Headlines
Top 10 Kano stories of November, 2019
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Parents of abducted Kano children deserve arrest–Emir Sanusi
Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II had said that parents of the nine Kano children who were abducted, forcefully converted to Christianity and sold in Anambra state, deserved to be arrested by the police for “criminal negligence.”
Mr Sanusi, who broke his silence on the issue for the first time, had said when the abductions were first reported to him at his palace, he had asked his aides to find out from the Kano Police Command if there was any law on negligence.
The Emir spoke at the 2019 public campaign on drug abuse organized by League for Societal Protection Against Drugs Abuse (LESPADA) held in Kano.
Kano court dissolves 4 emirates created by Ganduje
A Kano High Court dissolved the four first class emirates carved out of the Kano emirate by the Kano state government.
KANO FOCUS recalls that Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje had on May 8, assented to a law establishing Bichi, Karaye, Rano, and Gaya emirates.
However, the court presided by Justice Usman Na’Abba had declared the law as null and void.
Mr Na’Abba had ruled that the Kano state House of Assembly did not follow the proper procedures in making the law.
My comments on Kano abducted children were deliberately twisted–Emir Sanusi
Emir of Kano Malam Muhammad Sunusi II has complained that his recent comments on the abduction of native Kano children by Igbo kidnappers, were deliberately misinterpreted by journalists.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Sanusi had November 9, 2019 sparked controversy after he accused parents of abducted children in the state of “criminal negligence”, with many people describing his comments as “insensitive”.
However, reacting to the controversy, Mr Sanusi had said his comments were deliberately misinterpreted by journalists.
He spoke while receiving the Commander-General of the state Hisbah board Sheikh Muhammad Harun Sani Ibni Sina, who had paid him a visit at his palace.
“So, you have to understand. We know journalists and we have already said it that our comments will be deliberately twisted and misinterpreted and that was what happened. Even these latest comments I am making will be misinterpreted,” he had said.
Kano gov’t seizes Emir Sanusi’s N250m land, pays monarch N4.5m compensation
The Kano State Government seized a plot of land worth N250 million belonging to the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and approved a peanut N4.5 million as compensation to the monarch.
There is a brewing crisis between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the emir, which culminated in whittling the influence of the latter by creation of four additional emirates and first-class emirs in Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.
A Kano High Court had last week nullified the law that created the emirates and the emirs, triggering fears that the judgement might trigger the simmering crisis.
Ganduje appoints new commissioners
Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje inaugurated 21 commissioners after six months without a cabinet.
The governor swore-in the commissioners and assigned portfolios to them less than 48 hours after their screening by the Kano State House of Assembly.
Mr Ganduje held his first state executive council meeting just hours after inaugurating the new cabinet members.
Appeal Court upholds Ganduje’s election
The Kaduna division of the Court of Appeal upheld the March 23 election of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the governor of Kano State.
In its ruling, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Abba Kabir Yusuf, challenging Mr Ganduje’s election victory.
Kano Focus recalls that on October 2, 2019 chairman of the Kano Election Tribunal, Justice Halima Shamaki had dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and Mr Yusuf for lack of proof.
Kano Assembly cuts break to consider Education Development Support bill
The Kano state House of Assembly resumed its plenary session to consider a bill for the establishment of an Education Development Support Board.
KANO FOCUS recalls that the Assembly had gone on break on November 07, to resume on December 16.
However, the Assembly Clerk, Abdullahi Alfa said the House will resume to consider the bill.
The bill was approved by the Kano state Executive Council in a meeting held at the Government House, Kano.
Yusuf Maitama Sule varsity to start medicine course next year
Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK) has revealed that it would commence degree programme in medicine and surgery (MBBS) by 2020.
The Vice Chancellor of the university Professor Mustapha Ahmad Isah disclosed this while defending the university’s budget before the Kano Assembly Committee on Higher Education.
Mr. Isah had said the institution is set to enroll its first set of medical students in the next academic session, Kano Focus reports.
He said the sum of N3 billion was budgeted for the university in order to renovate the site for the purpose of the medical programme.
Swiss foundation honors Kano journalist
The Fetisov Charitable Foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland has shortlisted Kano-born journalist Abdulaziz Abdulaziz for its international journalism award.
KANO FOCUS reports that Abdulaziz Abdulaziz of the Premium Times was shortlisted in the Outstanding Investigative Reporting category for his series of stories that led to the resignation of former minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun.
Mr Abdulaziz had exposed how Ms Adeosun skipped the mandatory one year national service and used a forged exemption certificate to secure public service appointments illegally.
Kano blogger accuses PPRO of human rights violations
A Kano based blogger, Bashir Bashir Galadanci has petitioned the state police command to investigate its public relations officer over alleged abuse of office and violations of fundamental human rights.
Mr Galadanchi had accused Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, of illegal detention, torture, and coercing him into making a false confession.
KANO FOCUS recalls that Mr Galadanci was arrested on September 11 for allegedly divulging police internal information on social media without authorization.
In a videotaped confession that went viral, Mr Galadanci apologized to the police command and alleged that he was sponsored by a former PPRO to tarnish the image of the Kano state police command.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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