Headlines
UK’s FCDO spends £130 million on intervention projects in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has spent £130 million in Kano state through various interventions between 2014-2021.
KANO FOCUS reports that FCDO is also spending £14.7 million, equivalent to N8.6 billion, in its 2020-21 financial year as intervention on development projects in Kano state.
The FCDO’s Development Director, Christopher Pycroft revealed this on Wednesday while speaking at the opening of the strategic dialogue between the FCDO Nigeria and the Kano state government.
Mr. Christopher Pycroft
He however explained that there is a 28% reduction in the aid budget of FCDO this year.
“As you are aware the impact of COVID-19 has been far reaching and created a huge downturn in the global economy and the UK is no exception. This has led to a reduction in the aid budget to 0.5% of gross National income from the original 0.7%.
“This means that we will not be able to carry out all the of the development interventions programs we originally identify here in Kano.
“However, even though the financial envelope has reduced this does not indicate a reduction in our commitment to development in Kano.
“We believe that through our mutual commitment, dialogue, transparency and accountability from all parties we can achieve great impact and support to Kano state government’s own effort through this mutual accountability framework” Pycroft declared.
He explained further that “over the last seven years, from 2014-2021, FCDO has spent a total in excess of £130 million in Kano state through our program interventions. In which £14.7 million is projected to be spent in financial year 2020-21.
“The details of our 2021-22 financial commitments will be finalised following our mutual accountability strategic dialogue meeting that will hold today and we will publish all of the information about all these allocations as part of our transparency pledge”.
Responding, the Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje, emphasized the need for institutional development in order to achieve better opportunities for development.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
“There is the need for strong institutions to support and sustain better opportunities for development.
“That is why we are we are establishing the institutions that will sustain the development including interventions from the FCDO” he stated.
“There is no doubt the relationship between FCDO and the state is helping us to strengthen our institutions. For any sustainable development there must be strong institutions. Stronger institutions provide better opportunities for sustainable development.”
“Our relationship has always been fruitful. As a result therefore, we increased our budgetary allocation to 25% in the education sector. All our policies on education and other sectors are formulated towards having strong institutions. We are partners in progress,” Ganduje said.
Participants
Head of Sub-National Team, FCDO, David Ukagwu, UNICEF Chief of Party, Maulid Warfa, TaRL Africa representative Inyang Omoren and Open Government Partnership (OGP), Civil Society Co-Chair, Abdulrazak Alkali gave some goodwill messages, acknowledging state government’s efforts in keeping faith to process of sustainable development.
As part of the agenda for the programme, the two parties, FCDO and the state government would sign an MoU on Thursday, at Science Secondary School, Dawakin Tofa, to seal the effort.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
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.
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