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Gontor of NCC Honoured by Northern Youth Organisation

Director of Financial Services at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Yakubu Gontor, has been honoured the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for his exemplary professional conduct.
KANO FOCUS reports that NYCN is the umbrella body of youths across the 19 northern states including the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT) with one of the objectives being the promotion of national integration and enhancement of investment in Northern Nigeria for sustainable development.
A delegation of the organisation led by the National President, Dr. Isa Ododo, presented a plaque for award of Garwuwan Matasan Arewa Nigeria (literally translated as ‘Shield of Nigeria Northern Youth’) during a visit to Gontor in his office at the Commission in Abuja recently.
Ododo said the recognition was based on Gonor’s professionalism and his standing as civil servant of repute that has made himself a role model to the Nigerian youth.
He said the NYCN promotes policy formulation and implementation on issues relating to youth development in Nigeria as well as identifying and recognising exemplary personalities whose conducts in their professional calling are worthy of emulation by the youths.

“The conferment of the title on our honoree was based on his visionary leadership in the industry as well as his selfless service and immense contributions that have enhanced youth development in northern states of Nigeria,” Ododo said.
Ododo also used the opportunity of applaud NCC Management for its efforts in enhancing digital skills in Nigerian youth through projects such as the Digital Nigeria centre (DNC), among other interventionist projects, which Ododo said, have been put in place to encourage youths to harness their digital skills for self-development.
In his acceptance speech, Gontor appreciated youth organisation for promoting the youths of northern extraction, urging NYCN executives to use their connections and network with the governments across the country to carry out more awareness on skills acquisition and functional education and need to be professional in all their dealings.
The recognition by youth council gives credence to the important role being played by Gontor not only as Director in charge of financial matters at NCC but also as a man of integrity managing all financial matters of the Commission, especially with respect to issue of revenue generation and financial prudency required to sustain the independence of the Commission as an impartial telecom industry regulator and arbiter.

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Namadi Sambo commends Gov. Yusuf for declaring state of emergency on education

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.

“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.

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AGILE Kano takes awareness campaign on Gender-Based Violence to schools

The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.

“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.

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PLANE partners Kano govt to develop MTSS for education sector

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.

Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.

Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
