Headlines
Opay reacts to police closure of Kano office
By Mukhtar Yahaya Usman
Opay, the online payment service whose office was shut down by the Kano State Police Command on the orders of the Kano state government has said it is working to resolve its differences amicably with the state government.
KANO FOCUS recalls that armed police personnel stormed the office of the online payment company and shut down its operations on Thursday for alleged non-compliance with rules and regulations set for it by the state government.
The police dispersed the company’s staff members as well as scores of commercial tricycle riders, who were at the premises to settle their balances.
However in a statement, Ridwan Olalere, the Director of Operations of the company in Kano said Opay is a legally registered platform that is seeking to assist members of the Kano public to enjoy affordable transportation through the use of government-recognized Keke Napep associations.
“This is in continuation of the founding vision of ORide (a service on the Opay app) which is, to make smart commuting accessible to people of all walks of life, at an affordable rate. ORide is about creating opportunities by helping people move from where they are to where they need to be,” he said.
He explained that the company, which started operating in August 2019, had empowered the tricycle riders (aka Adaidaita Sahu) with smartphones as part of their on-board kit while training them on international safety and security standards, before it was invited by the government to clarify its operations.
“While engaging with relevant stakeholders within Kano state Government to introduce the
platform upon launch, OTrike was invited by the Government to further clarify and educate
the Government on its business model including topics on its pricing approach which is
surprisingly very low, as well as accreditation and certification to operate its business,” he said.
“Upon concluding government verification, the state is now confident in the platform. Partnership discussions have been opened with the platform in a bid to leverage OTrike’s solutions for regulating the tricycle business in Kano. This has led to the government requesting that the organization restructures its business to fully integrate with the state’s commerce laws as another round of Keke registration via KAROTA begins soon,” Olalere added.
He also said the launch of the Opay online app “has been met with positive reactions from the residents of Kano state”.
OPay is a subsidiary of Opera Internet Group. The company is registered in Nigeria as
Paycom Nigeria Limited and began operations in August 2018 with a CBN license to operate
microfinance services via its mobile wallet.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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