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Bichi Emirate’s kingmaker, Wada Waziri, dies at 89
Nasiru Yusuf
One of the kingmakers of newly created Bichi Emirate, Alhaji Wada Waziri has died at the age of 89.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Waziri, who was the Sarkin Bai of Bichi, died on Wednesday reportedly due to age-related ailments.
The deceased was the district head of Makoda before he was moved to Dambatta as district head and also elevated to as one of the Kingmakers of Bichi Emirate, one of the four emirates created by governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2019.
A seasoned bureaucrat and labour unionist, the deceased came into limelight during the military administration of late Hamza Abdullahi in Kano, when he led a task force on environmental sanitation popularly known as ‘ruwa-ruwa’.
The late monarch was survived by wives, many children and grand children.
Among his children is Abba Wada, a permanent secretary in the Kano state civil service.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, Mr Ganduje sympathized with members of the Bichi Emirate Council, family of the deceased and the people of Kano state over the death of Mr Waziri.
“It is with great shock and heartfelt feeling, that I am, on behalf of the government and good people of Kano state, commiserating with Bichi Emirate and the families of the late Sarkin Ban Bichi, Alhaji Wada Waziri, over his demise.
“May Allah give his families, the Emirate and the state, the fortitude to bear the great loss, his death was striking to the government, traditional and political leadership in the state,” governor Ganduje said.
He described the deceased as one of the pillars of traditional institution even before his appointment as Sa’in Kano in the old Kano Emirate.
The governor prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings to the soul of the late traditional leader.
“Kano would forever remain appreciative of the contributions late Wada Waziri Ibrahim made to the development of the state and the nation in general.
“He was a great treasure as an elder, whose exemplary leadership qualities earned him all respect from his generation and the generation that follows,” he added.
“Throughout his lifetime, our beloved late Sarkin Ban Bichi, Wada Waziri Ibrahim, was loved by both the ruled and the rulers,” he said.
According to Mr Ganduje late Sarkin Bai’s peaceful posture in ameliorating any confused and frightening moments, as a renowned freedom fighter, was superb and exemplary.
He added that, when it comes to fight for social justice and equality before the law, late Sarkin Bai, was a turning point and a strong pillar to fall back on.
He urged his family members to continue following his footsteps of confidence, discipline, commitment, justice, logical thinking and reasoning, pragmatism, humility and above all, the fear and love of Allah in all their dealings.
The first monarch to die in this order is Emir of Rano, Tafida Abubakar Illa, who died at the age of 74.
The Emir died on Saturday May 2nd at Nassarawa Specialist Hospital, of an undisclosed ailment.
He was followed by Isa Hashim, a retired professor who held the title of Jarman Kano in the Kano emirate council.
Mr Hashim, 86, died on Sunday May 3 2020 at his home, following a brief illness.
Another monarch who died recently was Yusuf Bayero (Dan’iyan Kano), an uncle to the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero.
The 78 year monarch died in the early hours of Sunday May 10th after a protracted illness.
He is survived by a wife, nine children and many relatives.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced his decision to embark on the construction of a new bridge in the town of Imawa, located within Kura Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday said the initiative is aimed at mitigating the frequent accidents that have plagued the area, particularly along the busy Kano-Zaria express way where such incidents have become all too common.
The decision to build the bridge follows a tragic accident in which a driver struck and killed three people, causing widespread devastation in the community.
The incident occurred shortly after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers, when a vehicle veered out of control and struck seven pedestrians.
Sadly, three of the victims succumbed to their injuries, while the other four sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Governor Yusuf expressed his deep condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure improvement to prevent further loss of life.
The construction of the bridge is expected to enhance road safety, ease traffic flow, and provide a safer passage for both pedestrians and motorists in the area.
“The Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, and this project represents a significant step toward achieving that goal.”
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially reopened the Kano State Driving Institute, reinstating its academic and practical programme after eight years of neglect under the previous administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawkin Tofa on Friday.
Originally established during Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s second term as part of a broader strategic transport ecosystem, the institute was designed to produce professional and licensed drivers equipped with state-of-the-art training.
Unfortunately, the facility was shut down for the entirety of the last administration’s eight-year tenure, leaving it in a state of disrepair.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, where 250 youths were offered enrollment forms, Governor Yusuf expressed his dismay over the impact of the institute’s prolonged closure.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the centre, aiming to restore it as a premier institution for professional driver training and licensing.
“The Institute was conceived to create job opportunities for our youth, it was established by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to enhance road safety and provide young people with the skills to become professional drivers.” He said.
“Unfortunately, the previous administration abandoned it for eight years, causing significant harm to our youth who could have benefited from this initiative.” He added.”
Governor Yusuf further highlighted that the revitalized institute will not only teach safe driving but also contribute to reducing road accidents and boosting the state’s transportation sector.
He called on stakeholders in the transportation industry to support the institute by providing employment opportunities for its graduates.
He also assured that his administration would provide all necessary resources to ensure the institute’s success and urged the newly enrolled 250 youths to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the importance of responsibility and dedication in their training.
According to the governor, the reopening marks a new beginning for the Kano State Driving Institute, positioning it as a key player in the professional development of the state’s transportation workforce.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The government has introduced new guidelines for fee increment.
Kano State Government has prohibited private and voluntary schools from arbitrarily increasing fees and forcing parents to purchase materials directly from the schools.
KANO FOCUS reports that Executive Secretary of the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institution’s Board( KSPVIB,) Comrade Baba Abubakar Umar, gave the warning in an interview with journalists.
The Executive Secretary said that some schools have been taking advantage of parents through hidden charges and exorbitant fees.
He said to address this issue, the board has introduced new guidelines.
According to him, “Schools must convene a Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) meeting to discuss any fee increments”.
He also stated that school must then write to the board seeking approval for the increase, attaching the attendance sheet from the PTA meeting.
He added that”At least two-thirds of parents must be present at the PTA meeting”
Comrade Abubakar dated that, the board has received complaints from parents who were charged excessive fees or amounts different from what was initially agreed upon.
He therefore disclosed that despite the current economic situation, schools must be realistic and fair in their charges.
“The board will work with relevant authorities to prosecute schools that operate illegally or evade taxes”
He however maintained that the board is committed to ensuring that schools provide safe learning environments and employ qualified teachers.
“Parents are encouraged to report any schools with substandard teaching or unsafe conditions”
Comrade Abubakar emphasised that, new census forms will be distributed to private and voluntary schools to ensure accurate data collection and effective monitoring. Saying that the board remains open to dialogue and discussions with schools willing to comply with the law.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to education, allocating 30% of the state’s budget to the sector and declaring a state of emergency.
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