News
Ajrena Foods commissions Peanut Processing Facility in Kano
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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