Opinion
Ganduje’s 150 Vehicles’ Launch: Another Solution To Kano’s Traffic Congestion

Abdullahi Yusuf
One of the statutory functions of Government is making life easy for the people.Such functions include provision of infrastructure like roads, hospitals and clinics,water supply and means of transportation.

When Government provides such infrastructure, people normally appreciate the gesture as they know that it will facilitate the smooth conduct of their day-to-day activities as well as stimulate growth and development in their immediate environment.
Sunday’s launching of 100 buses and 50 taxi cabs by His Excellency,the Governor of Kano State,Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to facilitate smooth transportation of people and goods in the eight metropolitan local Government Areas in the state capital, therefore, was one of such Government’s responsibilities.
Commissioning the vehicles at the Sabon Gari Stadium, the Governor said the mass transit project was aimed at addressing transportation challenges along the Jogana- Yankura-Janguza corridor.
The 100 buses and 50 cars which were painted with green and a stripe of white had been scheduled to commence operation immediately.
Ganduje pointed out that the construction and extension of many roads, flyovers,underpasses and many other infrastructure in the state capital were considered necessary for the commercially viable and industrious city of Kano.
“To ensure effective and sustainable benefits of the investment and functional transport, infrastructure needs to be provided for an efficient Mass Transit system that will fit into a new prolific city like Kano.
“Hitherto, the absence of efficient Mass Transit has given rise to the proliferation of Tricycles as the main public transport vehicle in metropolitan Kano.
“As the consequences of this scenario, traffic congestion has reached a critical level, while security of lives is becoming a great source of concern,” the Governor stated.
He also said that the Kanawa Bus Service and the Kanawa Taxi Service would commence on a pilot basis with the 100 high-capacity buses and the 50 taxi cabs procured at the cost of N2.6 billion.
He said the service would be run by a private operator to ensure efficiency and effective management on a Public Private Partnership(PPP) basis, adding that additional 200 buses would be provided in next year’s budget to cover other corridors.
“To achieve these objectives, we have directed the State Investment and Properties Limited to invest in the new taxis and give them on hire purchase to the members of the Tricycle Associations to be displaced from the pilot corridor.

Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
“This component of the scheme will be revolving until all the corridors are fully covered by this service,” the Governor added.
Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Engineer Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, while presenting the buses for inauguration, commended the efforts of the governor, urging the stakeholders to take the project to the desired stage.
Engineer Bichi said the eight local government areas in the Kano metropolis would have the pilot take-off of the service and called on investors to key into the development initiative.
Before the launching of this laudable initiative, public affairs analylists had also observed that over time, tricycle operators most whom lack knowledge of traffic rules and regulations ,have been causing accidents and other traffic nuisances due to the absence of a Mass Transit Service in the city.
The launching of the two services-Kanawa Bus Service and Kanawa Taxi Service, therefore, will surely go along way in easing the prevailing traffic congestion in the Kano metropolis, largely caused by the A Daidaita Sahu tricycle operators.

Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
The Ganduje Initiative would further be enjoyed by residents of Kano metropolis as it came at a time when major roads and roundabouts are being rehabilitated by the State Government, which will facilitate smooth operations of the two Mass Transit Services.
Beneficiaries of this giant development stride should show appreciation by cooperating with the Government and the operators of the scheme by strictly adhering to the protocols of accessing the services, to ensure their success.
The Ganduje Administration deserves commendation for the successful take-off of the pilot Service in the eight metropolitan Local Government Areas, and the planned extension of the initiative to other corridors with 200 additional buses towards addressing the perennial traffic congestion in Kano metropolis,once and for all.Kano is working.

Opinion
Support for President Tinubu’s Policies and Call for the Appointment of Hisham Habib as Political Adviser

By Auwal Dankano
We, a coalition of concerned citizens and political stakeholders, express our unwavering support for the bold and decisive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at revitalizing our nation and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reform, infrastructural development, and social welfare initiatives demonstrates a clear vision for progress. We commend his administration’s efforts to address the challenges facing our country, and we believe that with continued dedication and strategic leadership, Nigeria will overcome these obstacles and achieve its full potential.
In light of the recent resignation of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Political Adviser, we urge President Tinubu to consider the appointment of Hisham Habib as his successor. Hisham Habib is a seasoned political strategist with a proven track record of effective communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the Nigerian political landscape make him an ideal candidate to serve as a trusted advisor to the President.

Hisham Habib’s qualifications include: A degree in English and attended courses in politics and journalism in both local and overseas. He works with media houses up to the level of managing editor, and he was the first set of publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria.
He also served a the Director media of NNPP presidential and govarnatorial election, as well as appointed as Managing Director of Kano State own Radio station.
Many remember him as the pioneer chairman of NNPP, Kano state chapter , whose political expertise help the party win the number one seat in Kano.
As he decamped to the ruling APC, he build a strong chain , that will make our great party victorious at the fourth coming elections.
We believe that Hisham Habib’s appointment would strengthen the President’s advisory team and enhance the effective implementation of his administration’s agenda. His expertise in political strategy and his commitment to national development align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.
We call upon President Tinubu to give serious consideration to Hisham Habib’s candidacy and to appoint him as Political Adviser. We are confident that his contributions will be invaluable in advancing the President’s goals and ensuring the success of his administration.
We also want to call the attention of Mr President to consider Auwal Dankano for a national assignment. Auwal is the chairman of Rwinwin, a movement that worked tirelessly toward the success of president Tunubu in the last elections year.
Dankano is a quantity surveyor, with over two decades of field experience, and always promote APC and President Tunubu masses oriented policies.
Ha was a board member of Kano Micro finance, as well as Representative of Kano State , in Northern Governor’s Forum.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for President Tinubu and his efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Auwal Dankano
National Chairman
APC Forum of Intellectuals.

Opinion
K-SAFE mourns death of Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed

Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) receives the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and a tireless champion of education and development, Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed, former Chairman of the Education Support Group (ESG).

Dr. Auwalu was not only a pillar in the education sector but a beacon of hope and resilience for all who believed in the power of knowledge and community development. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes have left an indelible mark on our state and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire development community. His legacy of service, advocacy, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire us.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Co-Chair (CSOs),
Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) .

Opinion
K-SAFE felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr

Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem
On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.

As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.
Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.
As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.
Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE).
