Headlines
Edo governorship election: Ganduje, Shekarau, Kwankwaso canvass Northern community

Nasiru Yusuf
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, who is the Chairman APC Gubernatorial Election in Edo state, and his former boss Rabi’u Kwankwaso have visited Northern community residing in Edo state soliciting votes for their candidates.
At a special campaign rally at Eyean/Kara Junction 2+2, a densely populated community of Northerners, that took place, Sunday, Mr Ganduje told them that, the upcoming Saturday election, was a struggle for freedom and emancipation.
He challenged the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that what Edo people need is “An indigenous governor who has indigenous knowledge of the state and who was born, bred and schooled in Edo state.
“We are here for a history, for a memorable occasion. History has been made here today. This election is won by the Grace of Allah, as we are presenting to you, somebody who is loved by his people. People should come out and vote enmasse.”

Mr Ganduje urged the Northern communities to continue living in peace with their host reminding them that security is one of the major concerns of APC in the state.
Former National Chairman of the party Adams Oshiomhole and the gubernatorial candidate Ize-Iyamu expressed their profound appreciation, and charged the gathering to vote APC in the forthcoming governorship election.
The former governor of Kano state and senator representing Kano central in the Senate Ibrahim Shekarau, who spoke at the rally, urged voters to always be ready to support the party during the polls, adding that, “Voters should strive hard to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. I am also urging you to work hard and pray hard.”
Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the gubernatorial candidate for APC, promised to bring back peace and security of the state, when elected into office, come September 19th, this year.
Arewa community endorses APC
Chairman of All Arewa Communities in Edo state Badamasi Babangida, who spoke on behalf of all Arewa communities in the state, assured the gathering that, their votes were entirely for APC’s Ize-Iyamu at the governorship polls.
He recalled that, Arewa communities started facing challenges in Edo state shortly after 8 year tenure of Oshiomhole when the current governor Godwin Obaseki started running the affairs of the state.
He later presented a Letter of Endorsement to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Ize-Iyamu through governor Ganduje reassuring their total and unalloyed support to his candidature.
Mr Ganduje has also paid a visit to the Enogie of Eyaen, Osazuwa Iduriase in his palace where he commended the him for a peaceful reign over his jurisdiction.
“Your Royal Highness we are in Edo to address the Northern communities and ask for their support to vote for our candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for this Month of September, on 19th.”
“As we are aware that our traditional rulers are fathers to all, we still believe that, good children seek blessings of their fathers. That is why we are here,” he said.
The visit, according to the governor, marks the beginning of good relationship between Kano state and the palace of the Enogie.
In his brief remarks, the Enogie showed his appreciation of the visit and thanked the governor for the respect accorded them few months back when the Oba of Benin was in Kano for a special visit then.
“I am, on behalf of my people, commending you, Your Excellency, the governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for promoting peaceful election in our state,” he concluded.
Kwankwaso commissions Hajj Camp
Also on Saturday the former governor of Kano state Rabi’u Kwankwaso has accompanied the Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki to seek the votes of Northern community residing in Benin City, Edo state.
Mr Kwankwaso has also commissioned Edo state Hajj Camp in Benin city with an appeal to Muslim community to turn out en masse on September 19 to vote PDP.
He described governor Obaseki as the bridge builder between Northern Nigeria and southern part of the country.
The former governor commended Obaseki’s sterling performance in his four year term, noting that he deserved reelection to consolidate on this achievement.
“Let me also thank Edo people and Muslims in the state for supporting present administration in the state.
“This is the time for all of us who have our Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) and are eligible to vote to come out en masse and ensure that we cast our votes for the PDP.
“I equally appeal to all of you especially those from the Northern part of the country to ensure you cast votes for the PDP come September 19, 2020.
“Please vote for the PDP, defend your votes and ensure Obaseki and his deputy, Shaibu win the forthcoming election in the state. I also call on you to ensure you pray for a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“On the day of the election remember what the governor has done for the Muslims as well as the entire people of Edo state. I am glad to have an opportunity to commission this Hajj Camp. Thank you, your excellency for the way you handled Muslims as well as the support you have given to them in the state,” Kwankwaso added.
In his remarks the PDP governorship candidate Obaseki thanked the Muslims for ensuring peaceful coexistence with people of other religions in the state as the peace enjoyed in the state has led to the development recorded in all the local government areas.
“We should see our strength in diversity. As a government we are for all Edo people. We have never had any difficult in attending to the needs of Edo,” the governor said.
Mr Obaseki applauded former governor Kwankwaso for participating in the commissioning of Hajj Camp in the state, assuring the Muslim community of more developmental projects if reelected.

Headlines
Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.

In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.

Headlines
Governor Yusuf Bags Vanguard’s 2024 Good Governance Award

Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.

Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.

Headlines
Kano Tops Nigeria’s Zero-Dose Immunization List as Boost Project Targets Urgent Action

By Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) identified as high-burden, according to Save the Children.
This alarming figure has prompted the launch of targeted interventions under the Boost Project, a collaborative initiative by Save the Children and GSK aimed at reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children in the country.
During an engagement meeting held on Thursday with the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization, stakeholders renewed commitments to tackling the issue.
The project is currently being implemented in Kano and Lagos States, with focused interventions in Ungogo and Gezawa LGAs, which are among the most affected areas in Kano.

Speaking at a media and civil society dialogue, Taiwo Folake, Coordinator of the Boost Project, emphasized the critical role of public engagement in reversing the trend.
She called for increased media support to drive awareness and community action on immunization.
Folake explained that the Boost Project works closely with state and local governments, traditional and religious leaders, and caregivers to ensure that children who have never received routine vaccines are reached, while also reintegrating those who have dropped out of immunization schedules.
Dr. Itunu Dave Agbola, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of the project, said the initiative is also focused on improving domestic resource mobilization for immunization funding, strengthening governance, and developing a Kano-specific immunization policy to enhance planning, funding allocation, and accountability.
She noted that building trust through community leadership is vital for vaccine acceptance.
Also speaking, Salisu Yusuf, Co-Chair of the Kano CoP on Immunization, reiterated the group’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to reduce the number of high-burden LGAs.
He dismissed widespread misconceptions about vaccine safety, assuring that vaccines are safe and scientifically approved.
Yusuf pledged to intensify sensitization efforts through media outreach, house-to-house campaigns, and community meetings.
The meeting marks a renewed drive to improve immunization coverage in Kano State, with a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable and underserved communities.
