Tag: Shettima

…as Shettima inaugurates presidential food systems unit to harness resources, ideas

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday, July 12, inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) as part of efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle hunger and hardship in the land.

This followed a presentation by the Technical Assistant to the President of Agriculture, Office of the Vice President, Marion Moon.

According to a statement issued by the senior special assistant to the president on media and information, office of the vice president, Stanley Nkwocha, the new initiative is one of the ways the presidency is engaging with states, development partners, and other critical stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to address the soaring prices of commodities and general food insecurity in the country.

Addressing members of the group comprising governors, cabinet ministers, and representatives of development partners, Senator Shettima said: “The nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better.

“Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck. We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing.”

Outlining the mandate of the PFSCU, the Vice President said the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders.

Shettima made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialization programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must work assiduously to activate and operationalize.

He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better.

Earlier, state governors in the committee outlined plans to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State said Cross River State is looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population.

“We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Governor Otu noted.

On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive.

He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers.

Also, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, highlighted the state’s potential to achieve food security.

 “All that is needed is the political will to drive the process. Our lands are very fertile. In Jigawa, there are places where we are yielding ten tonnes per hectare of rice. There are so many places like that. As of today, our average in Jigawa State is about 12.56 per hectare. We are on the right course. What we need is sustained political will,” the governor explained.

Read Also: Shettima calls for improved data collection, tech for inclusive devt

For his part, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.

He revealed that Niger has invested over N100 billion naira in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems available.

Governor Bago called for support from the federal government, World Bank, and other development partners to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Patricia Obila, who also spoke on the state’s unique topography and its potential to enhance its renowned Ebonyi Rice production, noted the need to introduce tractor mechanization to ensure year-round production and leverage youth participation by incentivizing agriculture with farm settlements equipped with necessary social amenities.

Also speaking, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, explained that the unit comprises representatives from all three tiers of government, ensuring a coordinated approach to food systems management.

He further revealed that it will report to the Presidential Economic Coordinating Council, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that it will coordinate efforts to improve food production, processing, and distribution, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable food system for Nigeria.

This move integrates agricultural activities across local, state, and federal governments, fostering collaboration and efficient resource allocation.

On his part, Country Representative of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Mr Dominique Koffy Kouacou, who spoke on behalf of a group of donors, pledged their commitment to the success of all the efforts by the Federal Government aimed at addressing food insecurity in the country.

He said the enthusiasm exhibited by the President and Vice President in addressing challenges in the agricultural sector is commendable and has reawakened the commitment of donors in the sector, assuring that they were fully on board with the government.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Maifata Aminu Mu’azu, and Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Muhammed Abu Ibrahim.

Others include Managing Director/CEO of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr Omoboyede Olusanya; MD of SaroAfrica, Mr Rasheed Sarunmi; World Bank Programme Leader, Sustainable Development, Nigeria, Mr Vinay Vutukuru, and the institution’s Senior Agriculture economist, Mr Manievel Emmanuel Sene, among others.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasied the importance of enhanced data collection, analysis and technology deployment to guide informed government decisions, investments, and development pathways.

Speaking at the 2024 World Population Day celebration at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Shettima stressed the need for robust data systems and institutions, upgraded human resources, and partnerships to generate and utilize inclusive data. 

This, he believes, will ensure a resilient and equitable future for all Nigerians.

This year’s theme: “The Power of Data,” highlights the significance of inclusive data in shaping a better future. 

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima observed that this year’s theme, which recognizes the power of data and emphasizes the promises of inclusive data is instructive.

Read Also: Tinubu meets Shettima, governors in closed-door meeting

According to him: “Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance. It is the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns; it tells us how many we are, with an understanding of the age structure, sex structure, location, and more. Data is the true story of our experiences and informs us about today and the future through scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.

“Despite our last census taking place about 18 years ago, Nigeria has never relegated the importance of data. This is why this day invites us to recommit to improving our data collection, analysis, and deployment of modern technology.

“This will generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment options, and development paths.”

Noting that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades, the VP reassured however that with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who “is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognizes” them as critical components in the nation’s development drive.

Shettima also disclosed that a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters worth N110 billion is in the offing.

This, he noted, is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the already existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.

The VP stated: “It is worthy to note that under this present dispensation, we were able to fulfill the 30% quota for youth inclusion in governance across all tiers of government and most importantly, the President has walked the talk. He approved the sum of N110 billion for the Youth Investment Fund.

“We are setting up the National Youth Development Bank. We are going to set up the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters worth N110 billion. This is in addition to the Youth Data Bank that the minister earlier talked about that we are setting up”.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on investors to explore Nigeria’s multiple non-oil sector opportunities, where he said there are significant and attractive investment returns. 

