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FIDAC asks Kano Govt to declare state of emergency on water

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ACUTE SHORTAGE OF WATER SUPPLY IN KANO METROPOLITAN, SUB-REGIONAL AND RURAL AREAS

Background

Water is one of the necessities for human lives and its acute shortage makes life difficult for many people and communities. Based on this, United Nations General Assembly (2010) made a resolution that everyone has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic use.

Despite Kano State Government unflinching commitment to ensure steady water supply as reflected in 2024 budget approval of 14,240,594,262.01 for the Ministry of Water Resources, adequate provision of pipe bone water still remains a mirage in the state. For instance, in March 24, 2024 Solace Base- a Kano-based online news outlet-reports that Danya and Kyallin-Bula villages in Bichi Local government have been without water for over 40 years. It also reported in 15th May, 2023 that people and cattle drink from the same well in some places at Gaya Emirate. To add to this, a research by Barau (2012) found out that 97 per cent of households in Kano state drink contaminated water. Present public outcry for acute scarcity of water supply all over the state coupled with expensive nature of the water petched and sold is no longer news. It fact, it is a household name, known by all and sundry. In almost all social media platforms the issue remains a major topic of discussion.

Observations on the causes of acute shortage of water supply in Kano State

While commending the effort of Kano State Executive Council approval-as contained in the extract of its 13th weekly Council meeting- for reconstruction of Kura – Kubarachi – Madobi Road and the failed Kubarachi Bridge in Kura and Madobi Local Government Areas in the sum of 11,976,727,228.30 billion naira, proposed water supply package tagged ‘Abba Kabir Yusuf 2024 Reach Out Water Supply Project Phase I’ at the cost of 319,308,407.82 million naira, payment of supply of water treatment chemicals for the month of November, December, and January at the cost of 387,000,000.00 million naira and award of contract for water pipeline extension to Na’ibawa Eastern Bypass Layout and Unguwa-Uku Yan-Awaki communities in the sum of 153,000,000.00 million naira, our findings revealed the following as challenges causing acute water supply in Kano state:

a. Insufficient number of water treatment plants and sadly the existing ones for Kano Greater Water Supply Scheme, Tambura, Bagwai and Shanono Water Schemes are dilapidated.

b. Faulty nature of pipelines supplying water to various places in the state.

c. Power failure and non-availability of diesel to power the machines in the areas where water treatment plants are cited.

d. Budgetary fund releases is untimely and inadequate.

e. Non-remittance of LGAs monthly water supply contributions to Kano Water Board.

f. Poor maintenance of existing boreholes and hand pump wells.

g. Failure of government to sink new boreholes and hand pump wells in strategic locations where the demand is high but with less supply.

h. Poor rehabilitation of water infrastructure all over the state.

I. Inadequate oversight by the responsible government MDAs and legislatures.

j. Government failure to leverage on its existing policy guidelines to reclaim and restore open spaces for increased water percolation below the surface as well as creating and restoring green spaces.

k. Inadequate public sensitization to embrace collaborative consumption of water and promote its recycling.

l. Non-inclusion of knowledge-based water governance in the water supply policy guidelines.

m. Inadequate staffing, training and provision of other incentives for the existing ones.

Recommendations

Government

Based on the above challenges, the state government should to do the following:

a. We urge the state government to declare state of emergency for water supply in Kano State.

b. Kano state governor should, as a matter of public importance, authorize immediate withdrawal from Contingency Fund Account to ameliorate acute water supply in the state.

c. Government should rehabilitate all water infrastructures in the state for equitable rural-urban water security.

d. As a corporate social responsibility, companies and other business ventures operating in Kano are urged to help in reducing water shortages, leakages and wastages through rehabilitation of water infrastructure, repair of faulty hand pump wells and boreholes for equitable water security.

e. Philanthropies and well-meaning individuals are equally urged to extend similar gesture to the good people of Kano State.

f. Government should leverage on its existing policy guidelines and instrumentalities of law, where necessary, to reclaim and restore open spaces for increased water percolation below the surface as well as creating and restoring green spaces.

g. Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) should develop rural water supply clusters for maximum efficiency.

h. Public sensitization to embrace collaborative consumption of water and promote its recycling.

i. In order to provide steady power supply and cut down diesel expenditure for Kano Greater Water Supply Scheme, Tambura, Bagwai and Shanono Water Scheme facilities, the State government should ensure speedy completion and commissioning of Kano Independent Hydro Power Station.

j. There should be collaboration and partnerships between Kano state government and Hadeja Jama’are.

k. Kano state government should strengthen Kano state Water Board and RUWASA through human resources development and adequate provision of facilities.

