News
Citibank appoints Dr Shamsuddeen Usman new chairman
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Former Minister Finance, National Planning, and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman has been appointed the Chairman of the Board, Citibank Nigeria Limited effective July 20, 2022.
Kano Focus reports that this was contained in statement issued by the bank on Wednesday noting that Mr. Usman is the third Chairman of the bank in Nigeria since inception.
He served on the Board of Citibank Nigeria Limited as an Independent non-Executive Director since 2017.
According to the statement, he replaced Mr. Olayemi Cardoso who retired from the Board, after 12 years as Chairman.
It stated that as Chairman, Cardoso led with distinction and ensured the franchise maintained high standards during his tenure – a leadership style that it noted had been consistent over the course of a very distinguished career within Nigeria’s private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
Commenting on his retirement, it quoted Cardoso to have expressed gratitude to the shareholders, board, management and staff of Citibank Nigeria for their
“Dr. Usman’s exemplary leadership both within the private and public sector is well documented. I am convinced that his dedication to the pursuit of excellence will serve the bank well as it enters a new leadership phase.”
Usman is an erudite scholar with nearly four decades of professional experience in both public and private sectors, including banking, management consulting and economics advisory.
“As Chairman, Dr. Usman, together with the Board, will continue to provide oversight of the franchise’s leadership team and drive performance,” it added.
Speaking on his appointment, Usman was quoted to have expressed gratitude to Cardoso for his years of service.
“Mr. Cardoso’s selfless leadership has contributed significantly to the many milestones that the bank has achieved over the past 12 years.
“I want to thank the Board and shareholders for their support, as we continue to focus on consistently delivering excellence to our key stakeholders,” he added.
Usman, during his time in public service, was responsible for a number of significant national initiatives, including the development of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy, Nigeria Vision 2020 and Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
On retirement from public service, Usman has been involved in providing financial and management advisory services.
Among many projects handled by his firm were the design of a short-medium term strategic plan for states in north-eastern Nigeria, as well as designing and implementing a comprehensive performance monitoring and evaluation system for the Lagos State Government.
He also conceptualized and inaugurated the Nigeria Electricity Market Summit Group (NEMSG) that brings key stakeholders regularly together to discuss critical issues in the Nigerian Electricity Market.
Usman has a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Economics. He is a past President and a fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society. He is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria, among others.
Commenting on the appointment, the MD/CEO, Citibank Nigeria, Ireti Samuel-Ogbu said: “I would like to thank Mr. Cardoso for ensuring we maintained high standards as a franchise over the past 12 years.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has announced the reintroduction of remedial programme which was suspended over a decade ago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Vice Chancellor announced the plan at the 59th Congregation meeting of the university on Saturday.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the key factors that prompted the reintroduction including the decline in enrolment in Basic Science programmes.
He said the University has observed a noticeable decrease in student enrolments in these areas, and the remedial programme is expected to address this challenge by preparing students for science-based courses.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that many prospective students from the University’s catchment area struggle to meet entry requirements for science programmes.
The remedial programme will provide these candidates with the necessary academic support to address their deficiencies, thereby increasing their chances of gaining admission into the University.
“We appreciate your support as we work towards reinstating this vital programme, which promises to enhance the academic prospects of our students and contribute to the overall development of Bayero University, Kano,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
KANO FOCUS reports that the reintroduction of the remedial programme is seen as a strategic move to bolster academic performance and widen access to higher education for students within the University’s catchment area.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Tsakuwa Mufarka Development Association appealed to Kano state government to construct a library and renovate the science laboratory at Tsakuwa Senior Secondary School.
KANO FOCUS reports that the secretary of the association, Comrade Abdulrashid Salisu Babah made the request during 2025 budget public hearing held on Thursday.
State Assembly
According to the secretary of the association, Taskuwa Mufarka is calling on Kano state government to construct a road from Tsakuwa to Lahira, Tsakuwa to Sabon Garin Dalladi to Mazabar Gano, Tsakuwa to Mazabar Yargaya, as well as installation of two transformers.
“We are also appealing for the provision of solar-powered lights and sick bay at Tsangaya Islamiyya Boarding Primary School among others.
Kano State House of Assembly
“We pray that Allah will assist this government to make it beneficial to the community,” the association appealed.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano Pilllars will be without the services of eight key players as they prepare to face Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash.
KANO FOCUS reports that the encounter is scheduled for Saturday evening, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Technical Adviser Usman Shariff Abdallah has expressed concern over the absentees but remains hopeful for a strong performance.
In their previous match against Katsina United, the Sai Masu Gida missed seven first-team players, including Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Zulkifilu Muhammed, and Sudais Ali Baba, all sidelined by injuries.
Meanwhile, club legend Rabiu Ali, Nelson Abiam and Aminu Adam Sani were on national duty with the Super Eagles home-based squad preparing for the CHAN24 playoff against Ghana.
Adding to their woes, dependable center-back Habibu Yakubu will also miss Saturday’s game due to the accumulation of five yellow cards, further depleting the squad.
This situation has left Abdallah relying on younger players, with 75% of the traveling squad comprising players promoted from the club’s youth system.
The four-times Nigerian champions are currently sits 8th on the NPFL table with 22 points from 15 matches and a game in hand.
They will aim to build on their narrow 1-0 victory over Katsina United last weekend, hoping to climb further up the standings. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
BUK reintroduces remedial programme
2025 Budget: Tsakuwa Community asks Govt’s intervention in schools
8 Kano Pilllars players suffer injury ahead of Shooting Stars clash
Demolition: Businessman threatens to sue Kano govt
Kano Court Halts Arrest of Gov. Yusuf’s Spokesperson Amid Ganduje’s Allegations
Ulama Forum faults Tax Reform Bills, backs northern governors
GovernorYusuf, deputy, Grace Turbanning of New Chiroman Kano
Rep member Tijjani advocates for homeschooling to address educational challenges
Friday Sermon: Encouraging Islamic Education Reduces Crime In The Society!
