News
SMEDAN holds retreat for it’s board, management in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, has organized a retreat for it’s board and management staff in Kano.
Declaring the retreat open, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said his administration since inception till date has empowered over one million youths and women to improve their livelihoods.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Governor who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji said the youths and women were empowered in skills such as modern techniques, animal husbandry, automobile, sanitation vanguards, rice, tomatoes and wheat processing among others.
“the present administration of Kano State considers entrepreneurship support and youth development as top priority,” Ganduje noted.
In his address the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Maryam Yalwaji Katagum has described the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, MSME sub-sector as the surest way to address the several agitations and tense security challenges across the country.
The Minister represented by her Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Babagana Alkali however maintained that for the sub-sector to to thrive well and address the challenges, there is need for an enabling environment.
According to her, “the recent report of the National Bureau of Statistics as reported on its website portrays a worrying picture of the rate of unemployment in the country. This is in spite of the strident efforts of government in implementing policies targeted at driving growth and creating employment.
“It is therefore obvious that the best way to arrest the above situation is to have a virile MSME sub-sector, possibly with special focus on youth and women.
“It will be recalled that the 2017 National Survey on MSMEs, jointly conducted by SMEDAN and National Bureau of Statistics, NBS revealed that we have over 41 million MSMEs in Nigeria. This figure represents over 80% of the total number of enterprises and accounts for 75% of Nigeria’s total employment base.
“Consequently, if we cannot create an enabling environment for this sub-sector to thrive, we will all suffer it’s negative consequences, mindful of the fact that Mr. President’s target of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty is largely hinged on the sub-sector.
“Therefore, in our collective effort towards stimulating a structured and efficient MSME sub-sector in Nigeria, there is the obvious need for all enablers to establish a mutual, but financial partnership that would provide the much sought after environment that is conducive for the sub-sector to thrive,” she said.
In his remarks, the Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, Dikko Umar Radda said Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Sector remains the engine for critical economic growth and poverty reduction globally.
Mr Radda noted the retreat would create enabling environment for stakeholders to hasten development of MSME’s sub sector and it’s growth.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
