Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has received the International Literacy and Learning Leadership Award in recognition of his administration’s education reforms and investment in the sector.

KANO FOCUS reports that the award was presented by Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) at a ceremony held at the historic Stationers’ Hall in the City of London, United Kingdom, during activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Jolly Phonics programme in Africa, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, received the award on behalf of the governor at the event, which was attended by education experts, development partners and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

According to the organisers, the award recognises Governor Yusuf’s commitment to education, particularly his administration’s decision to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s budget to the sector, one of the highest education budget allocations by a Nigerian state.

The organisers said the investment has supported reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding access to quality education and increasing opportunities for children across Kano State.

In his acceptance remarks, the Emir of Kano described education as the most effective tool for social transformation and commended Governor Yusuf for making it a priority of his administration.

He urged governments, communities and development partners to work together to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to literacy and quality education.

The monarch also highlighted the potential of the Jolly Phonics literacy programme to improve learning among Almajiri children by building on their existing Arabic literacy acquired through Qur’anic education while helping them develop English reading and writing skills.

His remarks drew applause from participants, who described them as a strong call for inclusive and evidence-based education reforms.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, praised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to investing in education.

Mr Foxcroft said the governor’s reforms demonstrated the impact of prioritising learning and human capital development in governance. He also described the Emir’s proposal for integrating Almajiri children into literacy programmes as both “inspiring” and “transformational.”

Universal Learning Solutions reaffirmed its partnership with the Kano State Government, pledging continued collaboration in expanding the Jolly Phonics programme, strengthening teacher training and improving literacy outcomes in schools across the state.

The organisation said the award reflects growing international recognition of Kano State’s efforts to improve access to quality education through sustained investment and policy reforms.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Special Task Force on the Identification of Illegal Infrastructures has ordered the immediate removal of a gate allegedly erected across a public access road at Rimin Auzinawa Quarters, Tudun Yola C, in Ungogo Local Government Area.

KANO FOCUS reports that the chairman of the task force, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the area following complaints by residents.

Dr Sani, who is also the Director-General of the Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS), said the inspection was prompted by a petition from members of the Rimin Auzinawa community accusing Magaji Isyaka Mai Hula of converting a public access road into private property.

Blocked access road

According to him, the petitioners alleged that Mai Hula installed a permanent gate across the road, restricting residents’ movement despite repeated appeals and police intervention.

The task force chairman directed Mai Hula to remove the gate immediately, warning that the government would enforce compliance if the directive was ignored.

He also instructed him to appear before the task force with the Certificate of Occupancy for his landed properties as well as the approved building permit.

Dr Sani criticised the alleged obstruction of a road used by an entire community, describing the action as a violation of town planning regulations and Islamic principles.

“The Kano State Government will not tolerate illegal structures that obstruct public access, inconvenience law-abiding residents, or create security concerns,” he said.

He added that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remained committed to protecting public interest and would not allow individuals to subject residents to unnecessary hardship through unlawful developments.

Speaking on behalf of the community, counsel to the residents, Barr Aminu Garba Sabonsara, commended the state government for responding promptly to their complaints.

Barr. Aminu Garba Sabonsara

Barr Sabonsara said the intervention reflected Governor Yusuf’s “Kano First” policy, which he said prioritises the welfare of citizens over the interests of influential individuals.

He also praised the task force, led by Dr Sani, for its efforts to remove illegal structures and enforce urban planning regulations across the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the residents of Rimin Auzinawa had earlier appealed to Governor Yusuf to intervene, alleging that the road had been unlawfully blocked after Mai Hula erected a solid gate across it, thereby restricting access for members of the community.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expanded his administration’s small business support programme by disbursing ₦50,000 each to 1,112 street hawkers, roadside traders and vulcanisers across the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the governor announced the intervention on Thursday during the distribution of the grants at the Government House in Kano, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Beneficiaries were drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state.

Gov Yusuf said the initiative was designed to strengthen the working capital of petty traders, enabling them to expand their businesses and improve their means of livelihood.

He acknowledged that although the grants might not address all the financial challenges facing the beneficiaries, they would provide meaningful support by increasing their purchasing power and helping them sustain their businesses.

The governor said the latest intervention represents the second phase of the empowerment programme, noting that 465 street traders benefited from the first phase.

He also announced plans to implement another round of the programme before the end of the year to accommodate more young petty traders and improve productivity within the informal sector.

Gov Yusuf thanked the beneficiaries for their continued support and confidence in his administration, saying such encouragement motivates the government to sustain people-oriented policies and programmes.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Ahmed Abubakar Bichi, said the agency was established under the Office of the Governor to improve the welfare and economic prospects of street hawkers, roadside traders, vulcanisers and other operators in the informal economy across Kano State.

He said the agency would continue to implement programmes aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and promoting economic inclusion in the state.