The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kano

  • Shekarau calls for policy to encourage online studies

    Shekarau calls for policy to encourage online studies

    Former governor of Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau yesterday called for the introduction of a policy that is designed to encourage online studies in the country, which will enhance the knowledge and the process of learning.
     
    Shekarau, who is the immediate past Minister of Education made the call in his private residence where he received the founder of Islamic Online University, Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips.
     
    The Sardaunan Kano further noted that “at the time the online studies became a policy in Nigeria, the better for us; because online studies is a very good way for promoting education in a developing country like Nigeria.”
     
    He, however, hailed Dr. Bilal Philips, for not only encouraging online studies but also introducing Islamic angle to learning and university education.
     
    “Another aspect that is very important is the Islamization of knowledge; and the Islamization of the process of learning because all knowledge belongs to God,” he stated.
     
    Malam Shekarau, however, offered prayers to God for guidance, just as he promised to do everything within his powers to ensure the success and establishment of the tuition-free Online Islamic University in Nigeria.
     
    While speaking on the need to establish the university in Nigeria, founder of the institution, Dr Philips, a renowned Islamic scholar, stated that already, “over 300, 000 students across the world are enrolled in the institution, with 12, 000 Nigerians who are already benefitting from the online free education.
     
    “In the Online Islamic University, we don’t only offer Shari’a, we offer degree programmes in education, Banking and Financing, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Mass Communication, among others.”
     
    The Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen, in his speech, described the establishment of Online Islamic University in Nigeria as a welcome development that will liberate the Islamic North from education backwardness.
     
    The Nation reports that Dr. Bilal Philips is expected to meet with the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11, to further discuss ways of making the Online Islamic University a dream come true in Nigeria.
  • Kano fans break Moses Effiong’s (MON) head

    Kano fans break Moses Effiong’s (MON) head

    Irate fans descended heavily on coach Effiong Moses shortly after Kano Pillars were beaten 1-0 by Akwa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano yesterday.

    Former Enyimba striker, Christain Pygbara scored the only goal of the encounter for the coach Abdul Maikaba-led side in the 19th minute of the explosive match.

    SportingLife gathered that the defeat didn’t go down well with hoodlums suspected to be fans of the home team who pounced on officials of Akwa United and inflicted serious bodily harm on coach Effiong Moses (MON), a member of the Green Eagles side that won the first Nations Cup title for the country in 1980.

    The fans did not spare Pillars’ coach Kadiri Ikhana who was reportedly beaten to a stupor while  missiles and other dangerous objects were hurled at match officials, who barely made it to the dressing room with the help of the police.

    The police were then forced to fire tear-gas to disperse the irate fans.

    Akwa United chairman Paul Bassey told SCORENigeria: “The fans just went crazy. They first attacked the referees and then their coach (Ikhana).

    Akwa United, who were led by Kano-born coach Abdul Maikaba, inflicted Pillars their first home loss this season.

    The League Management Company (LMC) is expected to make a pronouncement on the issue soon.

  • Kano to partner Turkey on devt

    Kano State Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar yesterday stated that the state government would explore better means of improving the socio-economic life of its teeming populace.

    Prof. Hafiz who is also the Commissioner for Education, stated this during his meeting with the Minister of National Education, Republic of Turkey, where they discussed the issue of partnership on education and other areas of improvement.

    According to him, “Kano State from its history of over 1000 years of trade, has been one of the centres of commerce in Nigeria and is blessed with all the potentials needed for educational and other business transactions.”

    Hafiz maintained that due to the nature of population demographic of the State, it has become imperative to solicit the support of foreign nations and multi-national agencies to address the challenges being forced by such situations.

    He said “The 15-40 year old actually constitutes over 60% of our population in Kano, so the demographic is such that we have huge population of the very young, which is exceptionally challenging,” he stressed.

    He further stated that the state has about 6700 primary schools with 3million children, as well as 3million out of school children that need to be adequately educated.

    He therefore solicited collaboration with the Turkish government: “I also want to solicit the collaboration of Turkey`s government and Kano State towards establishing vocational training centers in Kano to enable the state produce more youths that are self-employed, as Kano is blessed with abundant natural resources used for investment and vocational centers,”

    The Deputy Governor also called on the Turkish government to arrange for the quick resumption of the Tuirkish Airline, which closed last September on account of the current recession.

    Responding, the Minister for National Education Republic of Turkey, represented by the Head in charge of the cooperation Miss Sennur CETIN assured of Turkey’s support and cooperation towards building cordial relationship between Turkey and Kano.

    She expressed delight over the visit and pledged to pursue all the requests tabled by the State to the logical conclusions for the benefit of the two Countries.

