Headlines
Kano govt dismisses claims of administrative shutdown
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that a recent directive by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has grounded public administration in the state, describing such claims as misleading and without factual or legal basis.
In a statement issued on Friday, the government clarified that the directive, which instructed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to temporarily halt the forwarding of files to the Governor’s office, was misinterpreted by sections of the media and public commentators.
According to the statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko Muhammad, the directive was issued towards the end of December when the state’s Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year was about to expire, while the 2025 budget was still under consideration by the State House of Assembly.
The government explained that, under such circumstances, prudence and adherence to due process required restraint in granting executive approvals, especially those with financial implications, in order to prevent unauthorized expenditures and avoid future audit queries and legal liabilities.
Contrary to claims of administrative paralysis, the government said the measure was a fiscal and administrative control mechanism aimed at strengthening financial discipline and ensuring compliance with public finance regulations.
The statement further stressed that government activities and essential services have continued uninterrupted across key sectors, including security, healthcare, education, sanitation and other public services, under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals.
It noted that the directive only placed a temporary pause on the submission of new discretionary matters to the Governor’s office, pending the establishment of a new fiscal framework following the passage of the budget.
The government added that the decision also helps to curb the traditional end-of-year rush for approvals, which often undermines transparency, accountability and good governance.
Describing the reports of administrative shutdown as unfortunate, the Kano State Government maintained that the directive reflects foresight, discipline and respect for the rule of law, rather than stagnation.
The public was assured that once ongoing transitional administrative reviews are concluded, fresh directives would be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, effective service delivery and the prudent management of public resources in the interest of the people of Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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