Headlines
Why we carry sticks–KAROTA
By Nazifi Dawud
Managing Director of the Kano Road Transport Agency (KAROTA) Dr. Bappa Babba Dan-Agundi has explained why personnel of the agency carry sticks on the roads while controlling traffic in Kano city.
Speaking on a Radio programme ‘Barka da Hantsi’ monitored in Kano, Dan-Agundi said KAROTA officers are using sticks to protect themselves from attacks by angry motorists and other road users who are not happy with how the traffic officials conduct their duty.
He said many KAROTA personnel have been attacked by errant motorists, adding that some of them are still in hospital with fractures and other serious injuries.
Although Dr. Dan-Agundi admitted that using weapons is against the laws of KAROTA, he however, pointed that the Nigerian Constitution has given citizens the right to defend themselves from harm including government officials.
He also said that apart from restoring sanity on Kano roads, KAROTA officials have been commended by security agencies for arresting a fake soldier and handing him over to the appropriate authority for prosecution.
Kano Focus reports that recently, members of the public have raised alarm over the alleged high-handedness of KAROTA officials who routinely use their sticks to smash skulls and windshields of drivers who dared to break traffic rules.
On two occasions, the fiery traffic officials got into trouble after one of them grabbed a steering wheel from a fleeing commercial driver, leading to the death of a motorcyclist along Club Road, where the vehicle swerved and hit the victim, who was riding by the road side.
In another incident, two KAROTA officials were arrested by the Kano Police Command at Ibrahim Taiwo road, after one of them used his stick to smash the head of a truck driver, causing serious injury on him.
To show their anger, other drivers soon blocked the busy road with their trucks in protest, causing a massive traffic chaos.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The deputy governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has flagged off this year’s Ramadan feeding programme with a target to supply 91 thousand plates of food per day across all the designated areas in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gwarzo, who is the Chairman of the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, expressed satisfaction with the smooth takeoff of the initiative.
The ceremony took place at Dandali Centre, Fagge Local Government Area, where the deputy governor urged the catering companies involved to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of meals to all feeding centers to achieve the programme’s objective.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor were the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shelkh Tijjani Auwal, and other top Government officials.
A statement by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, said, since the assumption of office by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led government in Kano State, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state government has institutionalized the initiative to support vulnerable residents by providing them with daily iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
“This annual programme is a humanitarian effort aimed at easing the difficulties faced by fasting Muslims.
“The state government has approved the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with 91 designated feeding centers across the state. The initiative will cater to 91,000 people daily for 27 days.
“To ensure the effective implementation of this year’s programme, catering service providers have been engaged to prepare and deliver 91,000 plates of food per day across all designated centers,” Waiya said.
Salary Fraud: Governor
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has suspended with immediate effect the Acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, over alleged salary deductions and non-payment of some civil servants’ salaries.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was confirmed that Salisu Mustapha has also been directed to step aside as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, under the Office of the Head of Service, to allow for an unhindered investigation.
To ensure administrative continuity, the governor has approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary, REPA, as the new Acting Head of Service, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice, warning that anyone found guilty will face severe consequences.
The Abdulkadir Abdussalam-led investigative committee, inaugurated today, has been given seven days to uncover the root of the irregularities and submit its findings.
Salisu Mustapha was appointed Acting Head of Service earlier this month following the medical leave granted to the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who is currently receiving treatment in India.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
In a bid to ease transportation challenges for junior staff, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, on Wednesday distributed the second batch of bicycles under the university’s welfare initiative.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the distribution ceremony, Professor Abbas, assisted by the Chairman of the Bicycle Loan Committee, Professor Mahmoud Umar Sani, and other committee members, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to staff welfare. He noted that the initiative aims to provide affordable and sustainable mobility options for staff, enhancing their efficiency at work.
Highlighting the success of the first batch, Professor Abbas commended the beneficiaries for fulfilling their loan repayments. He further announced that loan deductions for the newly distributed bicycles would commence after the Sallah festival, allowing staff to utilize their salaries for Ramadhan fasting and Eid celebrations.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management, describing the initiative as timely, especially given the rising transportation costs. Many pledged to make good use of the bicycles.
A total of 47 bicycles were distributed in this phase, while 100 bicycles were distributed in the first phase.
Gwarzo flags off Ramadan feeding programme in Kano
Salary Fraud: Governor Yusuf Suspends Acting Head of Service with Immediate Effect
Stakeholders commence validation of revised 2025 Kano Education Law
BUK distributes 147 bicycles to junior staff
Halilco Foods expands production line in Kano, boosts capacity by 500%
Breaking: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG
Forbes: Aliko Dangote’s wealth surges by almost 100% to $23.9bn, now 86th richest in the world
Dangote refinery exports two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia
KSCHMA to integrate family planning into health contributory scheme