  • Meningitis: Expert calls for effective response strategies

    “The committee should be responsible for reviewing the antibiotic vulnerability of Neisseria meningitis serotypes in the country.

    “Such committee can then use current trend and data on antibiotic resistance to formulate appropriate prophylaxis and treatment by state, zones or the country as a whole,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that there has been an outbreak of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) across 16 states of the country since November 2016, of which a new strain of the disease called “stereotype C’’ had emerged.

    As at April 3, there were 2,524 suspected cases with 336 deaths recorded in 90 local government areas in the affected states.

    The states included Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Nasarawa , Jigawa, FCT, Gombe, Taraba , Yobe, Kano, Osun, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Plateau.

    Meningitis outbreaks peak in the dry season in certain states in the Northern region due to low humidity and dusty conditions and usually end as the rainy season approaches.

    The bacteria that cause it can be spread through exchange of saliva, which can occur during common activities such as kissing, sharing utensils and drinking glasses.

    The risk factors for meningitis also include living in close quarters such as dormitories, sneezing and coughing as well as smoking or being exposed to smoke.

    Also, particular lifestyle such as staying out late or irregular sleeping habits could put people at greater risk for meningitis, by weakening their immune system.

    Some common symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, confusion, sensitivity to light, headaches and vomiting.

    According to the WHO, even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment begins, five per cent to 10 per cent of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

    Vaccination against the three types of bacteria that can cause meningitis still remains one of the most effective ways to be protected against certain types of bacterial meningitis, alongside avoiding the risk factors.

     

  • Strike suspension: Fuel marketers yet to reopen in Kano

    Fuel Marketers in Kano are yet to reopen filling stations despite the suspension of the strike embarked upon by Petroleum Tanker Drivers on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the filling stations in the metropolis had remained closed since the union announced plan to go on strike.

    NAN reports that following the closure of the stations, black marketers had started exploiting the situation by jerking up their prices.

    Other marketers, especially those who operate outside the state capital, had increased the pump price from N145 per litre to between N150 and N155 per litre.

    A resident, Mr Ted Odogwu, said he had to go to AA Rano filling station along Airport Road before he could get the product on Tuesday.

    He said that before now most of the filling stations were selling the commodity without any queue.

    “But today I had to join the queue before I bought the commodity for my car at the filling station.“

    When contacted, the Public Relations officer, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Paul Jezhi said he was attending a meeting.

    The chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Bashir Dan-Malam, also promised to call back, which he failed to.

    NAN reports that the drivers had on Monday announced suspension of the strike following government’s promise to look into their demands.

     

  • I won’t mismanage Kogi’s funds – Bello

    Kogi State Gov.Yahaya Bello of Kogi has condemned those describing his administration as non-inclusive, saying their criticism stems from his insistence not to share the state’s little resources to few elites.

    Bello stated this while fielding questions from State House correspondents after joining President Muhammadu Buhari to perform the weekly Jumat prayers at Presidential Villa Mosque, Abuja on Friday.

    According to him, contrary to such insinuations, the resources of the state are being utilised for the general good of the people of the state.

    He expressed satisfaction that President Buhari was recuperating very well since he came back from vacation, adding that Nigerians should not relent in their prayers for him.

    “We followed Mr President to perform Jumat prayers and we are happy that he is getting stronger and stronger by the day.

    “We can only thank Almighty Allah for this wonderful job that he (Buhari) has done for this country.

    “I only urge all Nigerians to continue to pray and give him all the necessary support. Nigeria is going to be better,’’ he said.

    The governor revealed that the cases of kidnapping and armed robbery, which used to characterize the state, had been brought under control.

    He said the state, under his stewardship, had changed drastically as a result of responsible leadership.

    ” Kogi is changing from the dark days to the present economic prosperity;  we are following our economic blueprint and things are changing, infrastructurally.

    “The civil service is being reformed, pension too is being reformed and investors are coming in because we have largely secured the state,” he added.

    On the nomination of Prof. Steven Ocheni as Minister to represent Kogi in the Federal Executive Council, Bello said the renowned professor would make Nigeria, people of Kogi and President Buhari, proud.

    He thanked the president for nominating Ocheni, whom he described as “a versatile and workaholic’’ professor.

    Similarly, Gov.Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state lauded President Buhari for bringing peace and stability to Nigeria, especially for fighting the insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

    Ganduje, who equally performed the Jumat prayers at the Presidential Villa together with the president, announced that with the restoration of peace, Kano state would be hosting an economic summit on April 24, to boost socio-economic activities in the state.

    According to him, Kano, being a commercial town, will use the summit to explore other economic opportunities.