Kano State House of Assembly (KSHoA).

a. For fact-finding of the genesis of acute shortage of water supply, KSHoA should summon Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Water Resources and MDs of both Kano State Water Board and RUWASA.

b.KSHoA should pass a resolution urging Kano state government to declare water supply state of emergency.

c. Since Kano is the most populous state and centre of commerce in Nigeria, KSHoA should liaise with federal law-makers to seek for intervention of Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

d. Members KSHoA should tailor their constituency projects towards rehabilitation of faulty pump wells and boreholes and where necessary construction new ones.

e. KSHoA should expeditiously enact law to make water resources budgetary provisions among the first line charges.

f. The house is also urged to increase ministry of water resources annual budgetary allocations and embark on oversight to ensure prompt releases and utilization.

g. LGAs should be mandated by KSHoA to urgently rehabilitate boreholes and hand pump wells in their areas and sink new ones in a strategic locations where the demand is high but with less supply.

h. Kano state House of Assembly should ensure adherence to Kano State Water Resources Law which limit arbitrary construction of hand pump wells and boreholes in the state.

I. In order to provide steady power supply and cut down diesel expenditure for Kano Greater Water Supply Scheme, Tambura, Bagwai and Shanono Water Scheme facilities, KSHoA should pass a resolution to ensure speedy completion and commissioning of Kano. ndependent Hydro Power Station.

j. LGAs where sub-regional water scheme are cited should be urged by the KSHoA to make fund provision in their annual budget so as to ensure sufficient, safe, accessible, and affordable water supply in villages and towns for personal and domestic use.

Conclusion

Kano state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will improve through monthly water bills collections if the pro-active measures articulated in this write-up are taken into Consideration. Concomitantly, Kano State Water Board including RUWASA can have financial autonomy through water bills remittance. Indeed expansion of water supply is possible through rehabilitation of faulty water treatment plants and machines as well as procurement of new ones. Completion and commission of Kano Independent Hydro Power Station will also provide alternative source of power for uninterrupted water supply in the state. Finally, it is our prayer that the recommendations outlined above will be adopted with a view to ensuring sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water supply for personal and domestic use in Kano State.

Dr. Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, fcfa

Executive Director, FIDAC kaniabdussalam@yahoo.com +2347033270725

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NGO tasks Kano journalists to prioritise women’s health reporting

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Media practitioners in Nigeria have been urged to set media agenda on salient issues around women’s health in order to bring some of their challenges on the front burner for stakeholders.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Center for Communication and Social Impact CCSI made the call in Kaduna during a one day training organised for Kano based journalists on media advocacy for women’s health with support from the Pathfinder International.

Oluyemi Abodunrin, the CCSI Technical Advisor, Programme, while delivering his lecture on the role of the media in improving women’s health, said journalists need to always explore available data in their reportage.

“You don’t just use data percentage; you need to operationalize the data by putting human angle to the figures especially on women’s health to raise awareness about their challenges.” He said.

Abodunrin said this could be simply achieved by initiating women’s health related topical issues to hold people in power accountable through investigative journalism and fair and balanced reporting.

He advised the health journalists to also use their reports to combat stigma against women’s health, promoting diversity and always ensuring accuracy and balance reports.

According to him, there should be a paradigm shift in the media contents which mostly focus on politics and economy by also prioritizing other compelling health issues and women’s health in particular.

Also speaking, Beevan Magoni, one of the facilitators, identified gender imbalance, stereotype and lack of diversity in health journalism among others editorial issues in reporting women’s health in the country.

Magoni outlined some of the challenges in covering sensitive women’s health topics to include limited representation, narrow focus and lack of training for health reporters.

He however, harped on the importance of intersectionality in women’s health coverage and the need for journalists to be ethical by respecting the women’s privacy, seeking consent and being empathetic in their reportage.

On her part, Mrs. Toyin Akande, the CCSI Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, delved on the existing policies for women’s health planning in Kano State that could enhance reports of the health reporters.

