Headlines
UNICEF advocates increased funding for early childhood education in North-West
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has asked states in the North-West region to increase funding for Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE).
KANO FOCUS reports that the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahma Farah made the call during a two-days Evidence Advocacy and Policy Dialogue meeting organised by the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with UNICEF.
Farah, represented by the Senior Education Manager, Michael Banda, stated that the region has recorded 42 percent of participation rate in early childhood education which is below the national average of 63 percent, hence the need for more investment to compete with its counterpart in the South-South with more than 90 percent record.
According to him, an increased budget will significantly impact development outcomes such as helping to lay a strong foundation for basic and post-basic education, learning success, economic productivity, social and emotional development for children.
“There is need for every state to reflect on it and ensure strong foundations are laid by investing and putting more resources in early childhood development.
“This is important because it will help in reducing repetition, school dropout, late enrollment and low performance in school,” he said.
In his remarks, the Jigawa State SUBEB Chairman, Prof. Haruna Musa, while commending UNICEF for their support in boosting the education sector through capacity building, pointed out that early childhood education tends to develop the mind of a child which makes learning easy for both the child and teacher.
He however called on parents, especially mothers to play a complimentary role in motivating their children to develop interest in education.
Also speaking, UNICEF Consultant and professor of early childhood and educational care, Prof. Esther Oduolowo, highlighted the importance of states and stakeholders to be intentional about increasing funding, and ensuring the implementation of these policies and goals on ECCDE.
“It provides the children with opportunities of living and growing, living and learning where some social skills like interaction, cooperation, and sharing are imbibed and inculcated, which help them grow to become proper adults,” she added.
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.
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.
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
