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Under 20 Football: Governor Yusuf applauds Team Kano for impressive performance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Team Kano for their outstanding performance, securing the second position in the highly anticipated 1st Annual Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo National Under-20 Male Youth Football Championship.
KANO FOCUS reports that the tournament, organized by the African Youth Sports Federation (AYSOF) and sponsored by the Nigerian Navy, under the esteemed patronage of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition among the participating teams.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his deputy Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, expressed his appreciation for the importance of sports in fostering peace, unity, and understanding among communities in Nigeria.
He highlighted the positive impact of AYSOF in nurturing talent and facilitating the integration of Kano state’s youth into international football teams, where they excel and earn well-deserved recognition.
Furthermore, Gwarzo revealed plans to establish a management team dedicated to steering the affairs of Kano Pillars in their upcoming tournament in Asaba, Delta State, with the aim of bringing the trophy home. He equally assured sports enthusiasts that the state government is fully committed to supporting Kano Pillars (Masu-Gida) in any way necessary.
In a statement issued by Press Secretary to the deputy governor Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu on Sunday, Comrade Abdussalam emphasized that the government is determined to promote sporting activities in the state as a means of engaging and empowering the youth.
He also acknowledged the commendable efforts of AYSOF President, Dr Ahmed Lawal, spanning over four decades, in organizing nationwide tournaments to enhance relationships among diverse ethnic groups and religious bodies.
Dr Ahmed Lawal, President of AYSOF, emphasized the primary objectives of the tournament, which include fostering unity among youth, bridging economic and ethnic disparities, and redirecting young individuals away from negative influences towards meaningful engagement in sports.
“The championship aims to unearth hidden talents and provide training and development opportunities for aspiring young athletes” he noted.
The Chief of Naval Staff, represented by Commodore Usman Mainasara Bugaje, Commandant of Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa, expressed gratitude to AYSOF for organizing the tournament and honored to serve as the patron of the esteemed organization.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering support to AYSOF and extended his appreciation to the people of Kano State for hosting the event.
During the closing ceremony, the tournament’s victors, Team Katsina followed by Team Kano, were awarded the trophy, medals, and certificates, following an intense final match decided by a penalty shootout, with Team Katsina emerging victorious with a score of 5 goals to Team Kano’s 4.
AYSOF, throughout its history, has played a pivotal role in producing exceptional footballers in Nigeria, including legends such as the late Rasheed Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, Tijjani Babangida, Celestine Babayaro, Ali Jeje, Dahiru Sade, Tunde Black, Emmanuel Babayaro, Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and numerous other international star players.
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.
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.
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.
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