The policies, according to her, include Health Sector Task Shifting and Sharing Policy (TSSP), Family Planning Policy and Kano State Health Financing Policy.

Others are Kano State Action Plan for Health Security (KSAPHS), Free Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Policy, Policy on Building Capacity of Healthcare Providers.

In her earlier remark, Dr. Sekina Amin Bello, Senior Technical Advisor, Pathfinder Nigeria said journalists were expected to facilitate visibility of the women’s health project in Kano on their respective platforms.

Dr Bello noted that the one year project focuses on the key challenges affecting women’s health in Nigeria including high maternal mortality rate and limited access to healthcare and poverty.

She noted that the project was aimed at identifying factors that contribute to good health outcomes for women in Kano and using the AFP SMART approach to develop advocacy strategies for improvement of their health.

The participants were selected from members of Kano State Led Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM) and other journalists practicing in Kano state.

KanSLAM is a coalition of Civil Society, Media and Government Officials which serves as an accountability, advocacy, evidence & transparency mechanism in Kano State, Nigeria.

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How Ganduje hired fake NGO to rate Kano low in an attempt to cover his wasted 8 years

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Ganduje

By Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

Our attention has been drawn to an article entitled “Kano worst governed, least performing state in Nigeria – Report,” authored by Taofeek Lawal and featured on Tribune online on April 23, 2024.

Taofeek based his narrative on an alleged report by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), which maliciously portrays Kano State as the most poorly governed and underperforming state in the nation since the inception of the new administration in May 2023.

Available records at both internet and CAC, confirmed that the NGO is not registered and in last few years of its illigal operation, it has engaged itself on various dubious and controvercial activities serving as a hired street dog.

Ganduje and his co-travellers who promote corruption are hiring fake NGOs who hide behind promoting good governance to share none existing reseaches in an attempt to damage the hard earned reputation of the arguably best performing governor in the 2023 new breeds of governors His Excellency Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The former Governor of Kano state who did nothing in his eight year wasted tenure between 2015 and 2023 other than promoting political violence through hiring of thugs to distroy, miame, injure or kill innocent citizens.

“No matter the cover up, Ganduje must face the consequencies of his utterances during which he governed Kano recklessly, with nepotism, corruption and impunity as guiding principles”

As it is well known, performance evaluation is done using specific parametres against indicators which the so called NGO did not anyway meet the requirememt for rating the performance of any governor against another. Thefore, we wish to dismiss in totality and declare the purported report as fake, malicious and ill intended to cover Ganduje’s failure to make Kano great.

Initially, we contemplated dismissing the report due to the questionable nature of the individuals associated with CEDEHUR.

However, upon further reflection, we opted to respond to prevent discerning Nigerians from being misled by the fabricated falsehoods propagated by dubious figures within CEDEHUR, who, in collaboration with the opposition and their backers, are engaged in a futile attempt to discredit the effective governance of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Undoubtedly, the report from CEDEHUR is not simply a piece of refuse; it is built upon malevolent, contrived, and unfounded information and misinformation sourced from the so-called “stakeholders” who were commissioned to distort truths and denigrate Governor Yusuf’s administration.

Despite the global recognition of the ongoing socio-economic transformation in Kano, spanning various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development, it is evident that the members of CEDEHUR did not physically inspect Kano to ascertain the situation first-hand.

Instead, they chose to consort with politicians in Abuja and fabricate falsehoods for public consumption, following the exchange of monetary incentives.

I strongly urge Nigerians to disregard CEDEHUR and their web of deceit, as Governor Yusuf has achieved within a year what the previous administration and the sponsors of CEDEHUR failed to accomplish in eight years.

I challenge Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, who represented CEDEHUR at a Press Conference in Abuja aimed at tarnishing Governor Yusuf’s administration, to provide tangible evidence of any lack of transparency and accountability in the Kano state government under Governor Yusuf’s leadership.

On the contrary, Kano has maintained its reputation as one of the least corrupt states in Nigeria, with a renewed commitment to combating corruption through the revamped Kano State anti-corruption agency.

Furthermore, I challenge CEDEHUR to identify any political appointee in Governor Yusuf’s cabinet who is undeserving of their role—there is unequivocally none.

While the case of Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the Honourable Commissioner of Youths and Sports, may be raised, Governor Yusuf has consistently emphasized that Mustapha’s appointment was based entirely on merit: his unwavering party loyalty, youthfulness, dynamism, intelligence, and qualifications make him apt for the Ministry.

