Headlines
Fagge residents react to Rep. sponsorship of children’s circumcision

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Many stalwarts of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP in Fagge Local Government area in Kano state have kicked against the proposed mass circumcision programme, sponsored by Mohammad Bello Shehu, member representing Fagge federal constituency at the House of Representatives.
KANO FOCUS reports that Circumcision in Hausa society is traditionally conducted on boys, mostly under ten years during harmattan season.

However, the member representing Fagge federal constituency, popularly known as MB Shehu, decided to use this harmattan season to sponsor circumcision of over 1000 boys across the 11 wards of the constituency.
The unprecedented programme had been launched on Sunday at Ofishin Galadima Primary Healthcare Centre, Fagge B ward.
However, the programme had sparked wide outrage from oppositions and the NNPP supporters, including the party’s stakeholders in the constituency.
The aggrieved supporters expressed fear whether the lawmaker, who was recently affirmed by Appeal Court, would fulfill his campaign promises to his constituents who came out en mass to vote for him in the February 25th election.
One of the MB Shehu’s campaigners, Ibrahim Usaini, expressed disgust over the proposed exercise, saying “this is shameful”.
According to Mr Usaini, at a time when the constituents are feeling the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal, Mr MB Shehu should have proposed distribution of palliative to his people, not mass circumcision of children that had never been done before.
Mr Usaini added that while his colleagues in other constituencies had already gone far in executing developmental projects for the betterment of their constituents, Fagge constituency is yet to see the MB Shehu’s good representation at the green chamber.
“Some members of the House of Representatives are distributing palliatives such as food and empowerment schemes to their constituents. Some are even distributing motorcycles and tricycles, unfortunately, our Rep has not shown any sign of fulfilling his campaign promises.
“Look at how he has now proposed to conduct mass circumcision programme as constituency project. I have never seen this before. Circumcision has never been our problem.
“Distribute palliatives to your constituency. Show them appreciation for the overwhelming support they showed you during election. Come up with empowerment schemes for youths and women.
” But what is the benefit of this circumcision programme? I have never seen when parents can not afford their son’s circumcision. I call on MB Shehu to rescind this plan,” Usaini, popularly known as Lalin urged.
Another NNPP stalwart, Basiru Chile, said in this material time, MB Shehu should look at critical issues within the constituency and address them squarely.
Mr Chile advised the lawmaker to sustain his commitments to support the constituents during his electioneering campaign, not to allow the people see it as he was doing it to get their votes.
According to Mr Chile, MB Shehu should look at the issue of empowerment, education support, health and security at the beginning of his tenure, not to waste his resources and time on issues kike circumcision.
“During his electioneering campaigns, MB Shehu performed well by touching the lives of the people of Fagge, and even beyond.
“However, as he won election, he should not do things that would cast doubt in the minds of the people that voted for him overwhelmingly.
“I am not in support of this mass circumcision programme. I am totally against it. There are more pressing issues than this trivial one. Circumcision has never been out problem. It is not up to N2,000. This is a common household expenditure that has never been a burden to the Hausa people.
” Let him look at other problems and address them, if he wants to continue for the next tenure. He should show appreciation for the overwhelming support he got from the people of Fagge Local Government.
“I advised him to sustain the commitments he initiated before he was elected as the member representing Fagge federal constituency,” Mr Chile advised.
Mr Chile urged Mr MB Shehu to pay attention to health and job provision to the teeming youths to avoid restiveness in the constituency and beyond.
The issue of the proposed programme had become a topic of discourse in Fagge constituency as oppositions mock the NNPP lawmaker and his supporters over the plan.
When contacted for comment, MB Shehu clarified that the circumcision exercise is not in any way part of constituency project, disclosing that he sponsored it out of his pocket money.
According to him, the idea behind the programme was borne out of a request from a constituent, who asked the lawmaker to help him with money to pay for his three children’s circumcision.
“When i received the man’s request, i developed the idea of organizing a mass circumcision to support parents who could n

Headlines
Breaking: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.
His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.
From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.
His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.
In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).
His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.
Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.
As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

Headlines
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.

Headlines
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.
