Headlines
2023: ECOWAS team meets Kano CSOs, Journalists, advocates multi-sectoral collaboration
Nasiru Yusuf
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) fact-finding mission for Nigerian Elections said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), cannot achieve free and fair elections without collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
KANO FOCUS reports that the head of the mission and former Chairman of Ghanian Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan made the assertion during an interactive session with Civil Society Organisations and journalists in Kano.
According to him, the 2023 general elections remain important to the African continent and beyond, hence the need for stakeholders to play their roles to achieve democratic expectations.
He said that the delegation have been engaging with INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders, saying that the mission had visited various zones in Nigeria to hear from the stakeholders.
The head of the mission stressed that, the electoral commission is not a kingmaker but rather an important element to the actualization of free and fair elections in collaboration with eligible voters, political parties, candidates and all relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Gyan described civil societies as groups that work for the benefit of societies , as such they have a critical roles to play in the electoral process to achieve the desired objectives.
The leader of the delegation stressed the need for stakeholders to join hands to ensure that the nation conducted an election that would be a model for the continent.
He charged civil society organizations to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders instead of at variance, adding that there is strength in coming to work together to achieve success.
“These elections are going to be very important not only for Nigeria but for all of us in Africa and even beyond Africa. We dare not fail. To fail is going to spell doom far beyond Nigeria. That is how critical these elections are,” he said.
Responding, some of the participants Abubakar Abdulqadir DanGambo, Jamila Musa, Abdulgafar Oladimeji and Zainab Ahmed expressed worries over increased disenfranchisement characterized by intimidation, thuggery, vote buying and violence during electoral process.
They noted that, neutrality of security agencies, collaboration among different CSOs, training and retraining of media personnel , politicians and other relevant stakeholders on rules guiding electoral process, would go a long way in ensuring free and fair elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that the interactive session organised by the ECOWAS fact finding mission for Nigerian election with CSOs and media in Kano witnessed large turn out of civil society organisations, journalists and relevant stakeholders in the electoral process.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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