The concept of political vendetta from CEDEHR eludes me, but I am convinced that no conscientious and responsive government would permit the extensive corruption perpetrated by the previous administration to go unpunished.

We will in our endeavours to recover public assets and the billions of Naira embezzled by the prior administration.

Allow me to elucidate on some of the notable accomplishments of Governor Yusuf’s administration for archival purposes.

Infrastructure Development

Governor Yusuf, in the latter part of the previous year, inaugurated the N27 billion Interchange projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the heart of Kano city.

These projects include the Tal’udu interchange, featuring a cloverleaf flyover valued at N12 billion, and the Dan Agundi interchange, comprising a flyover and underpass estimated at N15 billion.

During the foundation stone laying ceremony, Governor Yusuf underscored the significance of these pivotal initiatives in addressing traffic congestion, enhancing transportation efficiency, beautifying the cityscape, reducing pollution, and fortifying the city’s infrastructure.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing state infrastructure and expressed a firm resolve to deliver more equitable dividends, particularly to the marginalized segments of society.

He emphasized that Kano, as a burgeoning metropolis, necessitates substantial infrastructural enhancements to cater to its over 10 million urban denizens and uplift the socio-economic well-being of its inhabitants.

Governor Yusuf underscored that the 2024 budget, which he ratified, prioritizes capital projects, allocating a substantial 60% share to this crucial sector.

The impact of the flyover construction in mitigating traffic congestion has been evaluated in terms of traffic decongestion, time savings, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction.

Studies have confirmed that utilizing the flyover results in a notable 60 to 70 percent reduction in travel time compared to using the main road, particularly when traffic signals are predominantly red.

The savings in fuel consumption and associated costs accrued from waiting for signal changes are also significant.

The approval by the Kano State government for the construction of two new underpasses and flyovers has been welcomed by the city’s residents, where chronic traffic congestion has posed a social and environmental challenge.

Kano, being the most populous state in the country with approximately 100,000 registered commercial tricycles plying the roads daily, faces a congestion crisis exacerbated by the presence of cars, commercial tricycles, and motorcycles notorious for their impatience.

The primary objective behind the construction of these two Interchanges is to alleviate congestion at the bustling junctions, facilitate smoother traffic flow, stimulate commercial activities, and bolster the overall economic growth of the state.

The government has taken note of the public’s enthusiastic reception towards the planned construction of these two interchanges.

While a few individuals may lack comprehensive information regarding the rationale behind the government’s pursuit of these vital projects, the administration under Governor Yusuf’s leadership has demonstrated a paradigm shift in its approach to project execution, emphasizing probity, accountability, and transparency.

Governor Yusuf’s administration assures the public and the citizens of Kano State of the timely completion of these two projects and the initiation of additional public-centric and developmental projects in both rural and urban areas to enhance the general welfare of the populace and foster comprehensive development across all sectors, in fulfilment of its electoral pledges.

Agricultural Transformation

Undoubtedly, agriculture stands as the cornerstone of the economies of most nations across Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and serving as the primary employer for over two-thirds of the population on the continent.

The economic, environmental, and social prosperity of a country is intricately linked to the vitality of its agricultural sector.

Augmented agricultural investments can yield substantial developmental benefits, including bolstering rural incomes, enhancing food security, providing affordable and nutritious sustenance to Africa’s burgeoning populace, and promoting environmental sustainability through innovations like climate-smart agriculture.

On October 10, 2023, at the Coronation Hall in Kano, the Kano state government, in partnership with the African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), extended opportunities to women in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and women cooperatives in Kano to engage in agriculture and earn a livelihood.

The program provided financial support to businesses in the form of performance-based grants, with a particular focus on empowering vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and those residing in fragile contexts.

The initiative also underscored the imperative of augmenting women’s participation across various agricultural value chains. Governor Yusuf’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering women in agriculture, recognizing the pivotal role they play in enhancing the state’s economic landscape, given Kano’s status as a prominent commercial hub.

Governor Yusuf has consistently affirmed that the state will collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that farmers in rural areas, especially women and youth, receive adequate support.

These ongoing projects exemplify how Governor Yusuf’s administration is leveraging agriculture to empower rural dwellers, particularly women and youth.

