Aminu Abdullahi

In a major stride toward strengthening agricultural development and economic growth in Kano State, the state government has formally participated in the commissioning of Ajrena Foods Limited, a peanut-processing company built to meet international standards while creating lasting economic benefits for local farmers and communities.

KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, marked the official launch of the company’s operations.

The facility was established with the support of Propcom+, an initiative funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Speaking at the occasion, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Danjuma Mahmud represented by Coordinator special agro processing zone SAPZ Kano Aminu Iliyasu described the factory as a catalyst for further industrial investment in the state.

He noted that the facility would play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural value chain through modern technology and innovation, with significant potential for job creation, increased revenue generation, and expanded market access for local products.

Iliyasu urged all stakeholders to ensure the factory operates at full capacity and consistently produces high-quality products that can compete globally.

He further revealed that under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abba K. Yusuf, the state is reviving its groundnut processing industry through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. As part of the initiative, a dedicated Agricultural Transformation Center (ATC) is set to be developed in Dawanau, Dawakin Tofa LGA, for the aggregation and primary processing of groundnuts.

Additionally, a state-of-the-art Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) is proposed for Bagauda in Bebeji LGA, which will handle final processing of crops such as groundnuts, rice, tomatoes, and sesame.

Dr. Adiya Ode, Political Director and Team Lead at Propcom Plus, stated that the organization partnered with Ajrena Foods by providing both financial support and technical assistance in building the facility and establishing a robust local supply chain. She emphasized the company’s impact in creating opportunities for local farmers to benefit directly from the facility.

Ajrena Foods Executive Director Ajay Ramnani shared that the company’s first outgrower scheme, launched in 2024, trained over 1,000 farmers primarily women and youth in best agricultural practices, with inputs provided and product traceability established from farm to factory. This, he said, ensures the company exceeds global standards and helps rebuild rural prosperity, aiming to restore Kano’s historic reputation for its iconic “groundnut pyramids.”

Mr. Ramnani added that the facility will focus on peanut cleaning and the production of Nutzy-coated peanut snacks.

The event was attended by several dignitaries from the industrial, federal, and state sectors, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agro-industrial advancement.

The Management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has paid a benchmarking visit to its Ghana counterpart (the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana in Ghana.

KANO FOCUS reports that the NCC team under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida were received by the Ag. Director General, National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana, Edmund Fianko, during a benchmarking visit of the NCC to the NCA in Ghana recently.

Aminu Abdullahi

In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

KANO FOCUS reports that the facility, unveiled, is poised to become a national hub for digital defense, innovation and talent development.

Dr. Jide Ajayi cutting the tape during the opening ceremony

Speaking during the commissioning, NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the center as more than just a physical structure—“a national asset”.

Represented by Dr. Jide Ajayi from the Zonal Coordination Department, Abdullahi noted that the Centre represents a strategic intervention to enhance cybersecurity education, research and cross-sector collaboration across Nigeria.

“This is not just the unveiling of a facility, it is the activation of a knowledge-driven platform designed to equip our nation with the tools, talent and infrastructure required to safeguard our digital space and empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” he stated.

He added that the center aligns with the objectives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint, serving as a springboard for collaboration among government, academia and industry stakeholders. It will support research, hands-on training, and act as a resource hub for regional and national partners working to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA’s leadership for what he described as a visionary and transformative investment in Nigeria’s higher education and national development.

Group picture taken during opening ceremony

“This Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of foresight, partnership and the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping our universities with critical infrastructure for 21st-century education,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

“Indeed, the entire Bayero University community is agog with happiness,” he added.

The event was well attended by a distinguished audience, including the Principal Officers of Bayero University, senior management staff from BUK, NITDA, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and a large number of academic and administrative staff, along with enthusiastic participation from students..