News
After slashing cement price, BUA ‘silently’ increase sugar, flour, pasta prices

Days after announcing the reduction of ex-factory price of cement, BUA Group has silently increased prices of foods, particularly a bag of sugar, a bag of flour and a carton of spaghetti, investigation has revealed.
KANO FOCUS reports that the management of one of the giant cement coy in the country had on October 1 announced the reduction of ex-factory price of the product to N3,500 per bag.

But the announcement was greeted by public outrage as dealers were battling to enlighten the customers that the reduction in price affects only companies that supply the commodity directly from the factory.
However, investigation by this newspaper had revealed that BUA Foods had silently increased prices of its sugar, flour and pasta products.
Our reporter, who went round some shops at the popular Singer Market in Kano state, the biggest grocery market in Northern Nigeria, observed that price of a bag of sugar, flour and a carton of spaghetti had increased by N3,500, N2,000 and at least N1000 respectively.
Checks by this newspaper had shown that while the price of sugar was recently sold at N44,000 per bag, spaghetti N8,100 a carton, and a bag of flour at N32,500, the commodities are now being sold at N47,500, N9,000 and N34,500 respectively.
A dealer of BUA Foods in Kano told our reporter that the increase in prices of the commodities followed immediately after the company announced the reduction of its cement product.
According to the dealer, who preferred to remain anonymous as he was not authorized to speak, they observed the increase in the prices this week.
He confirmed that the price of a carton of IRS Spaghetti, a pasta product of the BUA Foods, is now N9,000 a carton at company price, while it was recently sold at N8,400 a carton, an indication that it could reach up to N10,000 at retail price.
He also said “We have observed the increase this week. Price of a bag of flour has now gone up to N34,500 as against the N31,000 to N32,000 sold last week. About N2,000 has been increased on a bag of flour and it is a company price.
” About sugar, there is no standard price but it is sold up to N48,000 now in the market. It was N44,500 to N45,000 per bag just last week. Somebody told me that he is selling it at N46,500 per bag.
“We have just received the increased from them this week. They normally communicate to use via phone. They will just send us messages if there is any development.
“I also want to tell you that all these prices are company prices,” he stressed.
Our investigation also revealed that price of the commodities had already gone up at retail outlets in the Kano city.
A grocery shop operator, Mustapha at Karkasara are of Tarauni Local Government area, informed our reporter that he sells a bag of 50kg sugar at N49,000 after he supplied it at N47,500 from the dealers.
Another shop operator, Ibrahim Musa in Fagge Local Government said he had observed increment in price of sugar, flour and IRS spaghetti.
According to him, he purchased a 50kg bag of sigar at N48,000, adding that he supplied a bag of flour at N33,000, while IRS spaghetti was N9,100.
He lamented that despite the increment, he is recording low market as according to him, it had taken him about two weeks to finish a bag of flour.
“You know there is no money in the hand of people. Before i purchased this flour, the one supplied last time took almost two weeks before it finished.
“We are recording low market. People are in poverty and the patronage is low. We just thank God and pray for His intervention,” Ibrahim said.
Customers also expressed displeasure over the recent increment of the BUA food products.
Hajiya Iyami, one of the major customers that purchase bags of flour for baking Gurasa, a locally-made staple in Kano, lamented that the price of the product has kept rising anytime.
She said the price is rising day in day out from three years ago, recalling that the price had skyrocketed from just N5,500 per bag.
“Ironically, this price of BUA plower has skyrocketed just three years ago when a bag of flour was just N5,500. The price keep going higher
“I have now bought a bag of flour at N34,500. We therefore call on the BUA company to reduce the price of flour as we heard that he reduced the price of s bag of sugar,” Iyami appealed.
Efforts to reach BUA company proved abortive as a major dealer in the state, who was speaking on behalf of the company said he could no longer speak now.

Headlines
Kano SSG assumes duty, pledges to operate open door policy

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday.
KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.

The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.
Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.
He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.
In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.
He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.
Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.
He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.
“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.

News
Dala community commends Gov Yusuf for appointing Waiya as commissioner

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kan Tudu Community in Dala local government area of Kano state has applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as commissioner of information and internal affairs.

KANO FOCUS reports that elders, youth, women groups as well as politicians in the community gathered on Sunday evening to honor the commissioner for his well deserved appointment.
Alhaji Dayyabu Maiturare, the chairman NNPP in Dala local government, commended the foresight of Governor Yusuf for appointing the right person as the government spokesperson.
On this part, Kan Tudu ward chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Alhaji Abdulkadir Danladi Nasidi said, the event was organized to express appreciation to Governor Yusuf for appointing their Son into his cabinet.
He said Waiya is known in Kano and beyond for his struggle to protect the interest of the common man, and demonstrated capacity to represent his people.
Responding, Waiya expressed gratitude to Kan Tudu Community for honoring him, assuring that he will contribute his quota to provide development programme including youth empowerment and job creation through a foundation.
He assured of Governor Yusuf and national leader of the NNPP Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of unshakable support from Dala local government area.
The commissioner asked his constituents to direct his critics who are saying he is not a politician, to the house of Alhaji Uba Jigo, his political mentor.
The event was attended by representatives of business community, women, academics, youth groups, politicians among others.

News
GSS Garko class 88 holds AGM, appoints Sabo Isa Garko interim chair

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Class 1988 of Government Secondary School Garko has appointed Alhaji Sabo Isa Garko as the interim leader of the association for one year, pending the election of the new executive members.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Garko was elected on Saturday during its annual reunion held at the main conference hall of Rumfa College, Kano.
The gathering brought together former classmates of the association to reconnect, reflect on shared experiences and discuss the future of the association.
Garko’s leadership is expected to guide the association through this transitional period, ensuring continuity and progress in its activities.
In his address Garko pledged to bond members and give a purposeful leadership within his interim period of leadership.
The event featured discussions on key initiatives to strengthen the bond among members, contributing positively to the Alma matter.
The reunion also provided a platform for members to deliberate on future engagements and community development programs.
The association appreciates the efforts of all attendees and looks forward to continued unity and progress.