Grazing reserve development

The grazing reserve at Donsoshiya, Kiru Local Government is presently undergoing development, intending to plant 3000 hectares of grass.

Currently, about 324.3 hectares of grass have been sown. Contractors have been mobilized to construct schools, veterinary clinics, markets, hospitals, livestock loading ramps, dams, and other essential socio-infrastructural facilities to facilitate pastoralists in their day-to-day activities.

The primary objective of this initiative is to settle pastoralists at the reserve, thereby curbing uncontrolled movement, which has historically led to conflicts between farmers and herders.

Large scale (Commercial) fodder herders

The large-scale (commercial) fodder production project aims to graze approximately 1000 hectares. The process of selecting participants/beneficiaries is ongoing.

The project intends to promote commercial fodder production, enabling increased access to feed for livestock.

Commercial fodder farmers will invest in fodder production as entrepreneurs, and they will receive support in the form of baling equipment and capacity building.

Improving animal health care

In the realm of animal health services, around 220 unemployed youths with relevant qualifications in animal health have been engaged. These individuals have been trained and empowered to provide private para-veterinary services in the 44 Local Government Areas of the state, serving as Community Animal Health Workers.

They also aid in the conduct of animal livestock vaccination exercises.

Veterinary reference laboratory

The Governor Yusuf administration has established a Veterinary Clinic in Gwale Local Government Area, known as the Gwale Veterinary Clinic. This facility provides referral services, drugs, vaccines, test services, and research into livestock diseases.

It operates in close partnership with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

Breed improvement

The state government has upgraded the Kadawa Artificial Insemination Centre, renovating the facility and providing state-of-the-art equipment.

Additionally, five purebred bulls were procured for semen collection, and the staff of the Centre were trained.
The Centre is expected to provide comprehensive services to 25,000 cows annually.

Demarcation of livestock routes

To address conflicts between farmers and herders, the state government has embarked on the demarcation of approximately 1,950km of livestock routes.

Survey, demarcation, and monumentation of these routes have commenced, with contractors already on site handling the development.

The initiative aims to reduce conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, with 30% progress reported thus far.

Furthermore, plans are underway to increase access for over 2000 farmers to engage in large-scale cultivation of crops three times a year, along with the creation of additional downstream jobs for youths and women in rural communities.

This project targets the development and irrigation of about 1000 hectares of land through the Watari dam irrigation expansion scheme.

Sasakawa cereal crops vale chain intervention

The Sasakawa Cereal Crops Value Chain Intervention aims to teach farmers how to utilize technology to expand cultivation and production of crops.

The project targets the empowerment of 450,000 farmers, with approximately 366,000 farmers already selected to benefit from the initiative.

It focuses on training farmers in modern technologies for rice, maize, millet, sorghum, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage crops production, and supports youths and women in establishing and improving agro-processing centres.

Similarly, the KNARDA legumes crops value chain project aims to empower about 100,000 farmers, with 55,000 already enrolled.

This technology-based project focuses on training farmers in new technologies for the massive production of groundnut, cowpea, and soybean crops.

Governor Yusuf’s administration has prioritized youth empowerment and skills development by reviving 26 Skill Acquisition Training Institutes across the state.

Plans are in place for training and admission into these Institutes, with graduates empowered with capital to start their own businesses.

Moreover, the administration has launched an empowerment programme targeting over 4,840 youths, women, and persons living with disabilities across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

This programme is designed to train beneficiaries in various skills and provide them with capital to start their own businesses. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce the Amana taxis and buses scheme to engage youths and upgrade the status of tricycle riders.

Furthermore, over 650 repentant influential youths (Yan Daba’s) have been offered amnesty and engaged in various empowerment and skills initiatives, fostering economic independence and contributing positively to the state and the country at large.

Education

In the realm of education, Governor Yusuf’s administration has achieved remarkable success, particularly in ensuring access to high-quality education for those residing in rural areas.

In addition to providing free and high-quality education for our primary and secondary school children, the administration has distributed complimentary exercise books, school uniforms, and other educational materials worth millions of Naira, with the greatest beneficiaries being children in rural areas.

Furthermore, the state government has covered the tuition, feeding, and accommodation expenses of 1001 postgraduate students studying in India, with a significant number of these beneficiaries hailing from rural regions.

