News
Waiya tasks LG information officers on enhanced public enlightenment ahead of 2026
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has urged Information Officers across the state’s 44 local government areas to step up information dissemination and public enlightenment in line with the activities of their respective councils.
KANO FOCUS reports that Comrade Waiya gave the charge while addressing the officers during a strategic meeting held at the ministry, explaining that the engagement was aimed at developing practical strategies to improve performance as the state moves into the year 2026.
He noted that 2026 is a pre-election year, which, according to him, places greater responsibility on Information Officers to remain professional, objective and committed to the dissemination of accurate and credible information. He stressed that strict adherence to the ethics and regulations guiding information management is crucial to protecting public interest and promoting informed civic participation.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers through the provision of working tools and continuous training. In a major incentive, he announced that the ministry would sponsor the cost of application forms and registration fees for officers willing to return to school to further their studies in journalism, with the aim of enhancing professionalism and improving service delivery.
Comrade Waiya also disclosed plans to convene a special engagement involving Local Government Chairmen, Information Officers and officials of the ministry to jointly explore ways of improving information management at the grassroots level. He added that media professionals would be engaged to train officers on opening and effectively managing social media platforms to boost publicity for local government activities.
According to him, the proposed training would also focus on equipping Information Officers with skills to disseminate basic information on local government areas, including geographical location, population and mineral resources.
In their separate remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Usman Bello, the Director of Information, Aminu Kabir Yasser, and the Director of Public Enlightenment, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, offered suggestions aimed at strengthening service delivery. These include the revival of the ministry’s “Gani da Ido” programme, training of Information Officers on translation, and other capacity-building initiatives to enhance effective communication at all levels.
The meeting, stakeholders noted, reflects the state government’s resolve to strengthen information management and public enlightenment, particularly as the state approaches a critical political period.
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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