Headlines
Danbatta tasks media on national peace and unity
Nasiru Yusuf
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Garba Danbatta, has urged media professionals to continue to play their watchdog role professionally and ethically, as a rallying point for unity and security in the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that Danbatta made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the 17th edition of All Nigerian Editors’ Conference which is ongoing at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja. The theme of the conference is, “Media in Times of Crises: Resolving Conflict, Achieving Consensus.”
The EVC noted that historically, the media have always been in the vanguard of advocacy for values that are ennobling, edifying and unifying.
He stated that accurate, unbiased reporting of national issues, especially those bordering on conflict and security matters, would promote economic development, fight corruption and ultimately improve security of lives and property in the country.
Danbatta however said, that the Commission’s Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) have become a rallying point for the promotion of the security of lives and property of citizens.
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, director public affairs NCC and Ayuba Shuaibu, Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund, NCC
He also revealed that the ECCs, 24 of which are currently operational in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, processed about 34 million calls bordering on security and emergency issues in the first eight months of the year.
Danbatta, stated that the NCC is contributing to improving national security in the country through the establishment of ECCs, which offer a lifeline to citizens in times of distress. The EVC revealed that there are 23 states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with functional ECCs, and the centres have continued to have profound positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“In addition to the 23 already established and functioning ECCs, the Commission will soon activate ECCs in nine (9) more states, and also plan to inaugurate similar project in the remaining four (4) states by end of 2022, in keeping with Federal Government’s directive,” he said.
The EVC noted that in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Nigeria, over 1,500 calls connected to COVID-19-related incidents were received and processed by the Centres.
“The Centres provided a platform for members of the public to seek life-saving information and support with regards to COVID-19 related cases by dialing ‘112’ from any of the networks. More remarkably, Nigerians have become more aware of and are using the 122 Emergency Number. Between January and August, 2021, about 34 million calls were made by Nigerians, who were seeking succor during emergencies or under other security threats and unrest within their communities,” he added.
Malam Kabiru Yusuf, Danbatta, Mr Ray Ekpu and Mr. Iyabosa Uwugiaren
Just recently, the Senate, Nigeria’s national upper legislative chamber, passed a bill to establish the Nationwide Emergency Communications Service, with 112 as primary toll-free emergency number for the country, in recognition of the importance of NCC’s emergency center projects to national security and economic growth.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to implementing various national digital economy policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at deepening digitization, in order to further democratise access to communication facilities by the citizenry.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
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Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
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