Headlines
SFTAS: Kano risks losing N6bn monetary reward

Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state risks losing N6bn ($14.5m) for failure to meet 6 out of 13 Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) in the implementation of State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability And Sustainability (SFTAS).
KANO FOCUS reports that SFTAS is a World Bank-assisted Programme seeks to promote public sector accountability and reduce corruption.
The SFTAS Programme was established by the federal government with the concessional World bank loan to support states to enhance their capacity to achieve the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) which are the Programme results.
The DLIs are derived from the country’s 22-Point Fiscal Sustainability Plan and the 14 Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitments aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability across all States of the Federation.

The World Bank-assisted SFTAS Programme was principally to strengthen fiscal management at the State level, so as to ensure effective mobilization and utilization of financial resources, to the benefit of their citizens in a transparent, accountable and sustainable manner, thereby reducing fiscal risks and encouraging a common set of fiscal behaviours.
The DLIs aimed at: improved financial reporting and budget reliability; increased openness and citizens’ engagement in the budget process; improved cash management and reduced revenue leakages through the implementation of State Treasury Single Account (TSA); strengthened Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection; biometric registration and Bank Verification Number (BVN) used to reduce payroll fraud.
Others are improved procurement practices for increased transparency and value for money; strengthened public debt management and fiscal responsibility framework; improved clearance/reduction of the stock of domestic expenditure arrears; and improved debt sustainability.
The 24 beneficiary states are: Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe States.
In 2020, Kaduna State achieved the highest number of results (nine) and got the highest share with N3. 960 billion, while Katsina and Benue got the lowest amount of N540 million each.
PERL trains CSOs and Journalists on SFTAS
In an effort to meet SFTAS Disbursement Linked Indicators before the end of this year, Kano state office of Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) has organised a two capacity building for Civil Society Organisations and Journalists.

Participants
The training was conducted between September 25 to 26 in Dutse, Jigawa state.
In his address the PERL-ECP State facilitator Yunusa Hamza said the main objectives of the training is to enhance the understanding of Non Sate Actots (NSA) on the roles and responsibilities of holding government to account.

Malam Yunusa Hamza
He said PERL provides critical support to Kano state in the implementation of the SFTAS.
Other objectives of the training according to Mr Hamza are “To strengthen and establish engagement between CSOs working around PFM reform and to acquire the OGP, NSA with the SFTAS DLIs.
“To develop an advocacy kit for engagements with government and wider citizens space.
“To enhance the understanding of NSA on the roles and responsibilities of holding government to account.
The meeting established that Kano state has so far fulfilled the provision under DLIs 1,2,7,8,10,11 and 12.

Headlines
NDLEA Kano uses Dambe to combat drug abuse

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command Partners with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited (Kungiyar Dambe) to combat drug abuse ahead of UNODC International Day.
KANO FOCUS reports that the collaboration was sealed when Bashir Muhammad Danliti (Sarkin Damben Nigeria) paid a courtesy visit to NDLEA office in Kano.

A statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari on Saturday said the visit was part of initiative to raise awareness about drug abuse ahead of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The NDLEA Strategic Commander, CN AI Ahmad, represented by the Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, ACN Maimuna Garba, expressed gratitude for the commitment demonstrated by Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited in the fight against drug abuse.
He said the partnership is designed to harness the power of traditional sports, particularly Dambe, to engage the youth and promote a drug-free lifestyle.
Ahmad commended the Officer in Charge of sports, DSN Jamilu Uba Adamu, for his innovative approach in leveraging sports as a platform to disseminate crucial messages about drug awareness and prevention to reach the hearts and minds of youth, instilling values of discipline, respect, and healthy living.
According to the Commander the collaboration will involve an event and activities designed to educate the community about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help and support.
“The NDLEA and Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited are committed to fostering a safer, healthier environment for all citizens.
“As we approach the UNODC International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command encourages all stakeholders to join in this vital initiative. Together, we can create a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse and promote a culture of wellness and resilience in our communities,” the Commander added.

Headlines
Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf

By Ibrahim Adam
In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.
It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.
That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.

“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”
A Leader Who Showed Up
Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:
“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”
Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.
When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.
“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.
“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”
He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.
In Mina, a Governor Turned Father
Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.
No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.
He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.
“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”
It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.
Three Square Meals and a Human Connection
For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.
• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.
• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.
And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.
This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.
“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.
“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”
The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.
Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts
Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.
“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.
“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”
His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.
A Memory Etched in Spirit
What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.
“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.
The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.
Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals
In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.
It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.
Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.
About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.
And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.
He walked with us. And we will never forget.
Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.

Headlines
Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims

In a moving display of compassion and leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reached across borders to extend a generous hand of support to 3,345 pilgrims from Kano performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
During a surprise visit to the pilgrims’ tent in Mina, one of the holiest sites of the Hajj, the governor personally distributed 250 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim — a heartfelt gesture totaling ₦361,087,500, calculated at an exchange rate of ₦430 per riyal.
The atmosphere in Mina shifted from solemn to joyful as pilgrims received not just money, but a message of solidarity and care from home.
“You are our ambassadors in the holy land,” Governor Yusuf told the pilgrims.

“This small gesture is to show that your state stands with you, prays for you, and appreciates the spiritual sacrifice you are making.”
The governor’s visit, made in the midst of the intense rituals of Hajj, was seen as symbolic — a leader humbling himself among his people in their moment of spiritual devotion.
For many of the pilgrims, the gesture wasn’t just about the money, but about being remembered, honored, and supported far from home.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board oversaw the smooth and transparent distribution of the funds, ensuring that all 3,345 pilgrims received their share.
In a time when many leaders are accused of being distant from the people, Governor Yusuf’s gesture in Mina stands as a powerful symbol of connected leadership, faith in action, and governance with a human face.
