Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has urged Information Officers across the state’s 44 local government areas to step up information dissemination and public enlightenment in line with the activities of their respective councils.

KANO FOCUS reports that Comrade Waiya gave the charge while addressing the officers during a strategic meeting held at the ministry, explaining that the engagement was aimed at developing practical strategies to improve performance as the state moves into the year 2026.

He noted that 2026 is a pre-election year, which, according to him, places greater responsibility on Information Officers to remain professional, objective and committed to the dissemination of accurate and credible information. He stressed that strict adherence to the ethics and regulations guiding information management is crucial to protecting public interest and promoting informed civic participation.

The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers through the provision of working tools and continuous training. In a major incentive, he announced that the ministry would sponsor the cost of application forms and registration fees for officers willing to return to school to further their studies in journalism, with the aim of enhancing professionalism and improving service delivery.

Comrade Waiya also disclosed plans to convene a special engagement involving Local Government Chairmen, Information Officers and officials of the ministry to jointly explore ways of improving information management at the grassroots level. He added that media professionals would be engaged to train officers on opening and effectively managing social media platforms to boost publicity for local government activities.

According to him, the proposed training would also focus on equipping Information Officers with skills to disseminate basic information on local government areas, including geographical location, population and mineral resources.

In their separate remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Usman Bello, the Director of Information, Aminu Kabir Yasser, and the Director of Public Enlightenment, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, offered suggestions aimed at strengthening service delivery. These include the revival of the ministry’s “Gani da Ido” programme, training of Information Officers on translation, and other capacity-building initiatives to enhance effective communication at all levels.

The meeting, stakeholders noted, reflects the state government’s resolve to strengthen information management and public enlightenment, particularly as the state approaches a critical political period.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations (Achaba/Okada) and the restriction on tricycle movement between 10:00pm and 6:00am within the Kano metropolis.

KANO FOCUS reports that between January 1 and 7, 2026, the combined security team impounded 104 commercial motorcycles and 68 tricycles for violating the standing directives. A total of 172 suspects were arrested in connection with the offences and have since been charged to court for prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended residents of the state for their cooperation and understanding, while also praising the efforts of sister security agencies involved in the operation, particularly the Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA), for their support in enforcing the measures.

According to the police, the ban on commercial motorcycle passenger conveyance and the nighttime restriction on tricycles remain in force. The affected local government areas include Kano Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Fagge, Nassarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo (Jido area), as well as Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, covering Tamburawa, Gurjiya and Jido wards.

The command urged members of the public to continue to comply with the regulations in the interest of public safety and security. Residents were also encouraged to report violations or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines on 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the Kano State Police Command assured that it would continue to take necessary measures to enforce the ban and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Ministry of Education has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop for Special Education Officers to strengthen inclusive, safe and gender-sensitive learning environments across schools in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop, held on Wednesday at the School for Arabic Studies Hall, was themed “Promoting Inclusive, Safe, Gender-Sensitive Learning Environment for All.” It brought together education stakeholders and professionals committed to promoting equitable access to quality education, particularly for children with special needs and other vulnerable groups.

Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, represented by the Director of Schools, Mallam Sagir Umar Danbare, reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to inclusive education policies that ensure no child is left behind.

He stressed the need for learning environments that are safe, supportive and responsive to gender and individual differences, noting that inclusive education remains critical to sustainable educational development in the state.

In her welcome address, the Director of Educational Support Services, Hajiya Halima Sadiya Tukur, explained that the workshop was designed to equip Special Education Officers with relevant knowledge and practical skills to effectively implement inclusive education practices in line with national and global standards.

She encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery in their various areas of responsibility.

Two technical papers were presented at the workshop. The first, titled “Understanding Inclusive Education: Concept, Policy, Framework and Implementation,” was delivered by Dr. Auwal Inuwa Bello of the Department of Special Education, Bayero University, Kano. He provided an overview of inclusive education principles, policies and implementation strategies, emphasising the importance of systemic collaboration and teacher preparedness.

The second paper, “Gender-Based Violence: Implications for Learners’ Safety and Retention – Promoting Gender-Based Sensitive Learning Environment for All,” was presented by Dr. Nasir Yakubu, also of the Department of Special Education, Bayero University, Kano. He examined the effects of gender-based violence on access to education, learner safety and school retention, and called for proactive measures to prevent abuse and promote safe, respectful school environments for all genders.

Participants described the workshop as timely and impactful, noting that the discussions enhanced their understanding of inclusive and gender-sensitive education practices.

According to the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, the Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to continue building the capacity of education officers as part of broader efforts to improve educational outcomes across Kano State.