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital innovation, among other sectors as potential investment ground to explore, saying they align with the nation’s development priorities outlined in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

The Vice President who stated this on Friday, July 5, during the Existing Foreign Direct Investors Roundtable at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that the eight-point agenda of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “signals diverse avenues for investment, from agriculture to renewable energy.”

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “Through targeted incentives and public-private partnerships, we aim to unlock the full potential of these sectors, catalyzing job creation and socio-economic empowerment across the country”.

Senator Shettima assured the investors and other development partners of a business environment that is characterized by transparency, accountability, and regulatory certainty, even as he implored them to “recognize the indispensable role of public-private partnerships in mobilizing resources, sharing expertise, and mitigating investment risks.”

The VP observed that with the non-oil sector contributing 93.62 percent to Nigeria’s GDP in the first quarter of 2024, it is imperative to explore other critical sectors of the nation’s economy.

He said, “It is not by chance that the non-oil sector contributed 93.62% to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2024. This significant shift from our oil dependency invites us to explore diverse sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital innovation. 

“These sectors not only promise attractive returns, but also align with our national development priorities outlined in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and subsequent blueprints”, he explained. 

VP Shettima further said the Tinubu administration adopted some mechanisms for the ease of doing business which, according to him, “stimulate investment across critical sectors and strengthen the capacity of public institutions, ensuring that industry stakeholders are never undermined.”

Emphasizing the importance of investment in the life of a country’s economy, Shettima noted that it is not just about financial returns but also “building lasting legacies and making enduring contributions to society,” just as he told the investor that their investments are capable of uplifting “communities, create sustainable livelihoods, and drive inclusive growth.”

He noted: “The life of every economy is defined by the volume of investments it accommodates and attracts. Investments are the lifeblood that fuel innovation, drive growth, and create opportunities for prosperity. 

Read Also: Shettima leads FG delegation to condole Minister of State over mother’s death

“Today, as we gather for this roundtable with our esteemed foreign direct investors, we celebrate not just the capital that flows into our nation, but the confidence, trust, and partnerships that these investments represent”, the Vice President said. 

Senator Shettima further stressed that President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and pro-business background were added incentives to investing in Nigeria under the present dispensation.

 Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, commended the development partners, foreign investors and other stakeholders for participating in the meeting.

Senator Hadejia outlined some of the efforts made by the administration of President Tinubu to boost the investment climate in Nigeria.

He said most of the measures already adopted by the administration were at different phases of implementation, and would yield fruits in the coming years for existing and aspiring investors to see.

In her remarks, the Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Princess Zahrah Mustapha-Audu presented the summary report of a survey conducted to aggregate views about foreign investments in Nigeria, noting that the outcome of the exercise would be critical to the efforts by the Tinubu administration to boost the investment environment in the country.

She explained that the programme – ‘Existing Foreign Direct Investors Roundtable’- is centered around seeking ways of retaining and scaling up investments in Nigeria, noting that the outcome of deliberations at the forum would be harnessed to boost existing frameworks and policies aimed at encouraging foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

Also present at the roundtable were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq; CEO of Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi; the Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap; the representative of the CBN Governor and representatives of other federal government agencies.

Other participants include the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Salem Saeed AlShamsi, the leadership of the American Business Council, other members of the diplomatic corps and technical partners.

Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-level federal government delegation to Keffi on Saturday to offer condolences to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, over the passing of her mother, Hajiya Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi.

The late Hajiya Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi died on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the age of 66.

The Vice President who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was accompanied by National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe; Chairman, Senate Committee on Art, Culture and Creative Economy/ Senator representing Nasarawa South, Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, and Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Mohammed Sani Musa.

Read Also: What will Tunji Bello bring to FCCPC?

Speaking at the family residence, the Vice President who said he was there at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the family over the demise of their mother paid glowing tribute to the late Hajiya Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi, highlighting her positive impact on the community.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “everyone I have encountered so far has been showering encomiums on her. May Allah grant her Aljannah Firdaus and may Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck. But the beauty of her life is that she left behind a legacy of goodwill and respect,” he stated.

The Vice President also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the advancement, security, and welfare of the citizens.

 He said, “May Allah continue to bless us and grant our country peaceful coexistence, prosperity and progress. Her demise is indeed a huge loss to us all, and our President is indeed mourning with her immediate family and this community.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the growth and development of any nation, accounting for 96.4% of businesses and 46% of GDP in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2024 International MSME Day, Shettima stressed that MSMEs can address unemployment and insecurity, urging sub-national leaders to prioritize them.

The event themed: ‘Call To Action: Provision of Sustainable Single-Digit Loans for MSMEs,’ was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, in collaboration with the African Union Commission. 

Represented at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hadejia, Shettima appreciated the African Union Commission’s support and recognized MSMEs as the backbone of the global economy, employing 60% of the workforce.

