Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the establishment of a Technical Committee to tackle the persistent issue of poor employment representation of Kano State indigenes in federal government agencies, as well as private and voluntary institutions operating within the state.

KANO FOCUS the committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, at his office in Kano. Speaking at the inauguration, the SSG expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued marginalisation of Kano indigenes in employment opportunities, despite Kano being the most populous state in the country.

He noted that Kano has not received its fair share of jobs, even in federal and private institutions located within the state, stressing that the high rate of unemployment among youths in Kano—believed to be higher than in any other state—demands urgent and decisive government intervention.

“This is the right time to reclaim what truly belongs to us,” Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim declared, adding that the present moment offers an opportunity for meaningful and sustainable action.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary in the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, explained that the committee was carefully constituted with experienced individuals drawn from various sectors of public service.

He announced Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Social Development, as Chairman of the committee, with Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Special Adviser on Human Resource, serving as Co-Chairman.

Other members of the committee include Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service; Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties; Hon. Ali Yahuza Gano, Special Adviser on Metropolitan Affairs; Alhaji Salisu A. Kabo, Director General, Youth Empowerment; and Hon. Ado Muhammad Wudil, Executive Secretary, Guidance and Counselling Board. The committee’s activities will be coordinated by Salisu Musa Aliyu, Principal Assistant Secretary in the REPA Directorate of the SSG’s Office.

The committee is mandated to review employment practices in federal, private, and voluntary institutions operating in Kano State, determine the level of employment of Kano indigenes, engage relevant organisations on recruitment guidelines, and collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to ensure fairness and compliance with existing regulations. Its ultimate objective is to develop practical and lasting solutions that will improve employment opportunities for Kano State indigenes.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the team. He assured that members would work diligently to justify the trust and appealed to the people of Kano State for prayers and cooperation.

The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his long-time political ally, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his 76th birthday, marked on December 25.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Ganduje as an astute politician and accomplished administrator who has devoted over five decades to public service in Nigeria.

The President recalled that Dr. Ganduje served the nation in several key capacities, including as a senior administrator in the Federal Capital Territory before returning to Kano State to serve as Commissioner for Works during the military era. He later became a two-term Deputy Governor of Kano State and subsequently served two consecutive terms as Governor of the state.

Dr. Ganduje, who also served as National Chairman of the APC, is currently the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

President Tinubu praised Ganduje’s enduring friendship and political collaboration, noting his significant contributions to the growth and stability of the ruling party.

“I will forever appreciate Ganduje’s friendship and close collaboration at different times, as well as his services to the APC,” the President said.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the former Kano State governor good health and long life to enable him to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.

Dr. Ganduje’s 76th birthday has drawn goodwill messages from political leaders and associates across the country, celebrating his long years of service and contributions to national development.

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