News
Kano Security Watch projects hit 95% completion in four LGAs
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Engineers from the Kano State Ministry for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation have confirmed that the construction of Neighborhood Security Watch Division projects in Takai, Sumaila, Albasu and Garko Local Government Areas has reached 95 per cent completion.
KANO FOCUS reports that the projects, which involve the construction and equipping of security division offices, are designed to strengthen community-based security by enhancing rapid response, improving coordination and boosting the operational capacity of Neighborhood Security Watch personnel in the affected areas.
Officials supervising the projects disclosed this during an inspection tour on Thursday, where they briefed the Commissioner for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, on the level of work done. They reported that construction had progressed steadily, with only minor finishing works and installations remaining.
Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila
The development follows the recent commissioning of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as part of broader efforts to reinforce grassroots security across the state.
In his response, Comrade Ma’aji Sumaila directed that monitoring of all Neighborhood Security Watch Division projects across the state be intensified to ensure timely completion and full functionality of the facilities. Contractors handling the projects in the four local government areas assured the ministry that all outstanding works would be completed by the end of January 2026.
The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, noting in particular that fully kitted security personnel had already begun reporting for duty at some of the facilities. He, however, urged contractors to speed up the remaining works to enable prompt commissioning.
Beyond the Neighborhood Security Watch projects, the commissioner also inspected 13 other ongoing projects, bringing the total number of projects visited during the tour to 17. These include 5-kilometre dual carriage road projects as well as the first and second phases of the Kwankwasiyya Gida-Gida classroom block projects across the four local government areas.
Addressing journalists at the end of the inspection, Comrade Ma’aji Sumaila disclosed that the projects inspected have a combined value of ₦22.5 billion.
“Today, being January 7, the Ministry for Public Procurement was able to inspect a total of 17 projects. We engaged with contractors and beneficiary communities across all sites. Our findings will be compiled and presented in a comprehensive report to His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State,” he said.
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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