“We also need to get leaders at the sub-national level to recognize the importance of MSMEs and to give them the priority they deserve because they contribute to the GDP and also help in addressing unemployment.

“Really when you put all these in perspective and consider the kind of impact MSMEs will have when given the needed attention, I think we should begin to look at development in that sector as a solution not just to unemployment but also to security.

“MSMEs account for 96.4% of our businesses and their contribution to the GDP is about 46 percent and without them, 80 percent of the current Nigerian workforce will be without employment. These facts provide us with the evidence that if MSMEs prosper, Nigeria prospers,” he said.

The vice president also used the opportunity to appreciate the African Union Commission for partnering with the Nigerian government to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country, as he underscored the importance of MSMEs to economic growth in Nigeria and beyond. 

“As we are all aware, MSMEs are the backbone of not only the Nigerian or the African economy but of the global economy as a whole. It accounts for 90 percent of all businesses worldwide and employs over 60 percent of the global workforce.  

“It is no wonder then that the United Nations has dedicated today the 27th of June to recognize MSMEs and to celebrate them for their contribution to the economies of nations all over the world,” he added.

The deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, said the commission is focused on unlocking $100 billion for youth and women involved in MSMEs, through its Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion Initiative (WYFEII).

She said the initiative is one out of many earmarked for the promotion of small businesses in Africa and it hopes to unlock the funds between now and the year 2030.

Read Also: JUST IN: Shettima presides over NEC

“The African Union Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion Initiative which we call WYFEI 2030, is one of such initiatives which I am so proud to have championed. WYFEI 2030 has dedicated itself to offering a partnership framework for an intentional and accountable delivery of the African Union’s decade of women’s financial and economic inclusion, running from 2020-2030. WYFEI 2030 aims to unlock $100 billion for at least 10 million women and youth SMEs by 2030,” Dr Nsanzabaganwa disclosed.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who also thanked the AU Commission for supporting MSMEs in Nigeria, noted that Africa can achieve single-digit facilities for MSMEs.

“I know and I am convinced that as a continent, we can do something about this; we can achieve single digits for MSMEs that are sustainable.  There is no nation anywhere in the world that can survive without paying great attention to its MSMEs. They are the heartbeat of any nation,” the Presidential aide stated. 

The MSMEs Day celebration also featured panel discussions on providing single-digit loans for MSMEs in Africa and creating a sustainable business environment for African MSMEs to thrive.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the 142nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.

The ongoing meeting also has some members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team in attendance, indicating the likely tone of the agenda of the meeting.

NEC, a statutory body mandated to advise the President on the nation’s economic affairs, is comprised of the Vice President, Governors of the 36 states of the federation, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance, and other stakeholders.

The meeting is coming at a time when the populace, especially the workforce, awaits the government’s decision on a new national minimum wage discussion.

Read Also: Tinubu not discriminating against North, says Shettima

Today’s NEC became particularly important as it is expected to create an official interface for both the federal government and the sub-nationals, especially as the last Federal Executive Council (FEC), which held on Tuesday, decided to step discussions on the minimum wage down until President Tinubu consults with other parties in the new pay discuss.

Among those present at the ongoing NEC meeting are governors, Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Lawal Dauda (Zamfara), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Seyi Makinde, (Oyo), Lucky Ayedatiwa, (Ondo).

Others sighted at the Council Chambers, the venue of the meeting, are Abdullahi Sule, (Nassarawa), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Caleb Mutfwang, (Plateau), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Biodun Oyebanji, (Ekiti), Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya, (Gombe), Peter Mbah, (Enugu), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Dapo Abiodun, (Ogun), Umar Radda, (Katsina), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Umar Namadi, (Jigawa) and Umar Bago, (Niger).

States being represented by their deputy governors include Lagos, Rivers, Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

Details shortly…

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is not working against the interests of Northern Nigeria.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Kano while receiving a Federal Government’s delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Bajabiamila, on a condolence visit over the death of his mother-in-law. Hajiya Maryam Abubakar.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent in Kano quoted Shettima as praising Tinubu’s goodwill toward the region.

The vice-president cited the appointment of the two Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chairman of Police Service Commission, among others, all from the North, as evidence of the president’s commitment to the region’s growth.

He, therefore,urged Nigerians to support  Tinubu’s efforts to make Nigeria great, emphasizing that governance transcends political party affiliations.

Shettima stressed that the country’s unity and progress were more important than party differences.

He cited the support he received from the Kano State Government, led by Gov. Abba  Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), during his time of bereavement.

Read Also: Between Shettima and Tony Elumelu

Shettima said that the country has moved beyond politics and was now in the act of governance, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to achieve greatness.

He reminded that Nigeria’s greatness was a collective responsibility, and that political party affiliations should not be a yardstick for division and destruction.

The vice-president called for unity and cooperation among all the political parties, saying that ensuring Nigeria’s greatness was a collective responsibility.

