Africa's Media Giant
Africa's Media Giant
By Kayode Adebiyi
The death has occurred of Omar Farouk, the son of the traditional ruler of Dambatta of Kano State, Dr Mansur Mukhtar.
Muktar, the deceased’s father, is a former Minister of Finance,
This was announced by the family of the deceased in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Farouk died on Saturday in Abuja and was buried according to Islamic rites after prayers for him at the National Mosque. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
By Aminu Garko
Residents of Kano on Thursday heaped praises on the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, for canceling this year’s Sallah Durbar due to security concerns.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ado-Bayero had announced the cancellation at his Nasarawa Mini palace in Kano on Wednesday.
According to Ado-Bayero, the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the celebration.
“Durbar celebration is not a do- or-die affair for me, the peaceful coexistence of the people is much more paramount to me than anything.
” We pray that the decision to suspend the Durbar procession will improve the peaceful coexistence of our people and our blessed Kano.
“I am calling on the people to use the festive period to visit friends and family to improve on cordial relationships.
” I pray that the we are among the God’s favour in the blessed month of Ramadan,” Ado-Bayero stated.
Many residents of the ancient city have commended Ado-Bayero for dousing tension ahead of the Sallah celebration.
A resident, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru, described the decision by Ado-Bayero to cancel his Durbar as a welcome gesture.
” The traditional ruler’s action should be hailed by all peace-loving residents of the state as it will ensure peace and tranquility during the festival.
” This is especially important since Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, along with three others Emirs of Rano, Karaye and Gaya were also planning to hold their own Durbars.
” This would have led to parallel Durbars in Kano, potentially plunging the city into violence.
” By canceling his Durbar celebration, Ado-Bayero has demonstrated his commitment to his people’s peace, progress and development.
” I urge all traditional rulers in Kano and other states to follow Ado-Bayero’s noble example,” she said.
Malam Abdulsalam Mohammad of Naibawa, Tauroni Local Government Area also commended Ado-Bayero for choosing peace over Durbar celebration.
” Kano, a critical state in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, cannot afford to risk its peaceful coexistence for personal interests.
” I must admit that the announcement has eased the tension that previously enveloped the commercial city.
” Regardless of sceptics’ perspective, Kano, Ado-Bayero and our people have all emerged victorious from this patriotic decision, ” he said.
A journalist, Muhammad Kabir, said Ado-Bayero’s decision to suspend the celebration was a welcome development that would give peace a chance to prevail.
” The initial plan to hold parallel Durbars was seen as an attempt to tear Kano apart.
” The mature decision by Emir Ado-Bayero to cancel the plan demonstrates his leadership and love for Kano,” he said.
Alhaji Sani Mohammed of Unguwar Wambai in Ungogo Local Government Area praised the emir’s decision, stressing the importance of prioritising safety and the well-being of residents.
” He has demonstrated that he is a leader that prioritises the well-being of his subjects,” he said.
For Gambo Ishaku, a resident of Charanchi area of Dala Local Government Area, ” the security situation is a top priority and we support this move for the overall good of Kano and the country as a whole.”
Audu Musa, a horse rider from Yakassai Quarters, expressed the hope that the situation would improve for future celebrations.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo
By Ramatu Garba
The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has inaugurated the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued at N16 billion and to benefit one million Nigerians nationwide.
The Chairman of the foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, made the disclosure during the inaugural ceremony on Thursday in Kano.
Represented by his daughter, Marya, he said the annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, was part of the foundation’s response to the current economic challenges facing the nation.
“The distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of this foundation.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.
“Our foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support projects, which tackle hunger and water supply problems.
“We are also strengthening the quality and scope of health and education, as well as promoting economic empowerment at the community level,” he said
Dangote urged other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that would place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.
According to him, there’s a need to complement government efforts in fighting hunger and poverty through a public private partnership.
“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis.
I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges. Therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians,” he said.
On his part, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State said the intervention reflected the unwavering commitment of Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo, he said the gesture would go a long way in alleviating hardship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.
He said the state government had set up a committee made up of relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure transparency in the distribution process.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated the commitment of Dangote to continue giving back to the society in various ways, including supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, commended the foundation for the initiative and urged others to emulate Dangote.
He said the board would be actively engaged to ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries. (NAN)
Edited by Bukola Adetoye and Yakubu Uba
Labour
By Aminu Garko
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has issued a stern warning to teachers, prohibiting them from involving students in hard labour, both on and off school grounds.
This is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.
