By Bosede Olufunmi

The newly appointed Managing Director of the Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency (KAZOWMA), Hon. Musayyib Kawu, has pledged to reposition the Kano Zoological Garden to boost tourism and recreational activities in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that Kawu made the pledge in his inaugural address shortly after assuming office, according to a statement issued on Tuesday in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the zoo, Hauwa Adam.

He said the new administration would prioritise the upgrading and renovation of existing infrastructure at the zoo to improve its appeal and functionality.

“Our focus will be on rehabilitating facilities, introducing new animal species and improving staff welfare to ensure efficient service delivery,” Kawu said.

He added that a comprehensive assessment of the agency’s challenges and operational needs would be carried out and forwarded to the state government with a view to strengthening the zoo’s status as a major tourist destination in Kano State.

The managing director also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his leadership and support, while urging residents of the state to actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining and renewing their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Rano Local Government Council in Kano State has appointed 100 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to support grassroots development across the area.

KANO FOCUS reports that the appointments were approved by the Chairman of the council, Malam Muhammad Naziru Ya’u Rano, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery at the ward level.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Rano Zonal Information Officer, Abdullahi Musa Gyadi Gyadi, the appointments were made in line with a directive of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, mandating all local government councils to appoint Senior Special Assistants to serve as a link between the people and government at the grassroots.

The statement explained that the newly appointed aides are expected to support development initiatives in their respective wards and contribute to the overall progress of the local government.

Malam Naziru Ya’u Rano urged the appointees to give their full cooperation and support to the administrations of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Rano Local Government Council, particularly in the implementation and execution of development projects across the council area and the state.

Also speaking, the Director of Personnel Management of the council, Alhaji Ado Dan’azumi, assured that staff of the local government would work closely with the Senior Special Assistants to ensure sustainable development in all the wards.

Some of the appointees, including Sadisu Rurum Tsohon Gari and Umar Zinyau, expressed gratitude for the appointments and pledged to remain committed to identifying the needs of their communities, while sensitising residents on government policies, programmes and ongoing development projects.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Rano Local Government Council, Alhaji Ahmad Jibrin, commended the transparent and equitable process adopted in selecting the appointees, noting that ten Senior Special Assistants were drawn from each of the ten wards in the local government area.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, has congratulated one of its members, Hajiya Khadija Aliyu of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), on her receipt of the Michael Sidibe Award for Health Reporting.

KANO FOCUS reports that the award was presented by the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment in recognition of her outstanding contributions to health journalism and her commitment to accurate, ethical and impactful reporting on health issues across Africa.

In a statement issued jointly signed by the Secretary of the association, Comrade Maryam Muhammad Yakasai, and the Chairperson, Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara the association described the honour as a testament to Khadija Aliyu’s dedication, professionalism and consistency in promoting public health awareness through the media.

The Chairperson of NAWOJ Kano State Chapter, Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara, said the association was proud that one of its distinguished members had continued to project Kano State positively at the continental level, while setting a high standard for women journalists.

She noted that the award would serve as motivation not only for the recipient but also for other female journalists to strive for excellence, particularly in reporting issues that affect public health and community wellbeing.

NAWOJ further prayed for greater achievements for Khadija Aliyu in her career and encouraged her to sustain her commitment to journalism in the service of humanity.