(NAN)

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, June 25, paid a condolence visit to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, in Kano over the death of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Asiya Muhammad Gauyama.

Shettima’s visit followed the loss of his mother-in-law Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir, in Kano on Sunday evening after a prolonged illness at the age of 69.

Read Also: Between Shettima and Tony Elumelu

• Vice president, Umahi console Ganduje

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condoled with wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and her family, over the passing of her mother, Hajiya Maryam Albishir.

Mrs. Tinubu, in a statement yesterday by her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, described the loss as ‘deeply painful’ for Mrs. Shettima and her family.

The statement reads: “I commiserate with Hajia Nana Shettima on the demise of her beloved mother, Hajia Maryam. Her passing is undoubtedly a painful one and a great personal loss to you and your family.

“My Allah comfort you and may you find solace in the remembrance of her good deeds and virtues.”

The First Lady also commiserated with Prof. Hafsat Ganduje on the passing of her mother, Hajiya Asiya Gauyama.

She acknowledged the sorrow that comes with losing a mother, saying, ‘At this time of grief, may Allah comfort you and grant you and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Read Also: Senate never proposed new aircraft for Tinubu, Shettima, says Akpabio

“May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannah Firdaus.”

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has condoled with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the demise of his mother in-law.

Makinde, in a statement yesterday, urged the vice president to take heart, praying to God to grant repose to the deceased.

He said: “I condole with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the death of Hajiya Maryam Albishir. While the death of loved ones always brings pain, we can only accept the will of God and pray for the fortitude to bear the loss.

“It is my prayer that Allah will grant her Aljana Firdausi and console the family she left behind.”

• President, Buhari, Yusuf, Umahi offer condolences

Vice President Kashim Shattima and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday buried their mothers-in-law in Kano State.

Shettima’s mother in-law, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir, died on Sunday after a protracted illness. She was 69.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said Hajiya Albishir died Sunday evening in Kano.

She was buried yesterday afternoon according to Islamic traditions.

The statement reads: “Vice President Kashim Shettima has lost his mother-in-law, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir, who passed away in Kano on Sunday evening after a prolonged illness. She was 69.

“Hajiya Maryam, mother of the Vice President’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, was an exemplary and kind-hearted mother in her community and also a devoted Muslim. She was respected for her wisdom, compassion, and dedication to charitable causes. Many remember her as a source of guidance and support, both within her family and in the wider community in Kano.”

Read Also: Cholera: Nigeria records 53 deaths in 107 LGs

President Bola Tinubu, in condoling with Shettima and family, described Hajiya Albishir’s death as a ‘deeply painful loss’. He celebrated the deceased’s legacy of philanthropy and good virtues, and prayed for the repose of her soul.

The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, urged the family to find solace in the remarkable life she lived, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her.

It reads: “President Bola Tinubu condoles with Vice President Kashim Shettima and his family over the passing of Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir, his mother-in-law.

“The President not only mourns the deceased, but also celebrates her legacies of philanthropy and good virtues. While praying for the repose of her soul, the president urges the family to take solace in the remarkable life the departed matriarch lived.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in his condolence message, described the demise of Hajiya Albishir as ‘extremely sad’.

A statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, also prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.

It reads: “Former President Buhari seized the moment of their meeting yesterday in Katsina to express his deepest sympathies. Muhammadu Buhari said the death of Hajiya Maryam, the mother of the Vice President’s wife, Hajiya Nana, was extremely sad. His thoughts and prayers are with the Vice President and his family at this challenging time. He prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.”

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, described the deceased as an ‘obedient housewife who did her best in the upbringing of her family members, which included blood children, and other non-related people, that she helped in moulding their characters’.

It reads: “People like her are very rare. She was a unique, friendly, respectful, family and responsible community leader whose death has created a wide vacuum difficult to fill.”

“The governor prays Allah to grant her soul eternal rest and Jannatul Firdausi be her final abode.”

Minister of Works David described the death as unfortunate. He regretted that the country would miss her devotion to fostering national dialogue, social harmony, and mutual understanding in a plural society.

Ganduje’s mother in-law, Hajiya Asiya Muhammad Gauyama, also died yesterday morning and was buried at the Tarauni cemetery.

The funeral prayers were led by Sheik Auwalu Khalid, the Imam of Ganduje’s residence mosque at Miyangu road in Kano.

Ganduje, who governed Kano from 2019 to 2023, arrived at the ancient city in a chartered flight in company of family, friends, and political associates. He was received at the Aminu Kano International Airport by APC loyalists who joined his convoy to his private residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Nasarawa Local Government Area.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Edwin Olofu, which announced the death earlier, reads: “Hajiya Gauyama, the beloved mother of Prof. Hafsatu Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, wife of the National Chairman, died in the early hours of Monday.