voters, election officials, and the general public,” he said.

    Bakori assured the Police Command will ensure justice is served and that those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process would be held accountable.

  • 2027: Kano ex-SSG urges Nigerians to obtain voter cards, shun coalitions

    2027: Kano ex-SSG urges Nigerians to obtain voter cards, shun coalitions

    Ahead of the 2027 general election, immediate past Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, has called on Nigerians within the voting age (18 years and above) to register and obtain voter cards so as to participate in coming elections.

    He also advised members of the public to shun coalitions being formed by “confused politicians.”

    Usman, who is the National President of Volunteers for Democracy, made the call while addressing a State Executive Committee meeting at Sani Abacha Youth Center, Kano.

    The Volunteers for Democracy is a group commitment to informing and educating members of the public towards improving better engagement between leaders and the led.

    It also assesses the performance of Kano State NNPP led government, while keeping it on its toes to be responsive and accountable in line with constitutional provisions.

    “Volunteers for Democracy reiterates the call on voter registration exercise for those that attained voting age (18 years and above).

    “To obtain a voter card as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is important.

    “Participation in elections is a yardstick for entrenching democracy at all levels, through the legal means of free and fair balloting.

    Read Also: APC rejects Kano Bagwai/Shanono Assembly rerun poll result

    “We therefore, urge all and sundry, particularly those within voting age limit to please come out to their nearest card issuing centers to obtain the voter card within the stipulated time frame,” Usman said.

    He urged members of Volunteers for Democracy and the public to be cautious and avoid members of the opposition parties “who keep jumping from one party to another in the name of forming a coalition or alliance.”

    According to him, the opposition parties are in fear of the APC strength ahead of the 2027 general election.

    “They (opposition) are criticising anything the APC government is doing no matter how useful it is to the society.

    “We hereby call on our members to remain in the APC. We implore you to be cautious with online news outlets and fact-check before rushing to take any action that may be regrettable,” he advised.

  • NGO trains 150 Kano women in software devt, cybersecurity, data science

    NGO trains 150 Kano women in software devt, cybersecurity, data science

    No fewer than 150 women in Kano State have completed a four-month training in digital skills, organised by a nonprofit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSfaI), under the second cohort of its SafeHer programme.

    At the graduation ceremony for the women held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Kano, WDSfaI’s Programme Lead for STEM Education and Digital Literacy, Khodijah Lawal, said the training was part of the organisation’s commitment to empowering women to shape and transform their futures in the digital world.

    She disclosed that for four months, the participants not only received comprehensive free hands-on training in either software development, cyber security or data science, but also received training in soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and personal branding.

    “When we commenced this training programme earlier this year, our mission was clear: to empower women and girls with in-demand digital skills in Software Development, Cybersecurity, or Data Science, while also equipping them to stand strong against the challenges of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

    “We set out to bridge the gender gap in STEM, and to create opportunities where women are not only present in tech but are thriving and leading. Throughout the programme, our trainees have learned not only technical skills but also essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and personal branding, tools that will set them apart in their careers,” Lawal said.

    She called on the government, the private sector, and development partners to invest more in digital skills programmes for girls and women, noting that the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem depends on diversity, innovation, and inclusion.

    “At Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative, we will continue to work toward a future where women lead, create, and influence technology, not just in Nigeria, but globally,” she added. 

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    In her remarks, the Special Guest at the event, Aisha Kwaku who is the founder of ElevateHER Innovation Space, also emphasized the need to equip more women with tech skills..

    “Empowering women with tech skills is not just about equity; it’s about building a stronger, more innovative economy. When women are digitally skilled, they create businesses, solve problems, and inspire the next generation,” Kwaku said. 

    For many of the graduates, the programme was a life-changing opportunity. Zulaiha Gamandi, who trained in cybersecurity, said “Before joining the SafeHer programme, I never imagined I could work in tech. Now, I’m confident I can start a career in cybersecurity and even teach others. This programme has changed my life.”

    Maryam Aliyu, a software development trainee, described the training as transformative. “I had no prior knowledge of coding. Today, I’ve built my first web application. The instructors were patient, and the learning environment was supportive. I’m proud to be part of this movement,” she said.

    Hajarah Garba, who specialised in data science, highlighted how the soft skills component boosted her confidence. She said beyond the technical training, the personal branding and communication classes have enhanced her confidence and helped her believe in herself.

  • Kano commissioner resigns after report on drug suspect’s bail indicts him

    Kano commissioner resigns after report on drug suspect’s bail indicts him

    A Commissioner of Transport in Kano State, Ibrahim Ali Namadi, has resigned his position following an investigative report on the bail of a drug suspect from police custody that indicted him.

    The police had accused the ex-commissioner of bailing a notorious drug dealer, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, who was to be charged in court.

    Governor Abba Yusuf, upon hearing the allegation, had set up a committee, headed by his Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters, Aminu Hussaini, to investigate the controversial bail.

    Namadi’s resignation came just hours after Governor Yusuf received the report of the findings by the probe panel. He, however, insisted he was innocent.

    He said he stepped down in the overriding public interest due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

    “As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step, painful as it may be.

    “While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built,” Namadi said.

    “I must, as a responsible citizen, do all I can to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked hard to instil in our state.

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    “I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration to power,” he added, thanking the governor for allowing him to serve.

    Governor Abba Yusuf accepted Namadi’s resignation and wished him success in his future endeavours.

    He restated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on drug-related offences, social vices, and any conduct that undermines public trust.

    The Governor also cautioned political appointees to exercise discretion on sensitive matters and always seek proper authorisation before taking action.

    A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature, on Wednesday added that the matter has been put to rest, following Namadi’s resignation.

    “We wish to state that the committee set up by the Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has concluded its assignments and submitted a report to the governor last night.

    “While the governor is critically studying the committee’s report recommendations, the commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Namadi, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

    “Therefore, the matter has been put to rest by the action of the commissioner to withdraw from the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    “The governor wishes to reiterate the commitment of the Kano state government under his able leadership to the fight against drug abuse and other crimes in the state.

    “The state is committing a lot of resources to ensure the security of the state, particularly where a lot of crimes are being orchestrated by some unpatriotic youths,” Bature said, appreciating the committee members.