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Kano this morning: Wednesday 19.12.18

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By Maude Rabiu Gwadabe

Top story: PDP candidate to know fate January 14 – Abba Kabir Yusuf, the candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming 2019 governorship election in Kano State, will know his fate as court slated January 14 to pass judgement on his disputed candidature.

On October 2, Abba Yusuf, a protégé of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, emerged winner of the PDP primaries after polling 2,421 votes to defeat Jafar Sani-Bello, who got 1,258 votes.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Jafar Sani-Bello dragged Abba Yusuf to Kano High Court 3, seeking to be declared the governorship candidate of the party as the latter has failed to inform his ward secretary of his intention to rejoin the party, thereby contravening the PDP constitution.

The presiding judge A.T. Badamasi adjourned the case till January 14 for judgement.

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Pensioners seek increase of minimum pension rate – Pensioners in Kano have called for an increase in the minimum pension payment in the state.

This call is coming as Kano state government releases N2 billion for the payment of pension arrears and gratuity to 1,313 pensioners for the period covering November 2015 to June 2017.

A pensioner who spoke to RAHMA RADIO said he receives N4,732 monthly to take care of his family including 14 children, two of whom have been dismissed from school over his inability to pay their fees.

He therefore calls for an increase of the minimum pension payment from N5,000 to N35,000 monthly.

On its part, the Nigeria Labor Congress in Kano says it is committed to advocating for an increase in pension rates as soon as minimum wage is reviewed upward.

Chairman of the Council, Kabiru Ado Minjibir says there is an indexing provision in the Kano state pensions law, meaning that the government is expected to increase pension rates whenever wages are increased.

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Students cry out for scholarship payment – Students in the Kano state owned Yusuf Maitama Sule University have called on the government to pay their scholarship allowances for the 2015/16 session.

President of the Students Union Government Ahmad Yusuf Godiya said the students have been screened and received their award letters three months ago.

He added that the Scholarship Board has promised to tell pay the scholarship allowances by November/December this year.

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Court sentences intending kidnapper to jail – A Kano resident Kabiru Ibrahim has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to a charge of attempting to kidnap his uncle for ransom.

Magistrate Umma Sani Kurawa of court number 36 sentenced Kabiru Ibrahim to 720 days in prison without an option of fine and an additional one-year imprisonment or a fine of N30,000.

DALA FM reports that the convict pleaded guilty to an attempt to kidnap his uncle for a ransom of N1 million in connivance with an accomplice Dahiru Abdullahi who pleaded not guilty.

The court therefore directs prosecuting counsel, Ibrahim Abdurrazak Tsanyawa to present witnesses for the trial of the alleged accomplice.

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Dangote Cement Deploys AI, Telematics to Enhance Transport Safety

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Dangote Cement Transport has scaled up series of impactful, and technology backed programmes designed to improve performance, governance and compliance to road safety. 

 

A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company said the enhanced programmes cover key operational areas, including performance metrics, strengthened governance standards, and improved accountability frameworks.

 

It further noted that the programmes also extend to comprehensive driver training and competency development, technology-enabled safety systems, journey management protocols, and regular recertification processes.

 

Other components include mandatory drug screening, strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability programmes, and community impact programmes, among others.

 

The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, recalled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recently commended the company for its proactive safety programmes, which have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes across the country.

 

The statement quoted Head of Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, as saying that the company has upscaled its transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and road safety.

 

Mr. Silva said the company has since deployed enhanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour during transit, strengthening oversight and operational safety across its fleet.

 

He added that, in a bid to combat driver fatigue, the company has increased its wellness campaign, while also engaging in a series of stakeholder fora with third-party truck operators and drivers to reinforce safety awareness, compliance, and responsibility on the road.

 

Mr. Sliva said the company’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is already yielding positive results, noting that the partnership has continued to strengthen safety standards across its operations.

 

He added that FRSC officials are actively involved in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, where they provide technical guidance, enforce compliance with best practices, and support the development of highly competent and safety-conscious drivers.

 

According to him, the percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification, has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”

 

According to him, between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, recorded significant improvements in its safety compliance measures, with drug and alcohol testing increasing by 245.2 per cent, pre-trip vehicle inspections rising by 489.1 per cent, and driver training programmes expanding by 128.4 per cent.

 

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had commended the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms that have continued to improve safety across Nigeria’s transport sector.

 

The Corps Marshal stated that comparatively between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving trucks belonging to the Dangote Cement Plc declined by 56 per cent, while fatal cases decreased by 36 per cent and injuries dropped significantly by 52 per cent.

 

He said the improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis, and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa.

 

“We have always said that if Dangote Cement get its right, Nigeria and Africa, will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” he said.

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Kwankwaso mourns former Radio Kano, ARTV boss Adamu Getso

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Ibrahim Khalil

 

Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.

 

The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.

 

According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.

 

“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.

 

Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.

 

He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

 

Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.

 

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Governor Yusuf Mourns Former CTV 67 Managing Director, Adamu Getso

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

 

Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.

 

According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.

 

The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.

 

During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.

 

He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.

 

On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.

 

The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.

 

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