     

  • Police arraign painter for defiling a minor

    The Police on Friday brought a 20-year-old Painter, Ali Wada of Gulu village in the Rimin Gado local government area of the state, before a Magistrates’ Court in Kano for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant is standing trial on a one-count charge of rape,.

    The police Prosecuting Officer, Mr Rufa’i Inusa, told the court that Umar Idris of the same village reported the case to the Rimin Gado Police Division in Kano, on March 16.

    According to Inusa, the defendant had on that faithful day at about 7.30 p.m. deceived and lured the complainant’s 10-year-old daughter.

    “Wada lured the 10-year-old girl into a farm land situated in Gulu Village, under a Mango tree.

    “The defendant removed the victims pant and forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with her,” he said.

    The prosecuting officer, however, said the offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code of the state.

    NAN reports that the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The defendant had filed an oral application for his bail, which was vehemently objected to by the prosecuting officer.

    According to Inusa, the offence is a grievous one.

    He, therefore, prayed the court to place Wada on remand, pending the determination of the case.

    In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril, ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody.

    Jibril, thereafter, adjourned the case until April 10, for mention.

     

  • Businessman, charged with raping 11-year-old twin sisters

    A Kano Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded in prison a 30-year-old businessman, Lawan Zubairu, over alleged rape of 11-year-old set of twins.

    Zubairu, who lives at Hotoron Fulani Quarters, Kano, is facing a charge of rape to which he pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Muhammad Jibril, who gave the order, said the accused should remain behind the bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Rufa’I Inusa told the court that the complainant, Ibrahim Musa, of Hotoron Fulani Quarters reported the case on March 18.

    Inusa alleged that the accused lured the complainant’s daughters into his room and defiled them.

    The offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation.

    The case was adjourned until April 27 for mention.

  • Customs impounds 13 vehicles owned by senator

    Customs impounds 13 vehicles owned by senator

    The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Compliance Task Force, says it has impounded 223 vehicles 13 of which belong to a senator in Kano state.

    The task force also said that it seized other items, including foodstuff worth N269.5 million in Kano and Jigawa states within eight months.

    The Task Force Zonal Commander, Mr Bala Dole, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday.

    He said the vehicles, belonging to the said senator were; 12 new Toyota Hilux and one Land Cruiser Jeep.

    Dole, who declined to name the said Senator, said the 13 vehicles were trailed from Maigatari in Jigawa, following an intelligence report.

    “Based on the intelligence report, the vehicles were 30 in number but we were able to trail 13 of them 12 of which were hidden in the senator’s compound.

    “We sealed the house and retrieved the vehicles and they are now in our custody,” Dole said.

    He said the other items the task force confiscated during special operations include; 9,757 bags of rice, 2,916 of foreign supergetti, 2,770 cartons of foreign vegetable oil and 999 cartons of macaroni.

    He said others were; 889 veils of second hand clothes, 50 used school bags, 110 cartons of new foreign shoes, 956 bags of mosquito coil and six fairly used cars.

    “The total value of the seizure made by the task force since it was established in July 2016, excluding the 13 Senator’s vehicles, is N269.5 million.

    “We are yet to determine the cost of the 13 vehicles belonging to the Senator“.

  • Gov. Ganduje urges consistent agric policies to boost food production

    Reliable and unswerving agricultural policies can improve the country’s food production and ensure development of the sector, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has said.

    Ganduje told journalists in Kano on Friday that the bane of agriculture in Nigeria over the years, had been inconsistent agricultural policies.

    “Consistent policy on agriculture will improve food production and ensure the development of the sector,” he said.

    He said the state government would continue to give priority to the sector considering that majority of the people of the state are farmers.

    He said his administration had spent more than N1 billion to resuscitate the state Fertilizer Blending Plant in the state as part of efforts to ensure adequate provision of fertiliser to farmers.

    “The company made a profit of N500 million in the last year as it sold the commodity to some states including Kebbi,” Ganduje said.

    He said the state government was able to circumvent middle men by identifying genuine farmers and dealing with them directly.

    The governor expressed optimism that with the ban on importation of rice, the country would be able to produce enough rice for both local consumption and export.

    He added that the state government has ensure adequate provision of fertiliser, improved seeds and other inputs to farmers across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    He said the state government found it necessary to support the farmers to support the Federal Government’s efforts at diversifying the economy and to augment the country’s dwindling revenue owing to the fall in the price of oil.

    Speaking on almajiris, Ganduje said the state government was working closely with other governors to devise a way to prevent them from migrating to Kano state.

    “There are at least 3 million almajiris in Kano and most of them are from Niger Republic, Chad and other states of the federation.

    “Since we don’t have a law which prevents almajiris from coming to Kano, we are trying to convince other governors to prevent them from migrating to or state,” Ganduje said.