Headlines
Phone Snatching: Kano police to prosecute blacksmiths

Aminu Abdullahi
The Kano State Police Command has warned blacksmiths to stop making lethal weapons or face prosecution.
The command’s spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa told Kano Focus that the decision is to curtail the menace of phone snatching in the state.
Mr Kiyawa, a deputy superintendent of police said phone snatchers use knives, cutlasses and other weapons forged by blacksmith to attack their victims.
“We have convened a meeting with blacksmiths in May this year to stem the supply of weapons to phone snatchers.

“The command has also ordered Divisional Police Officers to arrest any blacksmith found making lethal weapons.” He said.
Mr Kiyawa added that henceforth arrested phone snatchers will be prosecuted together with their weapon suppliers.
“We are urging the blacksmiths to know that they also have a role to play in ensuring security in Kano State,” he added.
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Some blacksmiths who spoke to Kano Focus said they have since stopped producing the banned weapons.
Ashiru Muhammad, a blacksmith at Sharada Market said they are ready to comply with any order that will promote security in Kano state.
“I have been a blacksmith for 20 years and have no profession other than this.
“I have making tools for butchers, carpenters, and farmers and I’m ready to do anything that will clean the image of my profession.” He said.
Farouk Muhammad, who has 16 years’ experience said they will report anyone who orders for weapons to the police.
“With this business, I managed to obtain an NCE and take care of my family so I’ll not do anything that will cause trouble for me.” He said.
However, another blacksmith Yusuf Umar, who is in the business for 15 years, said most of the weapons used by phone snatchers are now produced in rural areas.
He therefore urged the police to widen their surveillance of blacksmith to all parts of the state.

Headlines
Kano Chamber of Commerce to name Centre after Dangote

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, KACCIMA, has said it is making plans to name a proposed Trade and Convention centre after the President/CE, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
“The new Council of KACCIMA plans to name the centre, Aliko Dangote Trade and Convention Centre after its completion in 3 years’ time,”
KANO FOCUS reports that the President of KACCIMA, Garba Imam, made the pronouncement in Kano on the sideline of the ongoing 44th Kano International Trade Fair edition themed, ‘Economic Diversification, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’

Dangote Industries, DIL, is a major sponsor of the 2023 fair.
Imam told newsmen that Mr. Dangote has contributed enormously to economic development of Nigeria and the Sub-Saharan Africa through his highly acclaimed Conglomerate.
“Nigerians are now waiting eagerly for Dangote Refinery for a sigh of relief.
“By partnering Dangote, we hope to drive economic development of Kano and restore its past glory as the largest commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
“Apart from infrastructure development, the new Council of KACCIMA is also working with the Nigeria Gas project- the gas pipeline from Obajana, to Kano, Katsina and Maradi to know how Kano Industries would benefit.
As well as Kano, KADUNA railway line because it will reduce freight of raw materials and other products.
Imam said that the major concern of the Chamber is to drive economic growth and manufacturing rebound following the collapse of many factories in Kano state.
Imam disclosed further that the project was approved by the Kano state government in 2021.
He expressed the belief that Dangote, as a son of the soil will impact its execution and implementation and assist KACCIMA achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Headlines
Kano Govt commits to supporting Quranic recitation competition

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering Qur’anic recitation competitions among students and bolstering Islamic education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed this commitment during the opening ceremony of 38th annual Qur’anic recitation competition held at the Conference Hall of the School for Arabic Studies in Kano.

Represented by the State Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration considers the enhancement of Islamic education, particularly Qur’anic recitation and memorization across all educational levels, as a pivotal responsibility.
Highlighting Kano’s longstanding prominence in national and international Qur’anic recitation, Gov. Yusuf noted the state’s continuous leadership in this realm.
The State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, represented by Director of Arabic Education and Islamic Studies, Alhaji Bashir Mu’azu, announced the government’s plan to construct toilets and implement solar systems in Tsangaya schools across the state.
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, represented by Wazirin Kano Alhaji Sa’adu Shehu Gidado, lauded the state government and the organizers of the Qur’anic recitation competition.
He commended their unwavering dedication to uplifting the sanctity of the Holy Qur’an, citing the competition as a testament to their commitment.
The Emir emphasized the competition’s profound impact on engaging youth in the study and memorization of the Holy Qur’an.
Acting Chairman of the Kano State Qur’anic and Islamiyya Schools Management Board, Comrade Bala Baba Sha’aibu, expressed gratitude for the state government’s sponsorship of the Qur’anic recitation competitions.

Headlines
Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf appoints New Head of Civil Service

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved with immediate effect, the appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Musa as the new Head of Civil Service.
KANO FOCUS reports that The appointment followed the recent voluntary resignation of the former Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala Mni who was retained by the present administration from its inception in May, 2023.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sanusi Bature Dawakintofa said the new Head of Service is a seasoned civil servant who served in various government Ministries, departments and agencies in Kano for over three decades.
An indigene of Kiru Local Government area, Abdullahi Musa served as the Permanent Secretary Kano Government House, Council Affairs Directorate, Administration and General Services of Cabinet Office, Ministry of Special Duties, and Servicom Directorate.

He is a graduate of BSc. International Relations from prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and bagged a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano and another Masters degree in Strategy and Security Administration from Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
Governor Abba Kabir urged the new Head of Civil Service of the state to discharge his responsibility within the confines of the civil service rules and regulations.
