Headlines
Coca-Cola foundation empowers 20,000 women, youths in Kano
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Coca-Cola Foundation, in collaboration with Whitefield Foundation have allocated 20,000 slots for Women and Youths in Kano state, under its empowerment program, tagged; “Equip Kano”.
Kano Focus reports that the Chief Executive Officer of Whitefield Foundation, Ms Fummi Johnson revealed this at a launch of the program, held in Kano on Thursday.
She said the two Non-Governmental Organizations, had so far empowered 87,260 women and youths across the country.
According to her, in a bid to empower Nigerian youths to enable them become self-reliant; the two foundations are now planning to empower one million women and youths by 2024.
She announced the empowerment program, of 60,000 Nigerian youths, out of which 20,000 slots had been allocated to Kano state.
Mrs Johnson called on interested persons to go and register on its website, www.whitefieldfoundation.ng.
She said already about 10,600 persons have registered online , urging others who are yet to register to do so before the next five days deadline so as not to lose the opportunity to other states.
She said the initiative is being championed by the philanthropic arm of the leading beverage company in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Medshare International Inc. and Engineering World Health.
“Irked by low rates of financial autonomy and inclusion due to lack of opportunities, The Coca-Cola Foundation, in partnership with the registered non-profit enterprise, Whitefield Foundation, has officially launched Project EQUIP in Kano State.
‘’Following the initial launch in Lagos in November 2021, the project seeks to ensure the economic empowerment of 20,000 women and youth in Kano, as well as thousands across Lagos, Abuja, Benin, and Owerri, totalling 60,000 beneficiaries.’’
According to Mrs. Johnson, the initiative will open a door of opportunities for the women and youth of Kano, while preventing them from venturing into detrimental means of gaining financial autonomy.
The initiative will adopt an integrative and hybrid approach towards youth and women empowerment to teach transformative skills and knowledge; improve the standard of living across target communities, show and lead participants into new ways of economic growth and set the lives of the participants on a sustainable growth trajectory”, she said.
Speaking at the event, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria, said since establishment in 1984, the Coca-Cola Foundation had invested more than $1.2 billion around the world.
She said the investment was to protect environments, empower women to thrive and to enhance the overall well-being of people and communities.
“Northern Nigeria is dear to us for many reasons. Just last year, we donated medical equipment worth billions of naira to the Aminu Kano Medical Centre through the Safe Birth Initiative which ensures the reduction in child and maternal deaths in the North.
“This year, we plan to tackle another stress area, particularly employability and skill acquisition in the State. Our interest in the North extends beyond the bottom-line benefit, which is why we continue to invest heavily in Kano State, the Northern Nigeria region, and its people,” she said.
She also states that the Coca-Cola Foundation had done so much to people in Kano, promising to do more in the stats.
In a remark, Kabiru Ado Lakwaya, Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, lauded the potential impact of the initiative, adding that it will help progress the State’s development and ensure sustained economic growth.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government is currently in Lisbon, Portugal, on a study tour as part of preparations for the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation is led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Hon. Alhaji Saeed Abdullahi Shuaibu.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ibrahim Ado Sabari, Information Officer of Kano Line.
According to the statement, the team is engaging with leading transport and engineering institutions, including Mota-Engil and MTS – Metro Transportes do Sul, in Lisbon and Almada to gain technical insights into rail infrastructure development.
The study tour is part of the Kano State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to establish a modern rail network within Kano metropolis and surrounding areas.
The proposed Kano Light Rail Project is aimed at improving urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion and stimulating socio-economic development across the state.
Officials from the Kano State Ministry of Transport and Kano Line are expected to study rail operations, maintenance systems, safety standards and sustainable transport financing models during the visit.
The delegation is also exploring opportunities for technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and possible investment collaborations to ensure the long-term efficiency and sustainability of the project.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of N1 trillion for the establishment of the Kano Light Rail Project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
When completed, the project is expected to connect major residential, commercial and industrial hubs within Kano metropolis, create employment opportunities, facilitate trade and improve access to key urban centres.
The Kano State Government said it remains committed to delivering a modern, reliable and efficient rail transport system that meets international standards and addresses the growing transportation needs of residents.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Aliyu Lawan, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta, has congratulated Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
In a congratulatory message shared via Facebook, Lawan described Doguwa’s emergence as well deserved and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively in the state.
He also extended his congratulations to other executive members elected alongside Doguwa into various party offices, noting that their emergence reflects the trust and confidence reposed in them by party members and stakeholders across Kano State.
According to him, the development is a clear testament to the dedication, loyalty and commitment of the newly elected leaders to the unity, stability and progress of the party.
Lawan further prayed that Allah grants the new chairman and his team wisdom, strength and foresight as they assume the responsibility of steering the affairs of the APC in Kano State.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership would promote harmony, inclusiveness and effective leadership within the party, while bringing renewed vigour, unity and success to the APC in the state and beyond.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State House of Assembly has issued a notice of impeachment to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
KANO FOCUS reports the notice followed the presentation of a report by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, during plenary on Wednesday. The sitting was presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.
While presenting the report, the Majority Leader explained that the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedure for the impeachment of a governor or deputy governor.
According to him, the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 members of the Assembly.
He further stated that once the notice is formally served on the deputy governor, he will have 14 days to respond to the allegations contained in the document.
The development marks the beginning of the constitutional process that could lead to the impeachment of the deputy governor if the procedure continues as stipulated by law.
FRSC deploys senior officers to Kano for sensitisation on discipline, operational efficiency
Kano Govt delegation visits Portugal on study tour for light rail project
Majidadin Dambatta congratulates Doguwa on emergence as Kano APC chairman
Kano Assembly issues impeachment notice to Deputy Governor Gwarzo
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
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
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
