Headlines
Kano elders to establish ‘technology village’ to tackle economic decline
By Nazifi Dawud
The Kano Concerned Citizens Initiative (KCCI)– a group of notable Kano citizens and statesmen has revealed its plans to set up a “Technology Village” by utilizing the skills of young ICT experts to create employment and boost the state’s economy.
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday at the NUJ Press centre in Kano, chairman of the KCCI, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, who spoke on behalf of other members, identified economic decline as the root cause of youth unemployment and and moral decadence.
“We have met with a group of young graduates and others who are ICT specialists and together we are developing a KCCI idea of founding a ‘Technology Village’ in Kano and two other selected northern states as a start.
“Some of these brilliant young men and women have developed some fantastic applications. Unfortunately, we lack venture capitalist around here. But we intend to search elsewhere,” he said.
Mr Tofa, a former presidential candidate also said the KCCI had last year organized a mini conference with young inventors who came and “displayed remarkable inventions like helicopter, a motor car, new methods of drilling boreholes, electric wall brackets and some farm implements.”
“There are also a group of women enterpreneurs who manufacture very beautiful leather bags, shoes and other clothing and jewelry items.
“For all these, we intend…to hold an exhibition in collaboration with the Kano state government and the federal government so that we can find an opening for their talents for their benefits and that of the country,” he said.
‘Cause of economic decline in Kano’
Mr Tofa explained that the KCCI had embarked on visits to 30 industries and farms in Kano central district to identify the cause of “deteriorating commercial activities in Kano”, with the aim of proffering solutions.
He added that although most of the industries have specific problems, all the 30 have complained about common issues such as:
- Multiple taxation
- Inadequate power supple
- differentials in energy cost (higher in north)
- high interest rates
- dilapidated and embarrassing infrastructure (roads, drainages)
- lack of government concern
- dumping of foreign goods
- threat from foreign competitors
- environmental pollution
- difficulties in sourcing funds
- Abrupt and sudden enforcement of some draconian measures including inspection and seizure of goods by customs and other regulatory agencies.
“It is our earnest hope that the advice we have given will be seriously considered by the authorities and appropriate actions taken to remedy the situations before it is too late.
“We know very well that both the federal and the state governments are doing what they can to make life much better for the people. We only urge that more attention should be focused on the problems we highlighted. In due cours, we intend to seek appointments to follow up on these matters with the authorities we mentioned in the report,” Mr Tofa said.
Nasiru Yusuf
THE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has carved out a new Kano transmission region from the old Kaduna Region.
KANO FOCUS reports that the newly established unit brings the number of TCN regional centres to 10.
The TCN believes the step will improve commercial activities in the state.
A statement issued by TCN General manager of Public Affairs Ndidi Mbah explained that the creation of the Kano Transmission Region became necessary owing to the rapid economic and industrial development being witnessed within Kano State and its environs, as well as the gradual implementation of TCN’s strategic ‘Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion and Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP),’ which has enabled the transmission company to complete some ongoing projects and increase the number of substations within that axis.
He said the Kano Transmission Region had, under its supervision, one sub-regional office and several work centers, all housing 13 transmission substations (TS), including the Kumbotso TS, Dan Agundi TS, Dakata TS, Tamburawa TS, Kwanar Dangora TS, Wudil TS, Kankia TS, Katsina TS, Daura TS, Dutse TS, Hadejia TS, Azare TS, and Gagarawa TS.
The new Kano region currently according to the statement has ongoing transmission substation projects which when completed would further increase bulk transmission capacity in the new region.
The new Kano Transmission Region, the company said, would deepen operational efficiency within the region and enable its engineers to readily access and resolve technical issues within the new region.
Mbah explained that prior to the creation of the new Kano Region, major decisions had to be referred to Kaduna Region for directives, and the supply of materials was sometimes delayed due to logistic issues from Kaduna.
Mbah noted that the proximity of the new region would radically reduce downtime and eliminate time lost when materials had to be conveyed from the Kaduna Region.
Nasiru Yusuf
The Department of State Services have arrested another blasphemous singer, Ahmad Abdul, whose song was perceived to create chaos in Kano state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Singer Ahmad Abdul was detained by the DSS because his free movement may likely cause violence reaction from Kano residents.
While in detention, Mr Abdul tender apology to entire Muslims, Kano state government and Islamic Scholars.
He told DSS operatives that he never thought that the song has violated Islamic teachings.
Commenting while witnessing the bail condition granted to Mr Abdul at the DSS Headquarters, Kano, the Executive Secretary of the Kano state Censorship Board Ismaila Naaba Afakallah recalled that he had received hundreds of petitions against the song from concerned citizens.
Afakallah said having realized the gravity of the song’s blasphemy, he reported the singer to DSS who swung into action and arrested him at a Hotel where he was hiding for days.
Mr Abdul Father, Abdullahi Isa thanked the DSS for their timely response on the matter which saved possible outbreak of law and order.
Also in August last year, An upper Sharia court in the Hausawa Filin Hockey area of the state has found one Yahaya Sharif-Aminu guilty of committing blasphemy for a song he circulated via WhatsApp.
However, the appellate division of the High Court of Kano State had on January 21 quashed the death sentence passed on Mr Sharif-Aminu and freed him.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The deposed Emir of Kano Malam Muhammadu Sunusi II says he is not interested in contesting for the presidency of Nigeria.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Sunusi revealed this at a Tijjnaniyya zikir held in Abuja on Thursday.
Muhammadu Sanusi said his current position as Tijjaniyya Khalifa in Nigeria is superior to the presidency.
The deposed Emir however said he is ready to help those he believe in their competence to win elections without his participation in politics.
“If we trust a candidate is out to serve the people, we will come out and help them.
“That is not joining politics but a civic duty to the nation and its citizens” Mr. Sanusi said.
TCN creates Kano transmission region
DSS arrests singer accuse of blasphemy
I’ll not run for President – Muhammadu Sanusi II
Vigilantes arrest grave robber in Kano
Man arrested with over N1bn cash at Kano airport
‘Yan Sanda sun kama mutum 63 da ke addabar Kano
Ya kamata a yi dokar ‘kisa’ kan masu kwacen waya a Kano-al’umma
Kallon gobara: Mutane sama da 70 sun kone a Kano
Matashi a Kano ya cakawa dan cikin matar yayansa wuka
