Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended his heartfelt condolences to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, over the passing of his stepmother and the family matriach.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed his deep sympathy and described the loss as irreplaceable.

“This is a difficult time for you and your family, and I deeply sympathize with your loss. Your late mother was a remarkable woman whose legacy will live on.

“We in Bauchi to pray that Allah (SWT) grants her Jannatul Firdaus and gives you and your family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

“I am here to express my empathy and solidarity with you as a brother and to let you know that the entire people of Kano stand with you in prayer and support during this moment of grief.”

During the visit, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed profound gratitude to Governor Yusuf for his empathy and support.

He praised the strong bond between Kano and Bauchi states, which he described as being rooted in shared history, values, and beliefs.

“I am deeply touched by the expression of love and fraternity you have shown, which I know is genuine and not exaggerated.

“The bond between our two states is rooted in our shared history, practices, and beliefs. As I always say, whatever happens in Kano resonates here as well, and we have consistently demonstrated this strong connection since assuming our respective responsibilities,” Governor Mohammed said.

Reflecting on their collaboration as leaders, Governor Mohammed added: “As brothers, we have worked together on numerous issues.

“Despite the circumstances, I could not let the opportunity to meet with the President elude me, as it was a chance to address critical issues, ease tensions, and engage in mutual dialogue with respect and understanding. I am truly honored by your visit today. You are one of the governors closest to me and our people.”

“We will keep working tirelessly to foster understanding and fraternity while exchanging ideas. Kano holds a significant position in the scheme of things and remains one of the most important states in the federation of Nigeria.

“Please convey my heartfelt appreciation to your family and all the leaders of Kano for their empathy and sympathy during this period of immense loss. May Allah reward you abundantly,” he concluded.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

KAYI Microfinance Bank has launched a pioneering digital financial inclusion programme designed specifically for Tsangaya Schools (often referred to as Almajiri schools) in Northern Nigeria.

KANO FOCUS reports that this forward-looking scheme aims to bring underserved communities into the digital banking fold, thereby facilitating economic empowerment and social advancement.

By focusing on these informal learning centers, the bank addresses the financial needs of remote populations that have historically found it difficult to access banking services.

Northern Nigeria has long grappled with serious obstacles to widespread financial inclusion. Geography, weak banking infrastructure, and skepticism toward formal financial establishments often deter community members from engaging with traditional banks.

To tackle these hurdles, KAYI Microfinance Bank has rolled out a pilot project in four states—Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Jigawa—equipping Tsangaya schools with the training and resources needed to become local champions of digital financial access.

Each participating Tsangaya school receives a comprehensive support package valued at five million naira, which includes extensive training in business management and financial literacy, a POS device, and seed funding. By making it easier for rural residents to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds right in their neighborhoods, the programme eliminates the need for long-distance travel.

This localized banking model not only increases community trust in formal financial services but also stimulates local economic activity by keeping more money in circulation within these areas.

A key element of the programme is its focus on education and capacity-building. Through collaboration with malams (teachers or overseers) and their students (almajirai), KAYI ensures that essential skills in financial literacy, business management, and customer service are developed at the grassroots. Rather than simply handing out technology, the bank prioritizes the knowledge and skills necessary to sustain and expand these new cash point businesses.

Over time, Tsangaya schools evolve into essential economic hubs in their communities, offering viable alternatives to street begging through entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

KAYI Microfinance Bank sets itself apart by weaving community development into formal financial systems. By integrating its training initiatives with the cultural and educational practices of Tsangaya schools, the bank nurtures a sense of ownership among local participants. Almajirai and malams, previously unfamiliar with modern banking structures, now serve as key financial intermediaries. Their schools become not just centers of Islamic education, but also launching pads for business ventures that uplift entire neighborhoods.

The overarching impact of this initiative will depend significantly on the involvement of policymakers and government agencies. By offering subsidies or other supportive measures through these grassroots-level programmes, government authorities can extend the reach of this successful model to more states in Northern Nigeria.

By blending technology, targeted education, and a deep respect for cultural values, KAYI Microfinance Bank provides a compelling framework for linking rural populations with broader financial systems. Rural dwellers who lacked access to formal banking services now have opportunities to save securely, receive funds quickly, and potentially invest in small enterprises. These transformative changes are expected to help reduce poverty, combat unemployment, and spark local entrepreneurship.

By spotlighting Tsangaya schools as operational examples, KAYI underscores the fact that even the most marginalized communities can adopt forward-thinking financial strategies when they align with local realities. The result marks a new era for Northern Nigeria, where financial inclusion is evolving from a distant goal into a realistic, tangible process—one that holds the promise of lasting prosperity and equity for countless individuals.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Ministry of Justice has handled over 2000 criminal and civil cases at higher courts, magistrates, and Sharia courts in 2024.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, revealed this shortly after receiving a comprehensive annual report of the Ministry’s performance in 2024.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry Aminu Bello Sani on Thursday.

According to Dederi this impressive feat demonstrates the ministry’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice and maintaining law and order in the state.

Barrister Dederi revealed that the Ministry made significant strides and concluded 352 cases in Public Prosecution and Civil Litigation departments, including 103 robbery cases, 92 homicide cases, 117 rape cases, 24 unnatural cases, and 36 civil litigation cases, among others.

He added that the Ministry facilitated the drafting of 69 agreements and 59 MOUs for the development of state and local government councils.

“Also, in a legislative development, the Ministry drafted and amended a total of 118 bills in 2024.

“This remarkable achievement aimed to enhance service delivery and promote prudence across various Ministry departments and agencies to create a more efficient and effective governance framework,” he said.

He affirmed that the Ministry had successfully mediated and secured recoveries for complainants in 70 cases, encompassing a range of issues including marital affairs, business disputes, community and inheritance matters.

The commissioner added that the ministry has also facilitated plea bargain in rape cases, where parties involved and their guardians agreed to settle out of court.

The Attorney General commended the Kano State Government, led by Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for approving the recruitment of 70 additional Legal Counsel to enhance service delivery in the justice sector.

According to him this significant boost to the Ministry’s workforce is expected to improve the administration of justice, ensuring that cases are handled more efficiently and effectively.

He therefore charged the newly recruited counsels to provide quality services, ultimately promoting justice and upholding the rule of law.

He hinted that the ministry will soon organise capacity building to prepare them for the task ahead.

The statement concludes that “As the year comes to a close, the Kano State Ministry of Justice’s impressive conviction rate serves as a beacon of hope for the people of Kano State and a testament to the ministry’s commitment to upholding justice and promoting the rule of law.”