News
NCC Boss, Danbatta gets prestigious Zik prize

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Danbatta, is billed to be honoured with the prestigious Zik Prize in the Professional Leadership category in Lagos, next week.
Kano Focus reports that the award will be presented to Danbatta by Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), during an elaborate ceremony slated for Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos State by 6 p.m.
A statement issued by the Director public affairs Ikechukwu Adinde said this year’s event, which also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Zik Prize series, will be chaired by Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, while the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe is to function as the royal father of the day.
The PPRAC according to the statement had, during a virtual conference on Thursday, September 24, 2020, named Danbatta and the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Kennedy Uzoka, as the joint winners in the category.
Danbatta, Uzoka and other prominent personalities who emerged in different categories of the Zik Awards, were carefully selected through a rigorous and meticulous process for their notable contributions to national development, said Jubril Aminu, Chairman of the PPRAC in a statement on the grand award ceremony.

Described by the organisers as a square peg in a square hole, Danbatta, through dint of hardwork as NCC boss, was acknowledged to have led the charge to drive Nigeria’s industrial revolution and knowledge-based economy leveraging telecommunications.
According to them, telecommunications’ contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria has grown by 70 per cent from 2015 to 2020, whilst broadband penetration has increased significantly to over 45 per cent.
“Danbatta’s leadership has enhanced transparency and innovation in the sector, such that recently, NCC was acknowledged by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as one of Africa’s foremost regulators” they observed.
According to the organisers, the NCC boss has transformed the Commission into a regulator of global acclaim, as they noted the establishment and implementation of the NCC’s auspicious strategic 8-Point Agenda, under Danbatta, which has given the direction to activities of the Commission.
Organisers of the award also acknowledge that Danbatta has, through several breathtaking and far-reaching innovations, such as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) registration and 112 Emergency Number, helped in the effort against insecurity in the country.
They also noted that the sector’s improved contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as improvements in Quality of Service (QoS) delivery, broadband infrastructural development, broadband penetration, effective spectrum utilisation, consumer empowerment, technology innovation, have been phenomenal under Danbatta’s leadership.
Earlier in a letter of nomination in July 2020, signed jointly by the Aminu and Utomi, the NCC boss was described as “an outstanding public servant, whose initiatives and reforms had contributed to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), playing a leading role in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”
Zik Prize center was set up in 1994 in honour of the first President of Nigeria, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, with a view to encouraging and nurturing quality leadership in Africa and in the diaspora.
The impending event literally puts Danbatta in the prestigious category of eminent intra-continental figures so honoured by the foundation, like late former President of Ghana, Jerry Rawligs (1995); Late President Nelson Mandela, President Yonweri Muzeveni of Uganda and former Chairman of NCC’s Governing Board, Ahmed Joda.
Among this year’s winners, however, are the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustafa, who won in political leadership and public service categories, respectively.
Others are Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, his counterparts from Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Oyo State Governor, Oluseyi Makinde, who have bagged the award for good governance.

Headlines
Kano SSG assumes duty, pledges to operate open door policy

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday.
KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.

The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.
Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.
He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.
In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.
He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.
He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.
“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.

News
Dala community commends Gov Yusuf for appointing Waiya as commissioner

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kan Tudu Community in Dala local government area of Kano state has applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as commissioner of information and internal affairs.

KANO FOCUS reports that elders, youth, women groups as well as politicians in the community gathered on Sunday evening to honor the commissioner for his well deserved appointment.
Alhaji Dayyabu Maiturare, the chairman NNPP in Dala local government, commended the foresight of Governor Yusuf for appointing the right person as the government spokesperson.
On this part, Kan Tudu ward chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Alhaji Abdulkadir Danladi Nasidi said, the event was organized to express appreciation to Governor Yusuf for appointing their Son into his cabinet.
He said Waiya is known in Kano and beyond for his struggle to protect the interest of the common man, and demonstrated capacity to represent his people.
Responding, Waiya expressed gratitude to Kan Tudu Community for honoring him, assuring that he will contribute his quota to provide development programme including youth empowerment and job creation through a foundation.
He assured of Governor Yusuf and national leader of the NNPP Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of unshakable support from Dala local government area.
The commissioner asked his constituents to direct his critics who are saying he is not a politician, to the house of Alhaji Uba Jigo, his political mentor.
The event was attended by representatives of business community, women, academics, youth groups, politicians among others.

News
GSS Garko class 88 holds AGM, appoints Sabo Isa Garko interim chair

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Class 1988 of Government Secondary School Garko has appointed Alhaji Sabo Isa Garko as the interim leader of the association for one year, pending the election of the new executive members.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Garko was elected on Saturday during its annual reunion held at the main conference hall of Rumfa College, Kano.
The gathering brought together former classmates of the association to reconnect, reflect on shared experiences and discuss the future of the association.
Garko’s leadership is expected to guide the association through this transitional period, ensuring continuity and progress in its activities.
In his address Garko pledged to bond members and give a purposeful leadership within his interim period of leadership.
The event featured discussions on key initiatives to strengthen the bond among members, contributing positively to the Alma matter.
The reunion also provided a platform for members to deliberate on future engagements and community development programs.
The association appreciates the efforts of all attendees and looks forward to continued unity and progress.
