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.
“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.
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
Tribute to Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature (Modibbo) 2009 TO 2024
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)
By Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa
Oh Abubakar, my dear son, you left us too soon. Your passing has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. I remember your calm and humble nature, your kindness, and your responsibility. You were a shining example of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
I wish you and Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro grew up together to become close friends like I and Sunusi. Your friendship was a beautiful thing to see, and I have no doubt that you both would have achieved great things together.
Nuruddeen, my dear son, I offer my heartfelt condolence to you. May Allah grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your friendship with Abubakar bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Abubakar, my dear son, I remember the effort your father made to take you to India in search of good health and well-being. He spared no expense in ensuring your happiness and health. I recall telling your father, “Malam yaron nan ka jiyar da shi duk wani dadi da za ka iya saboda ka ga sikila ne” (You are the closest person to your father, and he would do anything to make you happy). And indeed, he did everything humanly possible to make you happy.
It’s heartbreaking to hear that Abubakar Sadik had a dream that remained unfulfilled at the time of his passing. Becoming a barrister, and the head of Sunusi Bature’s household as the first son was clearly important to him, and it’s sad that he didn’t get to realize that goal.
It’s a reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile, and sometimes our plans and dreams are cut short. But even in death, Abubakar’s memory and legacy can live on through the stories, memories, and impact he had on those around him.
May his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him and the dreams he had, even if they weren’t fully realized. May they also find strength in the support of their community and the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief.
Good night, Modibbo. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdausi and reunite you with your loved ones in the hereafter.
Condolence to Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro
Nuruddeen, my dear son, may Allah grant you the strength and courage to continue on the path of righteousness and responsibility, just like your dear friend Abubakar. You both had a special bond, and I pray that Allah reunites you both in the hereafter.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)
May Allah grant Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature Jannatul Firdausi and comfort his family and loved ones. Ameen.
Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa Talban Alajawa
27th October 2024”
Opinion
Prodigal Daughter – Now, proudly my Boss: Dr. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, Minister of State, Education
Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu
It is not often that one gets the rare opportunity to witness the birth of a star. I count myself to be privileged to have done so.
In 1980 I started my employment as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Education, Bayero University Kano. As was the case at the time, I was allocated a housing apartment in Zoo Road. Two of my neighbors were Isma’ila Abubakar Tsiga and Sa’idu Ahmad Babura. I was a bachelor, and both had families and treated me with utmost respect, despite the age gap. Both were older than me, and both became my lifelong friends. So much that they opened up the doors of their homes and minds to me and got me deeply involved in literature (they were both in the Department of English BUK). If you are looking for the precise moment the seeds of my literary tree were watered, it was in Zoo Road.
In 1981 Sa’idu’s wife gave birth to a stunningly beautiful baby girl. She was named Suwaiba. I remember holding her in my hands and saying the prayers I could for her long life and prosperity. We later went to the naming ceremony in Baɓura — it was the first time I was in the town, and I was stuck by the serenity of the place.
That child soon bloomed into an undergraduate B.Sc. Ed Chemistry student. Incredibly brilliant, and emerging the top of her class. No surprises there – she and her other siblings were simply the top of their class wherever they find themselves, due to the incredibly liberal, but supportive family atmosphere that pervades the house. Although there was firmness. For instance, she wanted to study medicine after high school, but her dad insisted on her studying education. She came to me crying to intervene. I tried, but he was adamant it has to be education. After back and forth we decided she should obey her father and study Education. She agreed but vowed to return to school to study Medicine after she has finished with Education.
I can easily sympathize, in reverse. My father wanted me to study Medicine, I don’t! So, I ended up in Science Education – just like Suwaiba. How, look where she is – following parental counsel, she was blessed to be at the top of the game. Oh, she decided not to come back for Medicine after all – Education was just too good.
Employing her in 2005 after she graduate in the Department of Education under the able leadership of (now) Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, the current Vice-Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University (KHAIRUN) was a boon to the Department. She was easily the hardest working staff member, always eager to be part of a team, often taking leadership control if the ship seems rudderless.
In 2007 the University created Science and Technical Education Department. I, together with Suwaiba, (now) Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas (current Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano), and a few others were deployed to the new Department. She started her Masters degree under my supervision. I could barely keep up with her ballistic enthusiasm, a trait she inherited from her father, Prof. Sa’id Ahmad Babura.
