Headlines
Kano Pillars wins 2021 Pre-season cup
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano Pillars football club has on Sunday won the maiden Presidential Pre-season Cup in Abuja.
KANO FOCUS reports that the tournament, which was held at the renovated Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, saw Kano Pillars holding Akwa United to a 1-1 draw on the final day to emerge winners.
Ezekiel Bassey opened scoring for Akwa United in the 23rd minute and the Uyo-based club side held on to the lead for a very long time as they looked poised to win the match.
However, that was not to be as Kokoette Udoh got the equaliser for Pillars in the 86th minute to share the spoils at the end of a pulsating encounter.
The result meant Pillars earned seven points after recording two wins and a draw to edge other invited clubs including Sunshine stars, Lobi Stars and Akwa United.
“We are very happy to have emerged winners of this tournament which is also very good for the team in terms of our preparation for the new league season proper.
“The tournament has indeed afforded us the opportunity of seeing all strengths as well as our weaknesses.
“So we will go back and correct all our mistakes ahead of our first game.
“Incidentally, we play against the same opposition we faced today (Akwa United) and winning them has given us a psychological edge ahead of the matchday encounter,” Coach Ibrahim Musa of Kano Pillars said.
Sunshine Stars finished second with six points after falling 1-3 to Kano Pillars, before recording two consecutive wins including a 2-1 win against Akwa United and a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars on the final day.
Akwa United settled for the third spot with four points after recording a 1-0 win against Lobi Stars, a 1-2 defeat to Sunshine Stars and a 1-1 draw against Kano Pillars.
The tournament which began on Friday came to an end on Sunday.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
