Headlines
Dangote-led flood c’ttee delivers N1BN relief items to Borno gov’t
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Aliko Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has delivered emergency relief materials valued at N1Billion to the Government of Borno State for onward distribution to persons affected by the 2024 flood in the State.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the handover ceremony held yesterday in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Hajara Modu, said the committee was committed to supporting flood-affected communities.
Representing the co-chairmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, the Secretary said that the distribution of food and non-food items fulfills the pledge made by the committee at the height of the 2024 flood disaster.
In early September 2024, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, experienced catastrophic flooding that submerged approximately 70% of the city. This made Borno State the most severely affected region in Nigeria during this year’s flood season. The flooding displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes, and disrupted essential services, exacerbating the humanitarian challenges already faced in the region.
She said the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had announced the donation of N2billion.
According to her, of the N2 billion donation announced by Dangote, N1 billion is on behalf of the committee for the procurement and supply of relief materials to the flood victims in Borno, and the other N1 billion was donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
She described Mr. Dangote as very passionate about philanthropy, adding that the committee that was set up in 2012 by the former President Goodluck Jonathan had only a year to work, but through the support of Mr. Dangote it continued to address the flood disasters in the country.
The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation for its substantial interventions in the state.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Mr. Umar Usman Kadafur said the state government had set up a committee to ensure that relief items reach victims of flooding.
He noted that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, through the committee and his foundation, has consistently provided support in various forms, addressing critical needs in Borno.
Governor Zulum commended Mr. Dangote for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and for contributing significantly to the state’s recovery efforts, particularly during challenging times.
He acknowledged that Dangote’s interventions have touched many lives and have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of disasters such as the recent floods.
Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended Mr. Dangote for providing the requisite leadership in humanitarian intervention in the country.
Mrs. Umar, who was represented by the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Abdullahi Adamu Usur, said: “Today’s handover of relief materials donated by the PCFRR is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He listed some of the items to include: Beans, Seasoning, Salt, Sugar, Tomato Paste, Vegetable oil, Foam Mattress, Guinea Brocade, Wax Print, Blankets, Mosquito Nets, Nylon Mat, Bathing Soap, Detergent, Children Diapers and Sanitary Pads.
Borno State’s Commissioner for Women and Social Development Zuwaira Gambo thanked the Dangote-led committee for what she described as a huge humanitarian intervention.
NEMA’s Coordinator for Northeast Zonal Office Mr. Sirajo Garba said the agency, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has perfected a transparent modality for the distribution of the relief items from the Dangote-led Committee.
Headlines
Kano Police Arrest Eight in Drug, Thuggery Raids
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Headlines
Funeral Prayer Held for Late Shehu Kabir Bayero
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Headlines
Kano holds planning meeting on implementation of Nigeria learning passport
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
