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Northern Senators Forum commends ECOWAS leaders for lifting sanctions on Niger Republic

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

 

Northern Senators Forum commended the leadership of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for lifting sanctions on Niger Republic.

KANO FOCUS reports that the spokesperson of the forum senator representing Kano South senatorial district senator Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila made the commendation in a statement issued on Saturday.

The statement reads in part:

“Today, the Northern Senators Forum expresses it’s heartfelt appreciation and commendation to the exceptional leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their decisive action in lifting sanctions imposed on Niger Republic as a result of military takeover on 26th July, 2023. We are pleased to see that ECOWAS has responded to the progressive requests made by us individually and collectively on the subject matter, and we commend their prudent and compassionate approach in addressing these critical issues.

“The Northern Senators Forum believes that the principled and empathetic decision made by ECOWAS to lift the sanctions on Niger Republic is a testament to the organization’s commitment to regional solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights. We understand that this action will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people of Niger Republic, as well as ensuring the restoration of stability and economic prosperity in our region.

“We are particularly grateful that ECOWAS leaders have considered our pleas to restore electricity, open borders, and lift the sanctions on Niger Republic. These measures will not only have crucial humanitarian implications, but will also foster regional integration, trade, and cooperation. We firmly believe that this step taken by ECOWAS will positively impact the lives of the people of Niger Republic and Nigeria and facilitate the restoration of trust and harmony among all member states.

“As representatives of the people and advocates for justice and democracy, we commend ECOWAS for their responsiveness and understanding of the immense challenges faced by our fellow West African nation. The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with ECOWAS IN restoring democracy and rule of law in Niger Republic and other west African countries, and we are committed to working to promote stability, peace, and socio-economic development throughout the region.

“The Northern Senators Forum urges the government of Niger Republic and its people to seize this opportunity to hasten the process of returning to democratic governance to build a stronger and more prosperous nation, harnessing their resilient spirit and unwavering determination. Furthermore, we urge all regional stakeholders to continue engaging in dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions to address any remaining concern, fostering a harmonious environment for progress and development.

“Finally, the Northern Senators Forum would like to reiterate its deep appreciation to ECOWAS leaders especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria for their proactive and benevolent intervention in lifting the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic. We are confident that this decision will leave an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of all West African nations and serve as a shining example for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy.”

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K-SAFE lauds Kano’s ₦168.4 billion education budget allocation

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Dr. Auwalu Halilu

 

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has commended Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for allocating the largest share of 2025 budget to education sector. 

KANO FOCUS reports that the Co-chair of the coalition Dr. Auwalu Halilu made the commendation during 2025 budget public hearing organised by state House of Assembly.

It will be recalled that Gov. Yusuf had allocated the sum ₦168.4 billion to education sector representing 31% of ₦549.16 billion proposed 2025 budget.

However, Dr. Halilu appealed to Kano state government to expedite the approval and implementation of girls education policy, teacher development policy, non state schools policy and the ECCD policy.

K-safe advocated for speedy passage of the revised Kano education law, expediting engagement with UBEC for timely release of counterpart funds as well as restoring free education funding.

The coalition also advocated for the creation of budget line for annual operational plan, expanding girls transportation and enhancing oversight on MTSS/AESR.

Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) is a coalition of civil society organizations, professional associations, academia, media, and government entities working collaboratively to support education in Kano State.

In his address the speaker of the House Alhaji Jibril Ismail Falgore represented by Bello Muhammad Butu-Butu pledged to treat the submissions with utmost respect.

He expressed appreciation to all those who participated in this year’s budget public hearing in the Assembly.

Butu-Butu used the medium to extend condolences to CSOs over the death of I. G Maryam and Prof. Jibrin Isa Diso.

Also speaking the chairman House committee on appropriation, Alhaji Aminu Sa’adu Ungoggo reiterated the assembly’s commitment in passing a-citizens-oriented budget.

He stressed that the house will scrutinize the inputs for possible inclusion into the budget to align with the yearnings and aspirations of the public.

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AGILE launches ‘second chance’ learning centers in Gwarzo

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) in Kano has launched twenty learning centres under the second chance component in Gwarzo local government, a game-changer for dropouts and out-of-school adolescent girls and young mothers.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative was to provide another opportunity for the beneficiaries to complete their secondary education, equipping them with entrepreneurship and essential life skills for self-reliance and improved living standards.

