Headlines
Kano ADP guber candidate unveils blueprint, promises inclusive governance
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, (ADP) in Kano State and a member of the House of Representatives for Municipal Federal Constituency, Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada has unveiled his blueprint for Kano which will serve as a guide for developing the city.
KANO FOCUS reports that in a colorful ceremony held in Kano, the most prominent opposition candidate was joined by various sections of society, including students, labour unions, market women associations, non-governmental organizations, and other dignitaries from all walks of life.
While unveiling the over 70-page blueprint, the Sharada said the blueprint, which comprises Vision 2040 for Kano, will ensure transparency and accountability in governance, maintain law and order, and promote people-oriented policies.
The Honourable Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada noted that the blueprint was produced after thorough research by academics, technocrats, and members of a Kano think tank, Fitilar Jamaar Kano, led by Khalifa Dankadai.
In order to ensure dedication and commitment to the development of Kano, Honourable Sharada said he presided over the preparation and production of the blueprint from beginning to end, which is a prelude to ensuring robust governance under the Action Democratic Party.
He said the blueprint also contained a special emphasis on women, children, and youth who are in serious need of development in our society.
The ADP governorship candidate also seized the opportunity to showcase the digital empowerment skills of 50,000 youth across the 44 local governments of Kano.
Sharada was joined by the party’s national chairman, Engineer Yabagi Sani, Kano Central Senatorial candidate, Barrister Aisha Dankani, gubernatorial running mate Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu Bako, and Sharada party stalwarts.
In order to address the deteriorating state of education in Kano, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, said he will declare a state of emergency in the education sector the moment he is elected Governor of the state.
Sharada made the statement while participating in an interactive session for Kano State 2023 gubernatorial candidates on education, health, security, infrastructure, governance, commerce, industry, agriculture, women, children, and youth development convened by Dr.
Aminu Magashi in collaboration with NGO’s and civil society organizations.
Sharada said his government intends to take statistics on all public primary and secondary schools and assess the teaching and learning environment. He said that for education to be saved from collapse, reviewing education policy by his government is a must.
Speaking on the nagging problems of insecurities, Sharada, said in order to curb the growing insecurity affecting, he will create an identification number for every Kano resident.
The candidate said he has the best blueprint so far among other candidates in the state, added that, for insecurity to be a thing of the past, his government will synergize with critical stakeholders to identify and track every Kano resident.
According to him, this can be accomplished by collaborating with traditional rulers at the local level, which include ward heads, village heads, and district heads.
Sharada pointed out that in every discipline and civil service there are people who perform their duties with passion, but they are not lucky to be placed where they suit most. He cited an example of a civil servant who was passionate about teaching and could do better at teaching but was dumped at the office of the Head of Service or Ministry of Agriculture.
“The moment we identify them, we will swap them with civil servants who are passionate about going only through the files and who are always enjoying office work,” said Sha’aban Sharada.
The candidate said he has the best plan for education, including improving the state of the teaching and learning materials in Kano’s higher institutions.
The candidate also pledged to introduce vocational training in primary and secondary schools for students to learn various trades of their choice for self-reliance.
Headlines
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, three others recommended for appointment as Kano high court judges
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nafisah Yusuf Hassan, a magistrate in Kano State, has been recommended for appointment as a judge of the Kano State High Court by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
KANO FOCUS reports that Hassan is among four judicial officers from Kano State recommended for elevation to the High Court bench out of 28 candidates selected nationwide.
The other nominees are Halima Yahuza Ahmad, Abdullahi Abdulsalam Bature and Musa Ibrahim Umar.
The NJC disclosed the recommendations in a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, following its consideration of candidates for judicial appointments across the country.
The council said all recommended candidates were expected to be sworn in by their respective state governors without delay.
Hassan’s recommendation follows her years of service in the Kano State judiciary, where she has reportedly distinguished herself through diligence, professionalism and careful handling of cases.
She has been commended for her commitment to judicial ethics, diligence and fairness in the discharge of her responsibilities, achievements that contributed to her career progression within the judiciary.
Her elevation is part of a broader development in the Kano State judiciary, with four magistrates from the state successfully scaling the selection process for appointment to the High Court.
The four nominees were reportedly assessed during the selection exercise and demonstrated strong professional competence, while their service records were found to be free of adverse remarks.
Their recommendation marks a significant step in their judicial careers and is expected to strengthen the judicial workforce in Kano State upon their formal appointment.
Headlines
K-SAFE tracks nearly 1,000 education projects in Kano, seeks procurement monitoring role
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) says it has tracked nearly 1,000 education projects across the state as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the education sector.
KANO FOCUS the coalition’s Co-Chair, Dr Auwalu Halilu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring.
Dr Halilu said K-SAFE had monitored projects in more than six local government areas, covering interventions implemented by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Kano State Senior Secondary Education Management Board and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the monitoring exercise involved physical inspections and documentation of projects through photographs, videos and geographical locations.
According to him, reports of the findings had been submitted to relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), highlighting projects that met required standards and those requiring further attention.
He cited Rimin Gado Local Government Area, where the coalition tracked more than 80 education projects, adding that it planned to extend the exercise to all 44 local government areas of the state.
The K-SAFE Co-Chair said the visit was aimed at presenting the coalition’s activities to the ministry and exploring areas of collaboration in procurement and project monitoring.
He called for the inclusion of civil society organisations in procurement and monitoring processes, particularly tender board activities and field inspections, to strengthen independent oversight and provide them with firsthand information on government projects.
Dr Halilu also requested the ministry’s support in organising capacity-building programmes for civil society organisations on procurement procedures, due process, project standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
He said such training would enhance civil society organisations’ understanding of procurement regulations and the technical requirements guiding project implementation.
Responding, the Commissioner for Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, Dr Nura Iro Ma’aji, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the coalition’s contributions to supporting the state government’s efforts in the education sector.
He expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with K-SAFE through information sharing and other relevant engagements to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with due process.
“From our side, we are ready to work together because we know what they have been doing to support Kano State Government in the education sector,” he said.
Dr Halilu further disclosed that the coalition and its partner organisations had carried out the monitoring exercise without financial sponsorship, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to sustaining engagement with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and the media to strengthen oversight of education projects across Kano State.
Headlines
GSS Army Day Bukavu Wins Maiden Kano Secondary Schools Tug of War Championship
Ibrahim Khalil
Government Secondary School (GSS) Army Day Bukavu has emerged champion in both the male and female categories of the maiden Kano State Secondary Schools Tug of War Competition.
KANO FOCUS reports that the school clinched the double victory at the competition, which ended on Wednesday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Sabon Gari, Kano.
Governors College finished as runners-up in the male category, while Government Girls College (GGC) Kano secured second position in the female category.
The competition was organised by the Kano State Tug of War Association in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Kano State Sports Commission.
The maiden championship brought together secondary school students to promote teamwork, discipline, unity and sportsmanship, while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Jamilu Uba Adamu, described the competition as a successful initiative that had achieved its objectives.
He commended the Ministry of Education, Sports Commission, NDLEA, Gongoni Company Limited and MAGZO Pharmaceutical for supporting the event, particularly through the provision of T-shirts and Pocari Sweat drinks.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Kano State Tug of War Association, Bashir Muhammad Sulaiman, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing grassroots and school sports.
He said the initiative would help identify and nurture young sporting talents across the state.
The closing ceremony was attended by a member of the Kano State Football Association Board, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, representatives of the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, the Sports Commission and other stakeholders in the sports sector.
The organisers congratulated the winning schools and commended all participating institutions and partners for contributing to the success of the maiden edition.