The administration has also undertaken the payment of examination fees for 57,000 students sitting for WAEC and NECO, as well as settling tuition fees for 7000 students at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

Kano indigenes now receive a 50% discount on their fees, and the state has established 26 skill acquisition institutes to train and empower youths across all 44 Local Government Areas.

Moreover, the Governor’s administration has procured and distributed educational support materials to over 9000 schools, benefiting more than three million pupils, with a substantial proportion of recipients coming from rural communities.

Governor Yusuf’s administration swiftly took action to reopen Islamic Studies Schools, Technical Colleges, Skills Acquisition Centres, and Boarding Schools located in rural areas that were previously closed down by the previous administration, all within a span of less than seven months.

Healthcare facilities

In the healthcare sector, the Kano state government, under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, is revitalizing the health system, aligning with his campaign promises to enhance healthcare services, especially for rural residents.

Inheriting a deficient healthcare system, Governor Yusuf wasted no time in restoring hope for the populace regarding adequate healthcare delivery, particularly for children, nursing mothers, and others across the state.

Notably, the Governor has instituted free maternity services for women in the state and distributed medical supplies worth over N53 million to various health facilities, benefiting pregnant women and those requiring assisted delivery.

The state government pledges to continue providing free health commodities throughout Governor Yusuf’s tenure.

Governor Yusuf fulfilled his promise to restore the Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital, the only pediatric facility in the state with an 86-bed capacity, catering to thousands of patients daily.

Through medical outreach programs, the Ministry of Health has been directed to reach underserved rural areas where healthcare services are lacking, providing free consultations for minor ailments and referring patients to specialized hospitals for more severe conditions.

Recognizing the healthcare personnel, Governor Yusuf initiated the recruitment of additional doctors and nurses in rural communities to enhance healthcare provision.

The state government is constructing one primary health centre in each political ward across the 44 Local Government Areas and has established a committee to assess the immediate needs of health facilities for rehabilitation.

Efforts are also underway to identify areas requiring primary healthcare centres urgent attention.

In conclusion, I wish to inform the esteemed citizens of Kano State about the ongoing dialogues with both local and foreign investors aimed at bolstering the state’s economy by harnessing its natural resources and economic potentials.

The state government has finalized plans to fortify the Kano Hydro Electricity Company to boost revenue generation. Governor Yusuf has conducted a comprehensive review of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue management, leading to the establishment of the IGR Standing Committee to ensure robust revenue generation.

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf has instituted the State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under the auspices of the Kano State Bureau of Statistics.

The Bureau of Statistics has been reinforced to provide monthly reports on inflation rates and the consumer price index, fostering accelerated economic progress.

Governor Yusuf has instructed the Kano State Bureau of Statistics to update the Social Register to facilitate comprehensive data collection of residents and citizens, enabling the equitable distribution of democratic dividends among the burgeoning population of Kano State.

In his commitment to the advancement of Kano State and its populace, Governor Yusuf has expedited the enactment of “The Restoration and Transformation Budget,” ensured timely disbursement of civil servants’ salaries and pensions, expedited file processing, adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption, disbursed retirement benefits, reinstated REMASAB, revamped the Civil Service system, and plugged revenue leakages.

These measures were implemented to uphold fiscal governance, quality governance, and institutional efficacy within the Civil Service system. Additionally, the Governor’s administration has reopened the Kiru Reformatory Institute, recruited over 2,600 security personnel, provided support and logistics to the police and other security agencies to bolster security of lives and property state-wide.

The government has introduced the E-Governance system, endorsed open government policies, supported the planting of millions of trees, and inaugurated sanitation projects to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout the state. Kano is progressing.

Let us unite in solidarity to construct a better Kano! 

Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the spokesperson to Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf writes from Kano

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Opinion

Friday Sermon: With The Help Of Allah And Relying On Him All Our Hardships Will Be Solved In Shaa Allah

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Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation, may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.

Dear brothers and sisters! The world is slowly recovering from the hardships that came with the wars, insecurity and Covid-19 pandemic. Governments and companies were pretty much shut down. People lost livelihood and lives, and their fortitude was tested in a way that humanity has rarely been tested before.

Such an events would test the resolve of any and every person in a way that the world has never seen before. There is no doubt that peoples around the globe have been afflicted with catastrophes and doubts. Surely, such moments in our lives can cause us to wonder why the Almighty is testing us so.