 

The event held at Gwarzo Islamic Center witnessed a large turnout of top government functionaries, traditional and religious leaders, parents, learners and all relevant stakeholders in the education sector.

 

In his remarks, Kano state AGILE coordinator Alhaji Nasiru Abdullahi Kwali explained that the newly introduced Second Chance Education (Sub-Component 2.2c) is resigned to provide another opportunity for dropouts and out-of-school adolescent girls and young mothers to complete their secondary education, in addition to equipping them with entrepreneurship and essential life skills for self-reliance and improved living standards.

 

He stressed that the mentors and facilitators will be trained in addition to the provision of facilities to enable them acquire the needed knowledge and skills according to global standard.

 

The state coordinator pointed out that, they were at Gwarzo LGA to inaugurate the second chance learning center through the utilization of Adult Learning Centers spread across communities under the State Agency for Mass Education (SAME).

 

The AGILE second chance education component 2.2c lead person Hajiya Jamila Ibrahim, revealed that the 800 beneficiaries were mobilised from 10 political wards in Gwarzo local government area.

 

She said “The federal government approved 20 centers for each state but Gwarzo LGA requested for a center across all the political wards to accommodate it’s teeming populaci.”

 

She urged young women between the ages of 15-25 to utilize the opportunity to join the second chance education by receiving the expression of interest form to seek consent from their guardians before submitting to the ward head for enrollment.IMG 20241211 WA0253

 

The chairman Gwarzo local government area Dr. Mani Tsoho described the new second chance education component by AGILE as apt.

 

He reiterated the LGAs commitment in providing all the necessary support to achieve the desired objectives.

 

“We will provide more learning centres to accommodate the large population as you can see the Islamic centre is full and many more are coming”

 

The technical adviser AGILE second Chance 2.2c, Dr Auwal Halilu, pointed out that the component offers the opportunity to young women to acquire knowledge without compromising their day-to-day activities.

 

“It is organized in such a way that women and young girls can acquire learning at their convenience”

 

Some of the enrollees for the second chance education in Gwarzo Hafsat Sani Usman, Khadijah Aliyu Sani promised to dedicate themselves to their studies.

 

This initiative is part of the AGILE Project, a multi-sectoral development project implemented by the Kano State Ministry of Education to address the constraints hindering adolescent girls’ transition, retention, and completion of secondary education.

 

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Gov Yusuf reshuffles cabinet, sacks SSG, chief of staff

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has sacked the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, along with five commissioners, and scrapped the office of the Chief of Staff.

KANO FOCUS reports that those removed include the Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye; Ibrahim Jibril Fagge of the Finance Ministry; Ladidi Ibrahim Garko of Culture and Tourism; Shehu Aliyu Karaye of Special Duties; and Abbas Sani Abbas of Rural and Community Development.

In a major cabinet reshuffle announced in a statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Governor Yusuf reassigned the portfolios of seven commissioners, including the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, who was moved from Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to the Ministry of Higher Education.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf said the reshuffle of the state executive council is meant to effect a pragmatic political realignment of his administration.

Those who retained their positions include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Danjuma Mahmoud; Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran; Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Musa Suleiman Shannon; and Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Marwan Ahmad.

Also retained are the Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefianu Hamza; Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Auwal; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso; Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; and Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris (Rtd).

According to the statement, those reassigned include Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, who is moved from the Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education; Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman, who moved from Science and Technology to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim K/Mata, from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Others reassigned include Hon. Amina Abdullahi, who moved from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to the Ministry for Women, Children, and Disabled; Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to the Ministry of Special Duties.

Hon. Ibrahim Namadi, Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, is now moved to the Ministry of Transport, while Hon. Haruna Doguwa of the Ministry of Education is moved to the Ministry of Water Resources. On the reassigned list are Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda, moved from Water Resources to the Ministry of Education; Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji, from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Disabled to Tourism; and Hon. Muhammad Diggol, from Transport to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has dropped five members of his cabinet, including Ibrahim Jibril Fagge of the Finance Ministry; Ladidi Ibrahim Garko of Culture and Tourism; Baba Halilu Dantiye of Information; Shehu Aliyu Karaye of Special Duties; and Abbas Sani Abbas of Rural and Community Development.

Additionally, the Governor has directed the Chief of Staff and the five commissioners who have been dropped to report to the Governor’s office for possible reassignment.

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