Headlines
Kano Executive Council approves ₦8.53bn for key projects, reviews medical negligence case
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total sum of ₦8.53 billion for the execution of critical projects and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the approvals were granted during the 37th meeting of the State Executive Council held on January 16, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano House, the Kano State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the council deliberated extensively on key governance issues affecting various sectors and took far-reaching decisions in line with the development agenda of the state government.
According to him, in the area of land administration, the council approved ₦251.9 million for the payment of compensation to property owners affected by the construction of a five-kilometre dualised road project in Bagwai Local Government Area.
In the works and infrastructure sector, the council approved ₦148.8 million for the construction of an orphanage hostel at the Nassarawa Children’s Home. It also approved ₦147.2 million for clearance works and the construction of an access road at Farin Ruwa–Yan Kwadi village in Shanono Local Government Area.
Similarly, ₦660.3 million was approved for the construction of reinforced concrete drainage and interlocking tiles at Ayagi-Aisami in Bakin Ruwa Ward of Dala Local Government Area. The council further approved ₦1.71 billion for the construction of a two-coat surface-dressed road linking Chiromawa to Garun Babba in Garun Malam Local Government Area.
In the health sector, the council approved ₦187.8 million for the construction of additional office complexes and the extension of the perimeter fence at the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board to enhance workers’ welfare and security of facilities. It also approved ₦677.6 million for the first phase of reconstruction, rehabilitation and renovation works at Rogo General Hospital, which was recently affected by a fire outbreak.
Additionally, ₦520.1 million was approved for the procurement of a brand-new CT Scan machine for the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital to improve diagnostic services.
The education sector also received approval, with ₦113.8 million earmarked for the general renovation of Government Junior Secondary School (GJSS) Tatsawarki in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
In the agriculture sector, the council approved ₦830.2 million for the payment of compensation to farmers affected by the construction of five small earth dams across five selected local government areas in the state.
As part of efforts to improve environmental aesthetics and beautify Kano in line with its mega-city status, the council approved ₦176.2 million for the construction of the Arewa Knot and multi-tiered fountains at Alfurqan and Baban Gwari roundabouts.
In the water resources sector, the council approved ₦3.11 billion for the supply of non-ferrous aluminium sulphate (alum) for water treatment for a six-month period in 2026.
On policy matters, the Executive Council considered a report on the death of a female patient at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, where a pair of scissors was reportedly left in her abdomen during surgery. The council expressed deep dismay over the incident, described it as a grave act of negligence, and assured the public that the ongoing investigation would be thoroughly pursued, with appropriate sanctions applied to all culpable individuals or institutions in accordance with the law. The council also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and the welfare of citizens.
The council also acknowledged the importance of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project and approved the phased development of the AKK Industrial Layout in Tamburawa, with Phase I to focus on the provision of basic infrastructure and perimeter fencing.
Furthermore, the council noted the persistent challenges at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Karaye, arising from structural defects despite previous interventions, and approved comprehensive enhancement of the camp’s facilities to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of corps members serving in the state.
The decisions, according to the commissioner, underscore the Kano State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development, improved service delivery and the overall wellbeing of its people.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
Kano Police Arrest Eight in Drug, Thuggery Raids
Funeral Prayer Held for Late Shehu Kabir Bayero
Kano holds planning meeting on implementation of Nigeria learning passport
Kwankwaso, Gov Yusuf, Amnesty International Condemn Killing of Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu
Kano Police arrest two suspects over death of Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu
Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026: From Evidence to Impact — A Roadmap For Educational Development
Kano schools to resume Sunday for 2026/2027 academic session
From Grade Level 03 to Director: A 35-Year Journey of Resilience and Service
Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero of Court of Appeal Dies in Egypt