The Islamic view of why Allah blesses us with hardships is an interesting one. As Muslims, our perspective on the struggles of life must be aligned with the general understanding of our existence in relation to the hereafter. In this regard, our will and determination to persevere must be based on our relationship with Allah and our willingness to be drawn closer to our Creator. Here are a few key aspects about hardships in Islam:

Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident those who are false.” [Qur’an, 29:2-3]

The Almighty Allah puts us through trials to see if we would follow or reject his teachings. There are simple solutions to every problem, but there is always the possibility that those solutions are forbidden, immoral, or evil, and that choosing them implies turning away from Allah’s teachings. Although the purer path may be more difficult, it is the one that will maintain us in his favour, which is why difficulties arise.

Allah Almighty assures His servants:

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” [Qur’an, 94-5]

Respected brothers and sisters! Embrace His promise. Do not give up even if the pain and hardship seems never-ending and you feel worn out from carrying it all; there is relief and something even greater waiting for you just around the corner.

Even difficulties are not permanent. And those believers who persevere in their belief in Allah and practise patience in the face of adversity are then rewarded in ways that are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even if it were the prick of a thorn.” [Bukhari]

We can be struggling spiritually, sinning, believing it’s acceptable, and losing our morals. Even though we may like living in sin, difficulty is a blessing in our lives because it makes us realise that we have been leading impure lives. As a result, we turn to the correct and noble path.

Allah Almighty tells us:

“Perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” [Qur’an, 4-19]

Misfortune does sometimes happen to us. We are given obstacles to overcome this unfortunate situation rather than being offered the simple solution. Even though the voyage is difficult, it is worthwhile if the final destination is pure and in the presence of the Allah Almighty. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“The people who face the most difficult tests are the Prophets, then the righteous, then those following them in degree. A person is tried according to his religion. So if there is firmness in his religion, then the trial is increased, and if there is a weakness, then it is lightened. Verily a trial remains with a servant until he walks the earth having no sin left upon him.” [Bukhari]

We can consider ourselves to be living a life of faith, and as a result, we might think that the happy life we lead is a reward for our faith. We develop arrogance and complacency. Then the Allah Almighty brings us adversity. Our faith is ultimately strengthened when we become aware of how we might improve.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that, as Muslims, Allah has not abandoned us; rather, he desires for us to become nearer to him. Nevertheless, we must also seek professional assistance when necessary. For instance, when we are sick and visit a doctor to speed up recuperation. Similar to how you should get care from a qualified professional counsellor who shares your faith if you have a mental health concern.

Given the difficulties we may face every day, anxiety is something we cannot avoid. A disorder like anxiety doesn’t just appear out of the blue. Without our realising it, it gradually takes hold of us.

And also depression is a condition that depresses us and makes us believe that life is no longer worthwhile. It gradually seeps into our systems and makes us into a person who is no longer enthused about life.

The fact that both of these mental illnesses are quite prevalent throughout the entire world and can affect anyone makes the situation much more concerning. Fortunately, by learning how to deal with anxiety and sadness, they may be overcome In Shaa Allah.

Below are some actionable steps to help us overcome hardships:

1. Utilise technology to help you remember Allah.

If you’re feeling unmotivated in the mornings, mix your routine up and start your day with an Islamic lecture to learn something new about the religion or to reinforce what you already know. By learning something new or participating in an enlightening conversation in the morning, you can feel prepared and ready for the day.

2. Recite one verse from the Qur’an every day.

Build a slow and steady engagement with the Qur’an by beginning to incorporate it into your daily life. Some of us may be striving to strengthen ourselves in preparation for Ramadan so that we can read the entirety of the Qur’an during the noble month. To read one juz or even one surah a day can be intimidating for novices, especially if you’re not comfortable with your Arabic.

3. Study the Qur’anic tafsir in your own time.

It’s crucial to comprehend and internalise the lessons of the Qur’an in addition to building your confidence when reciting it. By doing this, we are hearing from Allah and applying His teachings to our life. These teachings can direct us in our behaviours and ideals during both happy and joyful moments as well as depressing and upsetting periods.

The aspect of hardships are inseparable from this life and plays a large role in the tests that we experience throughout our journey as we draw closer to the hereafter. In the end, our decisions and perspectives on such calamities will determine how well we fare once we have to face our Allah Almighty Creator.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 08 Shawwal, 1445 AH (April 19, 2024).

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