As my “daughter” (her reference to me has always been “Baba Abdalla”, endearing me further to the family), she became my protégé. I became her Head of Department from 2010-2013, and we got heavily involved in NGO activities in teacher training, for she is extremely dedicated to Teacher education. She spent 15 years in international NGO activities in improving teacher education programs.
She finished her Master’s degree in record time and almost immediately rolled over to a PhD, but this time in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, finishing in 2014. She was the first female from Jigawa State to obtain a PhD in the rare field of Science Education. Her Google Scholar profiles her impressive research in Chemistry Education, Science Education and Gender Studies. Her ResearchGate profile highlights one of the first experimental uses of AI ChatGPT in Organic Chemistry Classrooms – demonstrating her future-oriented focus on embracing AI in high school education.
In every workshop setting, I would just down and watch her proudly as she explained the various techniques of teaching to teachers in Kano and Jigawa States. She developed a series of teacher training modules for international NGOs that were used in teacher training refresher programs. When she finished her doctoral studies in 2014, I had already migrated to the Department of Mass Communication in October 2012. She was visibly unhappy about my moving away because we taught a course on the Philosophy of Science together which she really enjoys. I assured her I will always be around the corner.
Administratively, she also earned her laurels. From 2018 to 2020 she became the first female to become the Head of Science Education, then Sub-Dean Academics in the Faculty of Education, and eventually Associate Professor of Chemistry Education. Due to her brilliant performances, she was appointed Director,
Center for Gender Studies from 2020 to 2024, a position she impressively held, forming a womanist, rather than feminist focus on gender issues, especially education, in a traditional society. In this, she was mentored by Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i, the former Honorable Minister of Education (2010-2013), also from Jigawa State. Bayero University remains proud of its women Education Ministers – and all from the same State!
It was from there that she jumped to be the Provost Jigawa State College of Education, Ringim in March 2024. And in October 2024, she was nominated the Minister of State, Education.
At 43, she is young. That’s for sure. For sure also, that is her biggest advantage. She promises fresh air of future learning with her demonstrable competencies in field-tested qualitative research, Artificial Intelligence and focus on scientific learning among young people, particularly young girls.
I am proud of Suwaiba as a daughter. Proud of her as a colleague. Proud of her as a protégé. Now, as the recently appointed Minister of State, Education, I am proud of her as my boss. Allah Ya ƙara basira da albarka.
This was first published on Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu’s Facebook account.
Opinion
Kano bags National Council on Education award
Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri, ANIPR
Kano state has been awarded best state in Nigeria by the National Council on Education (NCE) for its outstanding performance for submitting its report based on national policy.
Kano state government delegation led by state commissioner of Education Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa received the award at the 68th NCE’s meeting held in Abuja.
Doguwa who received the award on behalf of the state government said it is a prestigious award for Kano being the most outstanding state in reporting based on national policy compliance.
This outstanding recognition is borne out of the State government’s commitment and the determination of his excellency the executive governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritise education, having met the sector in disarray.
The government’s Commitment to provide high-quality education in the State through its reforms and partnership, has led to his excellency’s serious reforms within just one year of his administration.Ths include the review of the state 60 years old Kano state education law and 5 other obsolete education policies.
The event was passionately graced by the Minister of Education, Mal. Tahir Mamman and the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. The permanent secretary FME, 36 state commissioners of education and captains of the industry.
The award highlights Kano State’s dedication to aligning its education policies with national standards. Through an update report of policy Implementation on which the state government received the award.
The administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has made an impactful significant stride in education and human capital development, by recognizing education as the backbone of the society.
The governor has already declared a state of emergency in the education sector and convened a multi billion naira recovery stimulus conference (education recovery conference) in which strategy is drawn for robust sector reform in collaboration with PLANE Nigeria and AREWA consultative forum
The ministry of education according to Doguwa is committed to continuing this excellent work, ensuring that pupils and students in the state receive the best possible education to thrive in their future endeavors.
Yusha’u Hamza Kafinchiri, ANIPR,
is a Director Monitoring and Evaluation,
Ministry of Education,
Kano State.