Headlines
Emefiele commissions N15 billion ultra-modern Gerawa rice mills in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has on Tuesday commissioned a N15 billion ultra-modern Gerawa Rice mills, a private owned plant in Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the rice mills has the capacity to produce 420 metric tons per day.
Speaking at the occasion Emefiele urged rice mills in the country to embrace the Bank’s backward integration initiative aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves, revamping local production capacity and creating employment.
Emefiele stressed the need for rice millers in Nigeria to get involved in paddy production to guarantee sustainable supply of paddy to their mills and also complement the supply from the smallholder farmers through the CBN’s partnership with the Rice Farmers Association (RIFAN) and prime anchors.
He noted that the nrumber of rice mills in Nigeria had grown from less than ten, with a combined capacity of less than 350,000 metric tons, prior to the launch of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) in 2015, to over 60 integrated rice mills, with a combined capacity of about 3 million metric tons as at January 2022, with about 10 more mills scheduled to be commissioned later this year.
Furthermore, the Governor said the increasing number of rice mills, which were complemented by hundreds of small-scale mills located in every State of the Federation, attested to the conducive environment the CBN had been able to create in the rice value chain through its initiatives and stakeholders’ collaboration.
While stressing the need to match the increasing milling capacity of rice nationwide with increased paddy production, Emefiele charged millers to take advantage of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and the Private-Sector Led Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme (P-AADS) of the Bank, which provide long-term financing option to millers to finance commercial farms, land development, irrigation facilities and other agricultural infrastructure that will enhance their respective production plans.
Also noting that the quality of milled rice in Nigeria could match most foreign brands, he expressed gladness that the Bank’s collaboration with the fiscal authorities had helped to curtail the proliferation of Nigerian markets by sub-standard imported rice varieties. He therefore enjoined Nigerians to heed the call of President Muhammadu Buhari to “produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” by patronizing rice brands milled in Nigeria,
Godwin Emefiele,
Mr. Emefiele said the resuscitated Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) will facilitate grading, sorting, quality assurance and storage infrastructure for key agricultural commodities and also enhance price discovery for smallholder farmers, adding that the exchange will provide aggregation hubs for millers to enhance paddy off-take and grow to providing futures for millers and farmers to lock in prices and operate under a controlled price regime.
In his remarks, the Kano Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked the CBN Governor, for not only extending ABP facilities to Kano, but also assisting the State in the area of infrastructural development of facilities such as the Tiga and Chalawa hydro-electricity dam projects.
The promoter to the rice mill, Isa Muhammad Garewa commended the vision of the CBN Governor on initiating the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), which has turned out to be the saving grace of Nigeria, especially with the outbreak of the Corona virus (COVID-19).
Gerawa, explained that the new facility will provide over 15,000 direct job opportunities with potential capacity to produce 420 tons of day.
He applauded the support of the CBN and other financial institutions that support the actualisation of the facility that aimed at enhancing the economic viability of Kano and Jigawa states.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday.
KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.
The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.
Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.
He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.
In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.
He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.
He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.
“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.
Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.
His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.
From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.
His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.
In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).
His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.
Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.
As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.
A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.
Alhaji Zangina Jafaru
Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).
Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)
The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.
The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.
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