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It’s wrong for Islamic scholars to attack Ganduje over Almajiri ban–Pantami
Nazifi Dawud
Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has supported the decision of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to ban child beggars (Almajirai) from roaming the streets across Kano state.
Mr Pantami, was apparently responding to comments made by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, who criticized Mr Ganduje for announcing the ban on Almajirai “without consulting stakeholders”.
Almajirai menace: Kano bans child beggars, to prosecute errant parents
Kano Council of Ulama rejects Ganduje’s Almajiri ban
The minister spoke on Friday in an interview with journalists, after a pre-convocation lecture organized by the Kano State Polytechnic’s School of Technology.
“What I am saying about this issue is, it is not appropriate for my brothers, Islamic scholars to come forth and be challenging the governor just like that. They should come and sit together to come up with solution on how to remedy the situation, on the way out.
“Because there is no doubt that taking those children back to school is the right thing to do. And is beneficial to the Almajiris, their parents and the society at large. From the part of the government, as a leader he has the responsibility of seeing how to make his people live well,” he was quoted in a statement by Abba Anwar, chief press secretary to Mr Ganduje.
Mr Pantami, a revered Islamic scholar, also offered to be part of any committee that might be set up to address the Almajiri menace in the state.
“And I want to be part of any such discussion, in a group form, if it appears to be raised.
“We all have children. My children are with me. I feed them myself. You know feeding of children is the responsibility or their parents.
“If there are orphans we know how our society is concerned and considerate to them and their condition of living. I was raised in my father’s home. I saw how orphans were also fed and being taken care of by our parents,” he added.
‘Begging not part of Islam’
The minister explained that begging is never a part of the Islamic religion, but an act adopted by some people to feed themselves out of necessity.
“First and foremost we all know that begging is not a religious activity or obligation. It is just something of necessity, for somebody to say he doesn’t have anything to feed himself.
“And as I know how concerned the governor is, he will not come up with a policy that will harm or destroy the life of beggars. I am sure there is a plan in place on how to assist such kind of people,” he said.
Mr Pantami also commended Mr Ganduje for introducing the free and compulsory education policy in the state.
“We are commending the effort of the Kano state government on this free and compulsory education. We encourage people to take their children to school to benefit from this laudable initiative. Any population that is given education will succeed in life. And the life of that society will not be wasted,” he noted.
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Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.
KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.
Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled
“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”
Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.
He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.
“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.
“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”
He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.
“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.
Headlines
Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.
“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.
“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.
Headlines
Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.
The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.
“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.
“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.
“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.
“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.
“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”