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Kano govt says AGILE Project raised school enrolment by 20 percent
Press Release
Kano state government has commended the world Bank supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) for hosting this year’s implementation support mission in Kano between Monday 2nd – Wednesday 4th June.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioner of education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda made the commendation while declaring the mission open at the Aficient event centre, Kano.
The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry Malam Bashir Baffa highlighted Kano State’s progress under the AGILE Project, noting a significant increase in school enrolment where Junior Secondary School Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) rose from 48% in 2020/2021 to 67% in 2023/2024 and Senior Secondary School increased from 38% to 59% in the same period.
Malam Bashir Baffa
He commended the support of the World Bank and requested urgent approval for the construction of new secondary schools and clearance of pending activities.
He assured the delegation of Kano State’s continued commitment under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasizing the principle that “Education for all is the responsibility of all.”
Kano SPIU Members with AGILE TTL Mr Dilip
The commissioner extends appreciation to AGILE NPCU for holding this year’s implementation support mission in Kano.
Addressing the participants, the national project coordinator Hajiya Amina Buba Abubakar said the mission was to assess the progress made across components, review progress, assess performance on disbursement, financial management and procurement, safeguards, as well as discuss emerging challenges and proffer solutions.
Hajiya Amina Buba Abubakar
She said the AGILE project has recorded significant successes in all the 18 States. These successes according to her have drawn greater attention to the project from all sections of the country.
Mrs Abubakar noted that the project has also received accolades from the Federal government as attested to by the First lady of Nigeria in the last AGILE games award and launch of AF states at the State House Abuja on May, 27th, 2025.
A cross section of AGILE NPCU members
“It is my fervent hope that we will all use this mission to take stock of what we have done right and make amends in areas where we may be having challenges.
“I therefore urge all of us to pay close attention to the deliberations and make inputs that will make for a seamless project implementation across the 21 States, ” Mrs Abubakar pleaded.
The national Project Coordinator used the medium to congratulate AGILE team for the successful conduct of this year’s AGILE games.
A cross section of participants
“Congratulations on the very successful AGILE Games. While everyone is a winner by virtue of participation, I do like to extend my special congratulations to the champions. For me, the smiles on every one’s faces were more than enough.
“A heartfelt thank you to the World Bank and Project Coordinators, for their dedication, passion, and teamwork made the event possible and memorable. Thank you all for being true team players. From the bottom of my heart i hope you share the same sentiment.
“The AGILE Games have been more than just fun and sports, they were communication tools. Our major goal still remains increased enrollment, retention, and completion of secondary education by adolescent girls so as to reduce the number of Out- of -School girls,” Mrs Abubakar said.
A cross section of participants
The national project coordinator hoped that at the end of this mission, pragmatic solutions would have been provided to all identified challenges to efficient project implementation.
In his remarks the AGILE Task Team Lead (TTL) Mr Dilip Parajuli thanked Kano AGILE team for successfully hosting this year’s implementation support mission despite short notice.
Mr Dilip Parajuli
The TTL tasked the participants to actively participate in breakout sessions, share their concerns, exchange ideas and profer solutions to challenges identified.
Mr Malik of World Bank
The mission was attended by members of Project Implementation Units (PIUs) from 21 states where AGILE Project is being implemented, National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU), World Bank team and representatives of federal ministry of finance.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim and Mr Dilip Parajuli
Highlights of the mission include presentation of progress reports from different States by Project Implementation Units (SPIUs).
A minute of silence was observed in honor of the Kano State players who tragically lost their lives while returning from Ogun State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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