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Yola erupts as Haske declares for Adamawa governorship, unveils ‘A.D.A.M.A.W.A First Agenda’
Nura Abdullahi
Yola — The Adamawa State capital, Yola, was abuzz with excitement on Saturday as Abdulrahman Bashir Haske formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveiling an ambitious development blueprint aimed at driving inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.
KANO FOCUS reports that the declaration, held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, drew a large crowd of party faithful, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, diaspora representatives, and APC stakeholders from all 21 local government areas of the state. National and sub-national political figures, alongside members of the City Boy Movement and over 265 women associations, were also in attendance.
A statement issued by Haske’s publicity secretary, Abdulgaffar Ahmed, on Saturday said, Haske described the moment as both historic and deeply personal, emphasizing his longstanding connection to Adamawa. He noted that he was born and raised in the state and has built his business interests there, reaffirming his commitment to its future development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed bold national reforms, while also acknowledging Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for laying key foundations in governance and infrastructure. Haske further praised the state APC leadership led by Hamza Bello, expressing confidence in their ability to ensure a level playing field for aspirants.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Haske’s “A.D.A.M.A.W.A First Agenda,” a seven-point policy framework targeting key economic, social, and security challenges. He said the next phase of the state’s development must be anchored on continuity, innovation, and people-focused leadership.
Under agriculture, Haske pledged to transform the sector into a modern, wealth-generating industry, with a target of a ₦300 billion export economy, one million jobs, and a ₦200 billion agricultural guarantee fund. He referenced his role in establishing a 48,000-tonne-per-annum rice processing mill in the North-East as evidence of his capacity to deliver.
On infrastructure, he promised equitable development across all local government areas, including the rehabilitation of at least 25 kilometres of roads annually per council, expansion of renewable energy, improved access to clean water, and enhanced digital connectivity.
His social development plan includes rehabilitating 500 schools, recruiting and training 3,000 STEM teachers, and expanding the state health insurance scheme to cover one million residents within three years, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
Haske also emphasized youth inclusion, noting that more than 60 percent of Adamawa’s population is under 30. He pledged to provide access to funding, skills development, and technology-driven opportunities to ensure meaningful participation in governance and economic activities.
On governance, he promised transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption, including digital tracking of public funds and open budgeting. He also outlined plans for economic empowerment through public-private partnerships and broader integration of local governments into the state’s economic value chain.
Addressing security concerns, the aspirant proposed the establishment of an Adamawa Security Trust Fund to strengthen intelligence-led policing and support conflict resolution through dialogue.
Describing his ambition as a covenant with the people, Haske said he was seeking the opportunity to serve with integrity, unity, and a commitment to shared prosperity.
Dignitaries at the event included APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel; his Northern Deputy, Jamaludeen Kabiru; former Senator Binta Masi Garba; the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Development, Titilope Gbadamosi; and the Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmad Sodangi, among others.
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.
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