Headlines
Kano Livestock Fattening Scheme: A Game-Changer for Rural Empowerment Amid Criticism
Kano Livestock Fattening Scheme: A Game-Changer for Rural Empowerment Amid Criticism
Mischievous Criticism of a Life-Saving Initiative
By Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
The Kano State Government has countered unfounded criticisms of its livestock fattening and goat reproduction scheme, which is a key component of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Programme (KSADP).
These attacks, aimed at undermining a life-changing initiative, have been described by the government as mischievous attempts to misinform the public and derail efforts to empower rural communities.
The criticisms particularly targeted the recent distribution of goats to female farmers, an initiative designed to support animal husbandry, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security in Kano State.
Significance of the Livestock Fattening Scheme
The KSADP program, launched in 2019, is a $95 million project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Kano State Government.
Its overarching aim is to reduce poverty by 30% among beneficiaries and improve nutrition by boosting meat production in Kano State.
The program is built on three core components:
1. Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Production Enhancement – Aimed at increasing meat and livestock productivity.
2. Market Access and Value Addition – To improve the economic potential of agricultural products.
3. Project Coordination and Management – Ensuring seamless implementation and impact.
The Agro-Pastoral Productivity Enhancement component has been particularly impactful.
Livestock farmers participating in the scheme have seen significant improvements in meat yield, with bulls producing an additional 100kg of beef and rams contributing an additional 15kg of meat after a 120-day fattening period.
Similarly, goats under the reproduction scheme are expected to yield at least two kids within six to twelve months, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers.
Impact on Meat Production and Livelihoods
The livestock fattening initiative is a lifeline for thousands of rural families.
By increasing beef, mutton, and goat meat production, the program is addressing the twin challenges of poverty and malnutrition.
At the end of every fattening cycle, the program is expected to yield 6,000 metric tons of additional beef and mutton, significantly contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Kano State.
Sustaining the Program Under Governor Abba Yusuf
Recognizing the importance of continuity, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized the KSADP scheme as a key part of his administration’s agenda.
Building on the foundation laid by the previous administration, the Governor approved the continuation of livestock distribution, ensuring that rural communities continue to benefit from this transformative initiative.
To maintain transparency and fairness, Governor Yusuf directed that community representatives, under the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC), be actively involved in selecting beneficiaries.
This approach has not only strengthened public trust but also ensured that the program reaches those who need it most.
Recent Milestones in Livestock Distribution
Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the KSADP initiative has seen remarkable progress:
First Cycle (Second Phase):
Conducted in August 2023, where thousands of goats and rams were distributed to women across all 44 local government areas.
Second Cycle (First Phase):
Launched recently, distributing over 7,000 goats to more than 2,000 women.
The program has also outlined future plans for subsequent phases of the second cycle.
These include the distribution of rams to male and female youth, as well as bulls exclusively to young men for fattening purposes.
Economic and Nutritional Benefits of the Scheme
The livestock fattening program is more than just a distribution exercise—it represents a holistic approach to rural development.
By providing women and youth with livestock, the program is fostering financial independence, creating generational occupations, and addressing food insecurity.
With a significant portion of Kano’s population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the initiative is enhancing rural incomes and diversifying economic opportunities.
The availability of protein-rich meat, such as beef, mutton, and goat meat, is improving household nutrition, particularly in underserved communities.
Kano’s Leadership in Livestock Farming
Data from the 2024 National Agricultural Sample Census highlights Kano State’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The Northwest region contributes 33% of the country’s livestock, with Kano State alone accounting for 8%.
This includes approximately 1.458 million goats, making Kano the second-largest livestock producer in Nigeria after Bauchi State.
In addition, Kano boasts the highest number of agricultural households in the country, totaling approximately 2.369 million.
These figures underscore the state’s comparative advantage in agriculture and livestock farming, making initiatives like KSADP a natural fit for the region’s development needs.
Modernizing Agriculture Through KSADP
KSADP has introduced cutting-edge technology to transform agricultural practices in Kano.
This includes improved seeds, regenerative agriculture techniques, and extensive farmer training programs on modern agronomical systems.
The initiative is empowering farmers to increase their output while preserving the environment, positioning Kano State as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
By leveraging these advancements, Governor Yusuf’s administration is fostering a new era of productivity and innovation in Kano’s agricultural sector.
Empowering Women and Youth Through Livestock Distribution
The program’s emphasis on female farmers underscores the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and rural empowerment.
Women, traditionally the backbone of rural economies, are being equipped with the tools and resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
The targeted involvement of youth further ensures the sustainability of the program.
By engaging the next generation in livestock farming, the initiative is creating long-term employment opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in Kano.
Strengthening Rural Communities Through Livestock Enhancement
With Kano’s rich agricultural heritage, the KSADP scheme is perfectly aligned with the state’s cultural and economic strengths.
By supporting livestock farming, the government is reviving ancestral occupations, enhancing the quality of life for rural dwellers, and reducing the urban-rural economic divide.
A Vision for a Prosperous Kano State
Governor Yusuf’s leadership is rooted in his vision to empower ordinary citizens through sustainable initiatives.
The KSADP livestock fattening scheme is a testament to this commitment, delivering tangible benefits to rural communities and strengthening Kano’s position as a leading agricultural state in Nigeria.
Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa
Is the Director General, Media and Publicity, writes from Government House, Kano
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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