Headlines
FG flags-off 774,000 Special Public Works in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has on Wednesday flagged off the Extended Special Public Works (SPW) programme in Kano State.
The scheme which entails temporary employment of 774,000 youth across the 774 Local Government Areas in the country, and the disbursement of N20,000 to each of the beneficiaries for three months, was conceived by the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo.
The minister, who is the Chairman of the Board of the NDE, mandated the directorate to coordinate the programme, which include selected projects nationwide.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, held at Bayero University Kano yesterday, the Acting Director General of NDE, Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, described the scheme as “a very significant step in Nigeria’s quest to win the war against mass unemployment as well as to ameliorate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Fikpo explained that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved for the implementation of the programme to all 36 states of the federation “after the successful conduct of pilot phase of the programme within first quarter of 2020 in 8 states, including Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Jigawa, Katsina and Kwara States.”
Represented by Aliyu Abubakar Bichi, Director Procurement of NDE, Fikpo added that 44,000 youth would benefit from the scheme in Kano, adding that 1000 youth were selected from each of the 44 Local Government Areas in the state.
The Acting Director General described the programme as the best and most far-reaching grass root based employment creation in the history of Nigeria.
He then charged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by the President to be dedicated to their job.
In his remarks, President Buhari, said SPW came to limelight in a bid to quickly address the issue of pervasive hunger, poverty, environmental degradation and joblessness.
Mr Buhari, represented by Minister of Defense, Bashir Salihi Mgashi explained that each participating Local Government was responsible for identifying its preferred projects and would ensure that they are executed as planned.
The president expressed optimism that the scheme would provide necessary economic palliative to the 774,000 unemployed youths, adding that the beneficiaries might deploy the knowledge/skills acquired to become self-employed.
In his part, the Kano state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said his administration had provided numerous programmes aimed at empowering youth in the state.
According to him, over 700 youth that have undergone training on modern auto-mechanic and have since commenced operating in different locations of Kano metropolis.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, also stated that the Federal Government has on Monday launched a programme where 8,000 rural women received N20, 000 each in order to cushion their economic effects.
He thanked the President for introducing numerous Social Investment Programmes, aimed at alleviating poverty in the country.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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