News
Naira swap: KEDCO offers alternative payment channels, debt discount scheme

Mukhtar Yahaya Usman

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has advised customers within its franchise area to utilise alternative payment channels when paying their electricity bills and purchasing meter tokens.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement signed by the company’s Head, Corporate Communications Sani Bala Sani on Thursday.
Sani stated that customers can easily utilise KEDCO’s various electronic options available 24/7 instead of going through the stress of joining long queues in order to withdraw money for settlement of their electricity bills or purchase of PPM tokens.
This he said, would not only reduce unnecessary stress for both parties but ensure compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) policy of cashless transactions.
While explaining that the various alternative payment options include web-based, internet banking and USSD code via *389*16*Acc/meternumber#, he assured the customers of the user-friendliness and effectiveness of the channels saying automatic payment receipt will be instantly generated reflecting the amount paid in the customer’s billing account.
The statement also added that the firm is running a debt discount promo where customers can settle their outstanding debt using the old series of N200, N500, and N1,000 and enjoy up to 25% discount (Terms & Conditions Apply), until 30th January, 2023.
He added that, as part of the Management’s cardinal objectives, KEDCO is now better positioned to offer innovative solutions for improved service delivery and enhanced customer experience across all customer categories.
He advised customers to take advantage of the 5-day promo as well as the alternative channels to pay their electricity bills promptly and in case of any difficulty to access any of the channels, customers can contact the customer service on 070055551111 or via live chat at www.kedco.ng or on KEDCO social media platforms.

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Gov. Yusuf reconstitutes consumer protection council, appoints Zangina Jafaru E.S

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.

Alhaji Zangina Jafaru
Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).
Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)
The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.
The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.

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Waiya decries poor Hausa advertisements by non-Hausa speakers

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of non-proficient Hausa speakers advertising products in the Hausa language in a manner that distorts the message and deviates from standard Hausa.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in his office.
He emphasized the need for advertisements in Hausa to be crafted by native speakers to ensure clarity and effective communication with the target audience.
“For an advert to be well understood, it is crucial that native Hausa speakers handle its production to prevent distortion and misinterpretation,” Comrade Waiya stressed.
Waiya reiterated his commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers in the state by ensuring their registration with relevant professional bodies. This, he noted, would enhance their effectiveness and service delivery.
Earlier, the Director, Northern Region, ARCON, described the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria as the apex regulatory body overseeing advertising, marketing communications, and public communication practices in Nigeria.
He explained that ARCON operates under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation with a mandate to promote ethical advertising, act as the conscience of society in commercial communications, and protect consumer interests.
The Director commended the Kano State Government for its support of ARCON and urged the ministry to ensure that all Information Officers in the state are registered members of the council. He emphasized that such membership would significantly benefit the officers in carrying out their duties professionally.

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Kano Gov. Yusuf, Visits Rimin Zakara to Condole Bereaved Families

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has visited the Rimin Zakara community in Ungogo Local Government Area to express his condolences to the families affected by the recent demolition exercise that resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and left several others injured.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.
During his visit, Governor Yusuf met with the bereaved graves family, offering heartfelt sympathies and announcing that the state government will sponsor the family of the three deceased victims.
He also directed the immediate settlement of medical bills for all injured individuals and provided food items to support the affected families.
In a compassionate gesture, the governor announced plans to construct a new Juma’at mosque in Rimin Zakara as sadaqatu jariya (a lasting charity) dedicated to the three departed souls.

Additionally, the governor unveiled a comprehensive development plan for the community, which includes:
• Connecting the community to the electricity grid.
• Constructing solar-powered boreholes to provide clean water.
• Establishing a primary health care centre to enhance medical services.
• Developing an access feeder road to improve transportation within Rimin Zakara.
Governor Yusuf issued a stern warning to security forces against the use of live ammunition on innocent citizens, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
To ensure accountability, the governor has established an investigative committee tasked with uncovering the causes and identifying those responsible for the tragedy.
Equally, the governor has sermoned the management of the Bayero University, Kano to his office with immediate effect.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has also assured the community of his commitment to resolving the over 40-year-old land dispute between Rimin Zakara community and the Bayero University Kano.
This longstanding issue has been a source of tension, and the governor emphasized his dedication to finding a lasting solution that benefits all parties involved.
During a meeting, the Rimin Zakara community leader, Baba Habu Mikail, expressed profound gratitude to the governor for his compassionate actions, stating that the community will never forget his kindness.
On his part, Chairman of Ungogo Local Government, Tijjani Amiru, commended Governor Yusuf’s swift response and described him as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of his people.
He assured the governor of the local government’s full support in implementing these initiatives and ensuring justice for the victims.
Governor Yusuf’s visit and the announced measures have brought a sense of hope and relief to the Rimin Zakara community as they look forward to healing and rebuilding in the aftermath of the tragedy.
