Headlines
Poor Performance: Kano Govt. Imposes Three-Game Ultimatum on Kano Pillars
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State Government has issued a definitive three-game ultimatum to the management and technical staff of Kano Pillars Football Club, urging them to enhance their performance.
In a statement to the press on Friday, Acting Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Hamza Sufyanu Kachako, delivered the ultimatum in response to the team’s recent poor form in the ongoing 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League.
Following their recent defeat to Bendel Insurance of Benin, where Kano Pillars suffered a setback with a 2-1 loss, the team has faced a series of defeats, including a 1-2 home loss to Shooting Stars and a resounding 5-0 defeat against Enyimba International.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s steadfast support, led by Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for Kano Pillars’ success. However, he stressed the need for decisive measures to reverse the team’s fortunes, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate the team’s decline.
The management and technical staff of Kano Pillars have been entrusted with the task of turning the situation around in the next three pivotal games, starting with the upcoming match against struggling Gombe United on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. This will be followed by an away game against former champions Akwa United and a home fixture against Doma United of Gombe.
Currently positioned 7th in the Nigeria Premier Football League standings with 41 points from 30 matches, Kano Pillars are urged to secure maximum points in the upcoming matches to rejuvenate their season.
Under the guidance of Hon. Kachako, serving as the Sports Commissioner, the Ministry has allocated the necessary funds for Kano Pillars FC to complete their remaining matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League. This backing has been approved by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, reflecting a dedication to the development of sports in the state.
Kachako expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for his steadfast backing of the team and called upon the devoted fans to continue supporting Kano Pillars during this critical junct.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
