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Kano Govt, UNICEF Commemorate International Day of Education
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano state government has pledged to invest heavily on education to cater for the needs and aspirations of students in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner of education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa made the pledge during an event to commemorate the international day of education 2024, held in Kano.
According to him, the state government under the leadership of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has set aside 29.7% of its 2024 budget to education, as part of efforts to revive the sector.
He said, other interventions in the sector includes, refurbishing of 60 high capacity buses to convey female students, as well as the approval of 740 million Naira for payment of examination fees, for indigent students.
Doguwa highlighted that, Kano state has joined the United Nations project of safe schools pilot scheme, with 48 boys and girls schools from each zone, in addition to the training and recruitment of more teachers.
In his remarks, the executive secretary Kano state universal basic education board (SUBEB), Alhaji Yusuf Kabir maintained that, education empowers learners as agents of peace, and a powerful tool that can transform lives of citizens.
He observed that, children need peaceful environment for learning, saying that, education is a catalyst for peace and conflict resolution that promotes dialogue, tolerance and respect for mankind.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), chief of field office Kano, Mr. Rahma Rihood Mohammed Farah explained that, insecurity has emerged as one of the greatest threats to the development of education in Nigeria, especially in the Northwest region.
Represented by UNICEF senior education manager, Micheal Banda, Mr Farah attributed the increasing rate of out of school children and learning crisis to lack of school safety.
He revealed that, 1 out of 4 children is out of schools, and 3 out of 4 children, cannot read with understanding or solve simple math problems.
He pointed out that, UNICEF created a rich policy environment, through support to the development of a policy in safety in schools, and the minimum standards in safe schools.
Mr. Rahma hinted that, UNICEF Kano field office has built the capacity of school based management committees (SBMCs), including teachers, learners, and community members from 1,710 schools across 28 LGAs of Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states making schools safe and proactive.
Some of the students who spoke to Radio Nigeria, Khadijah Abdulhamid and Najma Yusuf Yakubu urged government to enlighten students on safe school tips and climate change, school fencing, strengthen security outpost among others.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event themed: learning for lasting peace: was organized by Kano state government and UNICEF field office Kano.
Headlines
Dabo’s resignation triggers wave of defections from APC in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Headlines
Five Kano Pillars Amputee Players Invited to Special Eagles Camp Ahead of World Cup
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Headlines
Former NPA MD Aminu Dabo resigns as APC caucus chairman in Dambatta
Ibrahim Khalil
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.
In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.
He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.
“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.
The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.
“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.
