Headlines
NCC applauded for effective regulations
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been applauded for its efforts in ensuring effective regulations aimed at protecting the rights and interests of consumers of telecom services as well on its efforts in promoting the provision of improved services at fair and affordable prices to Nigerians.
The commendation came from the Management of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic non-interest commercial bank, which paid a familisation visit to the Commission (NCC) to seek areas of collaboration between the two corporate entities.
Speaking during the visit on Thursday (27/02/2020), Hassan Usman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, said while Nigeria has not reached the promised land of telecom regulation, the “NCC deserves commendation for its efforts in consistently ensuring regulatory efforts that have now made telecoms services more affordable to majority of Nigerians, a reality that can easily be benchmarked against what is happening in other countries.”
Usman also affirmed that the fact that ICT had become crucial to the development of every sector of the economy with positive multiplier effects in the life of every business and Nigerian, is the reason NCC deserves commendations.
The Jaiz Bank CEO equally noted that because banks currently rely on broadband Internet to provide efficient and effective services through seamless connectivity for intra and inter-banking services provision, the Commission’s efforts in further deepening access to seamless broadband connectivity to businesses and individuals have been of tremendous benefit to Jaiz Bank.
Speaking about the bank’ operations, Usman said it remains the first Islamic commercial bank established by the Federal Government to operate on a non-interest business model, which makes it different from conventional banks that charge interest in every area of its transaction.
He said the bank was committed to supporting individuals, the public and private sector to attain financial goals through loans for mortgage, supporting start-ups as well as those in real estate businesses. Overall, Usman said the significant role NCC plays and does well, necessitated the visit to the Commission to see how NCC and its staff can work with Jaiz Bank to derive banking benefits from Jaiz Bank financial services.
Responding, Yakubu Gontor, Director, Finance Services, NCC, who received the bank’s team on behalf of Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, thanked the Bank’s Management for its recognition of the regulatory role of the NCC in deepening access to broadband, which has enhanced promotion of digital financial inclusion in the country.
Gontor noted that, though the Commission, like other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), now remits directly to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is paid from the TSA by the CBN as directed by the Federal Government.
Gontor, however, called on the Bank to patronise the staff of the Commission to open accounts since its has enticing packages at low interest rates to support mortgaging and loans. Gontor also tasked the Staff Cooperative of NCC to leverage on the opportunities at Jaiz Bank to source funding to build its proposed Staff Estate at Lugbe.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government is currently in Lisbon, Portugal, on a study tour as part of preparations for the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation is led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Hon. Alhaji Saeed Abdullahi Shuaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Ado Sabari, Information Officer of Kano Line.
According to the statement, the team is engaging with leading transport and engineering institutions, including Mota-Engil and MTS – Metro Transportes do Sul, in Lisbon and Almada to gain technical insights into rail infrastructure development.
The study tour is part of the Kano State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish a modern rail network within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The proposed Kano Light Rail Project is aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic development across the state.
Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Transport and Kano Line are expected to study rail operations, maintenance systems, safety standards and sustainable transport financing models during the visit.
The delegation is also exploring opportunities for technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and possible investment collaborations to ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of N1 trillion for the establishment of the Kano Light Rail Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the project is expected to connect major residential, commercial and industrial hubs within Kano metropolis, create employment opportunities, facilitate trade and improve access to key urban centres.
The Kano State Government said it remains committed to delivering a modern, reliable and efficient rail transport system that meets international standards and addresses the growing transportation needs of residents.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Aliyu Lawan, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta, has congratulated Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
In a congratulatory message shared via Facebook, Lawan described Doguwa’s emergence as well deserved and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively in the state.
He also extended his congratulations to other executive members elected alongside Doguwa into various party offices, noting that their emergence reflects the trust and confidence reposed in them by party members and stakeholders across Kano State.
According to him, the development is a clear testament to the dedication, loyalty and commitment of the newly elected leaders to the unity, stability and progress of the party.
Lawan further prayed that Allah grants the new chairman and his team wisdom, strength and foresight as they assume the responsibility of steering the affairs of the APC in Kano State.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would promote harmony, inclusiveness and effective leadership within the party, while bringing renewed vigour, unity and success to the APC in the state and beyond.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State House of Assembly has issued a notice of impeachment to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
KANO FOCUS reports the notice followed the presentation of a report by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, during plenary on Wednesday. The sitting was presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.
While presenting the report, the Majority Leader explained that the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedure for the impeachment of a governor or deputy governor.
According to him, the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 members of the Assembly.
He further stated that once the notice is formally served on the deputy governor, he will have 14 days to respond to the allegations contained in the document.
The development marks the beginning of the constitutional process that could lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor if the procedure continues as stipulated by law.
Kano Govt delegation visits Portugal on study tour for light rail project
Majidadin Dambatta congratulates Doguwa on emergence as Kano APC chairman
Kano Assembly issues impeachment notice to Deputy Governor Gwarzo
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
Abba Care: A Lifeline of Compassion in Kano State
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
