News
Dangote is a major driver of peace in Nigeria – Defence Minister
Nasiru Yusuf
With huge investments and job creation capacity, Dangote Industries Limited has been described as a major driver of peace and security in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that Minister of Defence Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi(Rtd) made this declaration Thursday when he visited the Dangote Pavilion at the ongoing 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair.
The Minister who was represented by his aide Major General Ahmed Tijani Jibrin (Rtd) said the company has indirectly impacted security through job creation opportunities in the country.
Dangote is the second biggest employer of labour in Nigeria after Federal Government.
Dangote is the major sponsor of the ongoing Kaduna Trade Fair.
He said findings have shown that there is a relationship between economic condition and security, adding that Dangote Group is not only providing jobs, it’s also supporting peace and security in the country.
The Minister commended the company for making available products that would have been imported and thereby costing Nigeria additional foreign exchange.
Nigeria is reported to be one of the most terrorized countries in the world.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, and the organizer of the Fair, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA, had said that they were encouraged by the yearly support and contribution of the Dangote Group to trade promotion in Nigeria.
Speaking on the sideline of the opening ceremony, the Director-General of Usman Saulawa extolled the relationship between the Dangote Group and KADCCIMA.
“Dangote Group is an international brand in the world of business and manufacturing. I can also add that it is a must-have in every home. Dangote is also known for its philanthropic activities through the Dangote Foundation,” he said.
He said one of the uniqueness of the 2022 Fair is the flagship event-the Business Round Table on Blue Economy where stakeholders and businesses are brought together
He said companies from India, Pakistan, Morocco, Chad, Senegal, Mali, Niger Republic and Bangladesh are also participating at the Trade Fair.
The companies participating under Dangote Industries Limited are Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, NASCON, and Dangote Fertiliser.
A statement from the Corporate Communication Department of the Dangote Group said participants who seek to do business with any of the company’s subsidiaries can avail themselves of such opportunities through a Special Desk at the pavilion.
It described Kaduna State as one of its biggest markets in the country, given its historical position as the political capital of Northern Nigeria.
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Gully erosion in Kano: Gov. Yusuf partners World Bank, FG to implement mega project at Gayawa
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Governor Abba Kabir has visited Gayawa Gully Erosion site and promised to address the environmental challenges and improve the lives of the people in the area.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor made this promise during a visit to the site on Friday.
Governor Yusuf said that, the visit marked the new chapter in the journey towards addressing the persistent environmental challenges that have plagues the community of Bulbula- Gayawa for in Ungoggo Local Government which also affects parts of Nasarawa and Fagge local government areas for decades.
He added that, the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion necessitated immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the people in the community.
“The destructive effects of the gully erosion has not only claimed the lives but has inflicted untold hardship from the tragic loss of farmlands to the dangers faced by the children as they travel to school.” Gov. Yusuf emphasised
“The site has regrettably became a place where criminal activities flourished and the loss of children due to flooding during the rainy season, it is heartbreaking,” the governor lamented.
He added that, his administration is firmly committed to tackling the erosion challenges in Bulbula- Gayawa as part of the larger mission to address land degradation, environmental risks and impacts of climate change throughout the state.
Governor Yusuf revealed that the work would be done through the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) under the supervision of state ministry of environment which enjoys strategic partnership with World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The governor also informed the members of the community that, the ground work for the erosion control has been completed and it would require billions of naira to execute.
“The significant steps taken by the state government to halt indiscriminate and illegal sand mining activities in several areas and embarked on extensive land restoration projects including the rehabilitation of shelterbelt at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.
“The restoration of over 21,261hectares of degraded land and the establishment of wood lot plantation, this initiative have been instrumental in mitigating desertification restoring land fertility and promoting sustainable livelihood for our people.
“Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programmes to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost. Our livelihood support includes agricultural inputs and skill-building initiatives that will empower families and foster productivity in a secure and peaceful environment.
“The current administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. Today, we are here to affirm that your voices have been heard, and we will tirelessly work to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its surrounding areas,” the governor assured.
In his response on behalf of the community, Village Head of Zango, Malam Hamza Jibrin Nuhu appreciated the concern shown by the governor, disclosing that Governor Yusuf was the first and only governor that visited the Gully Erosion site.
He also prayed for governor and wished him success in all the good policies planned for the development of Kano.
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Underperforming Officials Face Removal as Governor Yusuf Plans Cabinet Overhaul
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a potential cabinet reshuffle, signaling his intention to remove underperforming members.
This follows his receipt of a report from a committee assessing the performance of his cabinet members.
Governor Yusuf shared this update during a live radio interview with select media outlets at the Government House, noting that the public would soon be informed of the government’s next steps.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his close collaboration with cabinet members over the past year and a half has given him firsthand insight into their abilities, allowing him to make independent decisions on their future in his administration.
He affirmed that no commissioner in his administration lobbied for their position, adding that he based his appointments on each person’s experience, credibility, and expert recommendations.
Highlighting his expectations, Governor Yusuf said he requires absolute loyalty to himself, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Kwankwasiyya Movement from his commissioners.
He stressed that he expects dedication, proactive initiatives, and a strong commitment to advancing Kano State’s development.
On poverty alleviation, the governor reported ongoing efforts to distribute foodstuffs across urban and rural areas, aimed at easing the hardship caused by the recent petroleum subsidy removal.
He assured that this assistance would continue to support vulnerable residents.
Governor Yusuf also revealed ongoing upgrades to KASCO, the state-owned fertilizer production company, to enhance agricultural output by providing farmers with adequate fertilizer supplies.
Additionally, he underscored his administration’s focus on empowering women and youth, noting that each month, 52,000 women and youths across the state receive N50,000 to start small businesses and promote self-reliance.
The governor’s remarks underscore his commitment to performance-driven governance and a responsive administration that prioritizes the welfare of Kano’s citizens.
Headlines
MNCH: Gov Yusuf re-opens Nuhu Bamalli maternity hospital
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
As part of his efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rate , Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has re-commissioned the Bamalli Nuhu Maternity Hospital following extensive renovations conducted by his administration.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.
Addressing attendees at the hospital’s re-commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the upgraded facility.
He noted that upon taking office, the hospital was in a deteriorated state and one of the first locations he prioritized for improvement.
“Today, the result of that commitment has come to fruition.”
Governor Yusuf urged stakeholders of the hospital to maintain the newly installed equipment and keep the facility clean, emphasizing the importance of providing effective healthcare services to the residents of Kano.
He reassured the people of the state that his administration is committed to delivering quality healthcare.
In line with this vision, he announced that contracts for the renovation of all General Hospitals across the State have been awarded to benefit all citizens.
During the event, the Governor distributed essential medical supplies to hospitals across Kano State.