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COVID-19: Kano gov’t orders 5 emirates to organize prayers, despite closing schools to avoid gathering

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Nazifi Dawud

Despite closing public and private schools as part of measures to contain spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Kano state government has directed the five emirates in the state to mobilize Islamic scholars and people for prayers against the coronavirus infection.

KANO FOCUS reports that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday ordered the closure of all public and private schools as well as tertiary institutions in the state in compliance with the federal government’s directive for preventing the spread of the COVID-19.

Medical experts in Nigeria and across the world are discouraging large gatherings and recommending social distancing and isolation to curb the spread of the highly contagious and deadly coronavirus disease.

However, in a statement on Monday, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, secretary to the Kano state government (SSG) ordered the five emirs of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya to mobilize Ulamas and citizens to pray against the COVID-19.

“Kano state government had directed their Highness Emirs of Bichi, Gaya, Kano, Karaye and Rano Emirates to mobilised (sic) Ulamas and people of their respective emirates to offer prayers to Allah S.W.T to protect the state and the citizens against the pandemic of coronavirus,” read the statement, signed by Uba Abdullahi, Press Secretary, Cabinet Office.

“The state government on its part had taken all the necessary proactive measures which includes establishment of a strong committee under ministry of health to enlighten, sensitize the public and take all the necessary actions to contain the spread, closure of both public and private schools, banning of public gathering among others.

“In the same vein the federal government has closed down all international flights through Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and all other airports in the country,” it added.

Mr Alhaji also explained that “the government is committed to ensure the well being of the people in the state and called on the people to always cooperate with government in this direction and as well appealed to people  to engage in prayers and always observe personal and environmental hygiene.”

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Salary fraud: Kano uncovers N28m in local government payroll

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Government has uncovered irregularities in the payroll system of local government councils, as no fewer than 247 staff members were discovered to have either retired from service or died.

KANO FOCUS reports that the discovery revealed that the names of the affected local government staff have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries are running.

A statement by the Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State GovernmenMusa Tanko Muhammad, said these fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for March 2025 alone.

“In a decisive move towards cleansing the state payroll, the Kano State Government has recorded a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform the salary administration system within the state civil service.

“Arising from the validation exercise, a disturbing irregularity was uncovered within the payroll system of local government councils.

“The findings revealed that 247 individuals have either retired from service or died yet, have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries running. These fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for the month of March, 2025 alone.

“In a prompt and effective response and while further due diligence is being conducted to determine the extent of this apparent fraud and the perpetrators, the amount has been recovered and returned to the Local Government Treasury,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the recovery underscores the administration’s dedication at entrenching governance, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.

“The government remains resolute in its commitment to purging the payroll system of irregularities.

“Individuals found to be involved in this fraudulent activity will be identified and held fully accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

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Governor Yusuf Signs Laws Establishing Four New Agencies in Kano

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Mukhtar Yahya Usman

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The newly signed laws provide for the establishment of the following agencies:

1. Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)

2. Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)

3. Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)

4. Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)

These laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.

Governor Yusuf described the signing as a significant step toward realizing his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.

He emphasized that the new agencies will play a crucial role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.

“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the Governor stated.

He also issued a strong warning that violations of the provisions of these laws will be met with strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.

The establishment of these agencies reflects Governor Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

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UTME: Kano suspends end of month sanitation exercise

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

In a bid to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, the Kano State Government has temporarily suspended the April 2025, End of month sanitation exercise.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that this decision was taken after careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders, in an effort to allow students of Kano State to write their examination without any hitches.

 

In a statement issued by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ismail Garba Gwammaja has quoted the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim saying that:

 

“The suspension is aimed at preventing any potential disruptions to the examination process and ensuring that candidates can sit for their exams without any hindrance.”

 

The Commissioner assured residents that the suspension is temporary for this month, and that the sanitation exercise will resume in its full force next month May 2025, in the state.

 

The Commissioner however, appeals to residents to cooperate with the authorities and understand the rationale behind this decision.

 

“We are committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our sanitation activities do not conflict with other important events in the state,” the commissioner said.

 

While Commending the residents for their understanding and cooperation to the present administration, urged them to continue to avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste and cooperates with our sanitation staff to ensure clean and healthy environment always, and pray for the successful conduct of students who will sit for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

 

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