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 Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, KACCIMA, has said it is making plans to name a proposed Trade and Convention centre after the President/CE, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
“The new Council of KACCIMA plans to name the centre, Aliko Dangote Trade and Convention Centre after its completion in 3 years’ time,”
KANO FOCUS reports that the President of KACCIMA, Garba Imam, made the pronouncement in Kano on the sideline of the ongoing 44th Kano International Trade Fair edition themed, ‘Economic Diversification, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’
Dangote Industries, DIL, is a major sponsor of the 2023 fair.
Imam told newsmen that Mr. Dangote has contributed enormously to economic development of Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan Africa through his highly acclaimed Conglomerate.
“Nigerians are now waiting eagerly for Dangote Refinery for a sigh of relief.
“By partnering Dangote, we hope to drive economic development of Kano and restore its past glory as the largest commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
“Apart from infrastructure development, the new Council of KACCIMA is also working with the Nigeria Gas project- the gas pipeline from Obajana, to Kano, Katsina and Maradi to know how Kano Industries would benefit.
As well as Kano, KADUNA railway line because it will reduce freight of raw materials and other products.
Imam said that the major concern of the Chamber is to drive economic growth and manufacturing rebound following the collapse of many factories in Kano state.
Imam disclosed further that the project was approved by the Kano state government in 2021.
He expressed the belief that Dangote, as a son of the soil will impact its execution and implementation and assist KACCIMA achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering Qur’anic recitation competitions among students and bolstering Islamic education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed this commitment during the opening ceremony of 38th annual Qur’anic recitation competition held at the Conference Hall of the School for Arabic Studies in Kano.
Represented by the State Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration considers the enhancement of Islamic education, particularly Qur’anic recitation and memorization across all educational levels, as a pivotal responsibility.
Highlighting Kano’s longstanding prominence in national and international Qur’anic recitation, Gov. Yusuf noted the state’s continuous leadership in this realm.
The State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, represented by Director of Arabic Education and Islamic Studies, Alhaji Bashir Mu’azu, announced the government’s plan to construct toilets and implement solar systems in Tsangaya schools across the state.
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, represented by Wazirin Kano Alhaji Sa’adu Shehu Gidado, lauded the state government and the organizers of the Qur’anic recitation competition.
He commended their unwavering dedication to uplifting the sanctity of the Holy Qur’an, citing the competition as a testament to their commitment.
The Emir emphasized the competition’s profound impact on engaging youth in the study and memorization of the Holy Qur’an.
Acting Chairman of the Kano State Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools Management Board, Comrade Bala Baba Sha’aibu, expressed gratitude for the state government’s sponsorship of the Qur’anic recitation competitions.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved with immediate effect, the appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Musa as the new Head of Civil Service.
KANO FOCUS reports that The appointment followed the recent voluntary resignation of the former Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala Mni who was retained by the present administration from its inception in May, 2023.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sanusi Bature Dawakintofa said the new Head of Service is a seasoned civil servant who served in various government Ministries, departments and agencies in Kano for over three decades.
An indigene of Kiru Local Government area, Abdullahi Musa served as the Permanent Secretary Kano Government House, Council Affairs Directorate, Administration and General Services of Cabinet Office, Ministry of Special Duties, and Servicom Directorate.
He is a graduate of BSc. International Relations from prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and bagged a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano and another Masters degree in Strategy and Security Administration from Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
Governor Abba Kabir urged the new Head of Civil Service of the state to discharge his responsibility within the confines of the civil service rules and regulations.
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