Headlines
From Roads to Classrooms: How Governor Yusuf is Shaping Kano’s Future
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State is witnessing a new wave of reforms, projects, and interventions under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as his administration pushes forward with ambitious programmes touching nearly every sector of life in the state.
From infrastructure and education to housing policy, emergency relief, and traditional governance, recent months have shown the governor’s determination to deliver on his promises.
Roads and Infrastructure at the Forefront
The administration has invested heavily in roads and urban renewal. In May 2025, over ₦20.3 billion was approved for dualization projects in Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Garun Mallam, Madobi, and Tsanyawa, alongside repairs of storm-damaged public facilities and the construction of a commemorative auditorium.
Shortly after, the governor personally flagged off reconstruction of the 3.6-kilometre Zungeru Road and the Gayawa–Bulbulawa road in Nassarawa Local Government, stressing that the projects were crucial to easing congestion and stimulating economic activity.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to physical development was recognized at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2025, where he received the Infrastructure Governor of the Year Award.
Eucation Emergency Yields Results
Education remains at the heart of the Yusuf administration. In May, the governor announced sweeping reforms that included the permanent recruitment of 4,000 BESDA workers, distribution of ₦2.8 billion worth of instructional materials, solarization of 200 schools with 250 computers each, and the hiring of 17,600 security guards for public schools.
These initiatives followed a policy of dedicating 31 percent of the state’s budget to education, earning the governor the Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 Award for Education.
Compassion in Times of Crisis
The Yusuf administration has also shown a compassionate face in moments of tragedy.
After the June 2025 road crash that claimed the lives of 22 Kano athletes returning from a national sports festival, the governor declared a day of mourning and directed that each bereaved family receive ₦1 million and food support.
The gesture drew praise across the state as a humane response to an incident that shocked the nation.
Housing: “Use It or Lose It”
Housing has also come under focus. In March, the governor issued a strong warning to allottees of properties in Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo estates to either occupy their units or face revocation.
He also ordered the restoration of basic amenities in the estates and began discussions with the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide civil servants with easier access to home ownership.
Tradition and Governance
Governor Yusuf’s decision last year to abolish the Bichi and Rano emirates and restore a unified Kano Emirate under Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II continues to shape governance in the state in 2025, with implications for both traditional authority and modern administration.
A Governor Under Spotlight
As 2025 progresses, the strands of Governor Yusuf’s policies are becoming clear: heavy spending on roads, a declared emergency in education, a firm hand in housing, quick relief in crises, and decisive reforms in the traditional institution.
Observers say these efforts reflect both the urgency of the challenges confronting Kano and the governor’s bid to leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s most populous state.
Headlines
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Ace broadcaster, Hajiya Lami Hafsat Maccido, widely regarded as the first indigenous announcer on Radio Kano and the first person to appear on the screens of NTA Kano and CTV 67 at their formative stages, has died at the age of 72.
KANO FOCUS reports that Maccido passed away on Tuesday night after a brief illness, according to an announcement circulated on WhatsApp platform by Engr. Abubakar Garba Maccido.
Born on August 12, 1954, Maccido hailed from a diverse heritage. She was born in Jos, Plateau State, to a Shuwa Arab father from Borno State and a Fulani mother from Katsina State.
She attended Township Primary School and St. Louis Secondary School, both in Jos, before proceeding to ABC/ABU Kano for her tertiary education.
Maccido began her working career as a cashier at Sheshe Departmental Stores in Kano before joining Radio Kano in 1974, where she worked until 1976. She later moved to Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kano—then known as NTV Kano—where she served from 1976 to 1981.
She subsequently transferred her service to CTV 67 as a pioneer staff member. She retired in 2012 after 35 years of dedicated service in the broadcast industry.
Maccido, alongside her former colleagues Dr. Faruk Umar Usman, Alhaji Ishaq Hadeijia, and Alhaji Wada Abdullahi Kachako, played a key role in naming CTV 67 (Community Television) when the station was first established by the then Governor of Kano State, Abubakar Rimi.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from journalists, former colleagues, and admirers, many of whom described her as a trailblazer, a consummate professional, and a symbol of excellence in broadcasting.
Headlines
Kano Court jails woman five years for N22.35m investment fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Janet Theophilus Danjuma to five years’ imprisonment for investment fraud amounting to N22,350,000.
KANO FOCUS reports that Danjuma was convicted on Monday, February 16, 2026, by Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court>, sitting in Kano, on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the charge, the defendant, a staff member of TAJBank Limited, Nai’bawa Branch, Kano, fraudulently obtained the sum of N22,350,000 from one Wade Bamaiyi in October 2024 under the guise of investing the funds in the bank’s CASA (Current Account Savings Account) programme.
The charge stated that the defendant knew the claim to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Upon arraignment, Danjuma pleaded guilty to the charge.
Following her plea, the prosecution counsel, Sadiq Huseini, reviewed the facts of the case, explaining how the defendant exploited the name of a legitimate financial product to deceive the victim into parting with the money. He urged the court to convict and sentence her in accordance with the law.
Justice Shuaibu subsequently convicted and sentenced Danjuma to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Investigations by the EFCC revealed that the defendant diverted the entire sum into her personal account after falsely claiming she would invest the funds in the bank’s CASA programme. She was thereafter charged to court and convicted.
Headlines
Kano Govt trains NULGE leaders to strengthen labour relations
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmonious labour relations, pledging continued engagement with labour leaders through dialogue and diplomacy to enhance socio-economic development and productivity.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, made the pledge during a two-day seminar titled “Effective Collective Bargaining and Negotiation Between Labour Leaders and Employers at the Local Government Level.” The workshop was held at Royal Blue Hotels in Kaduna.
Represented by the Director of Recruitment, Training and Retirement in the ministry, Alhaji Ali S. Faragai, the commissioner said the training formed part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen labour relations and promote industrial peace across Kano.
He emphasised that effective collective bargaining and negotiation are critical tools for resolving labour disputes and fostering mutual understanding between employers and employees at the grassroots level.
According to him, the seminar was organised by the ministry in collaboration with Beatific Synergy and Ventures Limited as part of the present administration’s commitment to continuous capacity building for workers in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Matters, Alhaji Garba Umar Durbunde, commended the government’s resolve to build harmonious working relationships and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained for the overall progress of the state.
In his welcome address, the Kano State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ibrahim Muhammed, described the training as timely and essential in equipping union leaders with the skills required to navigate the complexities of labour relations and ensure peaceful dispute resolution.
Similarly, the National President of NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara, lauded the Kano State Governor for what he described as visionary leadership and dedication to labour welfare. He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance the capacity of NULGE leaders to effectively represent their members and promote industrial harmony.
“The governor’s initiative is a game-changer, and we appreciate his commitment to improving the capacity of local government personnel through regular training and retraining,” he said.
In a presentation, veteran labour leader and District Head of Rimin Gado, Dr. Auwalu Mudi Yakasai, stressed that honesty, humanity and humility remain essential virtues for achieving lasting success in labour matters.
The training brought together NULGE leaders and local government officials from all 44 local government areas of the state. It covered key topics including collective bargaining strategies, negotiation skills and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Observers say the initiative is expected to improve labour relations, enhance productivity and contribute meaningfully to Kano State’s socio-economic development.
