Headlines
Ganduje to review road contracts awarded by Kwankwaso
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state government has constituted a committee to assess the five Kilometers dual carriage way projects in the 44 local governments of the state awarded by the previous administration.
Kano Focus reports that the state commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, disclosed this on Sunday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the council meeting held at the Africa House, Kano.
It could be recalled that former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has during his tenure awarded the construction of five Kilometers dual carriage ways in each of the 44 local governments of the state.
However, most of the road projects are yet to be completed five years after Mr Kwankwaso’s tenure.
The relationship between Messrs. Kwankwaso and Ganduje has become sour after the latter became the governor of Kano state with the full support of the former.
Mr Garba said the committee will evaluate, redesign, complete or terminate any contract awarded for the projects.
He explained that the committee is to be chaired by the permanent secretary, ministry of works and infrastructure with representatives from the state Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and ministry for local government.
According to him the committee would also determine the extent of execution of the projects and payment made to the contractors handling the projects.
Mr Garba revealed that the council has already terminated the contract awarded to Rocad Construction Nigeria Limited in 2012 for the construction of the five kilometers dual carriage way in Dawakin Tofa local government.
He said the Council has re-awarded the contract to Messrs. CCECC Nigeria Limited at the cost of N651, 844, 966.51 million after Rocad has abandoned work exposed the residents of the area to many hardships.
Other Contracts
The commissioner also stated that the council has approved the adoption of the Revised Estimated Total Cost of the contract amounting to N26, 824, 866.72 and the augmentation of N15, 600, 718.35 being additional cost in the contract for the repair works at the dilapidated Bagauda Bridge along Wak-Tiga Road in Bebeji local government area of the state.
He stated that the contract, which was initially awarded to Messrs. Bindigari Construction Limited in 2014 at the cost of N11, 224, 148.37, which scope includes reclamation of eroded sections, provision of retaining wall at both wings, among others, was not fully completed.
Mr Garba also announced the council’s approval for the reactivation of the state government initiative on mini vans empowerment program tagged “Kano Kal-Kal” that aimed at economic empowerment of the womenfolk in order to achieve sustainable clean environment in the state.
He said the program would identify genuine cooperative women groups to be given the mini vans as part of the administration’s women empowerment initiative.
The commissioner added that the council has approved the release of N20, 000, 000.00 for the renovation of four Women Development Centres to a standard level in the four new Emirate Councils in the state.
Revenue Generation
He announced that the council has approved the setting up of a committee to work out ways to ensuring that Ministries, Departments and Agencies support and collaborate towards smooth implementation of Revenue Harmonization Law 2016 for the improvement of revenue generation in the state.
Mr Garba said the committee, which is to be chaired by the commissioner for planning and budget, has commissioners of finance, information, chairman, Kano state Internal Revenue Service, managing director Kano state Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO), among others as members.
He revealed that the council has also received a proposal from the management of Porto Golf Group of Companies for the establishment of Porto Golf Resort at Tiga Castle Rock Hotel in Tiga, Bebeji local government of the state.
The commissioner stated that the council has received another proposal from a private developer, Hietech Development Project Limited to use the old Triumph Publishing Company Complex for the construction of specialized Bureau de Change Market “Kasuwar ‘yan canji”.
He said the Ganduje administration plans to partner with the private sector for investment to boost revenue and create employment opportunities, and as well to re-assert Kano as one of the leading economic centers in the country.
Headlines
Kwankwaso mourns former Radio Kano, ARTV boss Adamu Getso
Ibrahim Khalil
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.
The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.
According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.
“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.
Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.
Headlines
Governor Yusuf Mourns Former CTV 67 Managing Director, Adamu Getso
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.
According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.
The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.
During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.
He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.
On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.
The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.
Headlines
NNPC donates MRI machine to Dala orthopaedic hospital
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited, has donated a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano State, in a move aimed at improving access to advanced diagnostic healthcare services.
KANO FOCUS reports that the MRI system was commissioned and officially handed over during a ceremony held at the hospital premises in Kano on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh, the intervention is part of the company’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services across Nigeria.
The statement noted that the facility would significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic, neurological, trauma-related, musculoskeletal, and gynaecological conditions.
Before the donation, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced challenges, including long-distance travel, lengthy waiting periods, and delays in treatment due to limited availability and high costs.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the donation aligns with the company’s broader objective of contributing to national healthcare development.
“At NNPC Limited, we are intentional about ensuring that our social investments are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve. Through the NNPC Foundation, we will continue to implement interventions that create measurable social value across Nigeria,” she said.
Arukwe described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help address challenges associated with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited medical equipment, and the growing demand for specialised medical services.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services of NNPC Limited, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Executive Director, Programme Management at the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Rose Okonkwo, said the company remained committed to improving the lives of Nigerians beyond its core oil and gas operations.
She said the donation reflected NNPC Limited’s determination to deliver sustainable and impactful interventions, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“By this intervention, NNPC Limited aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of the people of Kano State, the North-West region, and all Nigerians who depend on the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, for specialised medical care,” she stated.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, commended the NNPC Foundation for the donation, describing it as a major milestone in improving healthcare services through early and accurate diagnosis.
He noted that access to advanced diagnostic equipment would contribute significantly to better patient outcomes and improved healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Dr. Isa Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited for the intervention.
He said the MRI machine would have a transformative impact on the hospital’s operations and significantly improve the quality of specialised healthcare services offered to patients.
The event was attended by officials of NNPC Limited, management and staff of the hospital, government representatives, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