The governor emphasised that schools are for education and moral guidance, not for manual labour.
During an unscheduled visit to the School for Arabic Studies in Kano, the governor had found students digging a toilet pipeline.
Visibly displeased, the governor questioned the headmaster about assigning such tasks to students.
The headmaster explained that the work was assigned after school hours. However, Yusuf ordered the practice to cease immediately.
The governor assured the school management that his administration would renovate all dilapidated buildings, including the attached mosque.
He also instructed that any school projects be submitted to the Ministry of Education or his office for execution.
Yusuf, however, inspected ongoing reconstruction projects at Kano Printing Press, damaged during the End-Bad-Governance protests.
He directed the contractor to adhere strictly to the contract, expressing concerns that some structures did not meet government standards. (NAN)
Edited by Hajara Leman / Kamal Tayo Oropo
By Aminu Garko
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has launched the Abba Care Initiative with the enrollment of over 300,000 individuals in a free health insurance scheme.
The initiative, according to his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, is aimed at enhancing healthcare access for the state’s most vulnerable populations.
He listed the beneficiaries to include pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, inmates in correctional facilities and individuals living with sickle cell anemia.
Bature said the initiative was fully funded and managed by the Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency (KCHMA).
He said that it was designed to ensure that marginalised groups access free quality healthcare services in designated facilities across the state.
According to Bature, the Governor described the programme as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for inclusive governance.
He said the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the health and wellbeing of Kano’s underprivileged residents.
“This bold initiative marks a significant step towards achieving universal healthcare coverage and improving the quality of life for the people of Kano State,” he added.( NAN (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano state government has unveiled an Anti-Corruption Strategy (2024–2028), a comprehensive framework aimed at tackling corruption and promoting integrity.
The event was conducted with support of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, being implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The event coincided with the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), whuch has as its theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
The theme of the event highlights the vital role young people play as catalysts for change in the fight against corruption.
Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf undetscored the importance of addressing corruption, describing it as a cancer that erodes trust, undermines institutions, and hampers progress.
“Protecting human rights is at the heart of our administration’s agenda. We are committed to blocking systemic linkages, investigating corruption, and ensuring value for public funds,” he said.
Ibrahim Bello, RoLAC Coordinator in the state, reaffirmed commitment of the EU to support anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.
“The European Union and International IDEA remain steadfast in their partnership with Nigeria to promote good governance, transparency and accountability. This strategy demonstrates what can be achieved through collective efforts.
“The governor is a formidable partner in the fight against corruption in the state. He has shown unwavering commitment by working with development partners to ensure a corruption free state,” he said.
The event featured debates, sensitisation and discussion sessions, aimed at fostering strong collaboration among stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
The pavilion of the Dangote Group at the ongoing 2024 Kano International Trade Fair has become Mecca of a sort, attracting customers excited to make inquiries and purchases as the year winds down.
Organised by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), the fair, themed “Non-Oil Export for Economic Prosperity,” aligns closely with Dangote Group’s vision of economic diversification.
A statement from the Branding and Corporate Communications Department of the Dangote Group said the Trade Fair, running from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7, has seen the Dangote pavilion actively engage visitors with designated help desks.
It said: “Nigeria is a powerhouse for non-oil export, but only if it taps into its numerous resources and potentials. At Dangote we have demonstrated this with our huge investments in fertiliser, sugar, salt and cement products spread across several African countries.”
A visit to the stand revealed significant engagement, particularly from distributors and retailers.
Many are taking advantage of the Trade Fair to stock their warehouses in preparation for the upcoming end-of-year festive season, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the heightened demand.
The company, therefore, urged participants to leverage on the opportunity to visit the company’s pavilion and take advantage of the various products on display.
They include Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar and Dangote Salt and Dangote Fertiliser.
Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar extolled the role of Public Private Partnership in the development of the Nigerian economy.
While visiting the Dangote pavilion at the fair, he told participants that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration recognises the role of the private sector as key.
Badaru reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the government with prayers while maintaining confidence in the security forces.
He said the security agencies’ unwavering dedication is crucial to sustaining these achievements.
Meanwhile, President of the Chamber, Alhaji Garba Imam commended the Dangote Group for its support and partnership, adding that the company has been consistent in its sponsorship of the annual event.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director General of KACCIMA Alhaji Sabiu Umar Yola said: “The relationship between KACCIMA and Dangote has been very supportive and a great partnership.”
He said the theme for this year was meant to encourage Nigerians to source for other commodities for export instead of crude oil.(NAN)
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