Headlines
There are 989,234 out of school children in Kano – UNICEF
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) said there are 989,234 out school children in Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the country representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, gave the account on Thursday while addressing journalists in Kano on the activities of UNICEF in health, education and nutrition in the region.
Despite frantic efforts by the federal government and partners to reduce the growing rate of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, UNICEF revealed that Kano ranked top in the country with over nine hundred thousand vulnerable children roaming the streets.
The UNICEF chief, who was worried over the case of Kano out-of-school children believed the state government can accelerate the ugly trend to zero level in three years, with commitment and good will.
While suggesting possible solutions to the challenges of out-of-school children, poor health and malnutrition in Kano, Munduate tasked Northern government to rather de-emphasize challenges and adopt solutions to challenges.
Munduate explained that the collaborative efforts to check the raising level of out-of-school children has brought about 1.5 million children back to class in Northern Nigeria in two years.
According to UNICEF chief efforts to accelerate access to quality education through its Learning Passport initiative is fast yielding significant results, with 1.4 million enrollees.
Munduate revealed that Nigeria Learning Passport, an online education model platform designed for basic and secondary levels, was meant to create access to quality education, essentially to less privileged children who are out of school.
As part of the solution to the health challenge, the UNICEF chief canvassed the establishment of a functional Primary Health Centre with the trust of providing 24 hours of service and immunization services with the employment of qualified midwives across the 484 wards of the state.
She equally called for political will of policies and implementation on health and education. While calling for increased budgetary provisions to the sector, she urged the government to ensure implementation and monitory of the resources for expected result.
”UNICEF is collaborating with Federal and state government to expand and accelerate access to education. The Nigeria Learning Passport has captured 500,000 children in 2022. The program is integrated and we have captured 1.4 million in 2023.
” The program is basically meant to support and provide platform for majority of students who are out of schools, a free access to quality learning system and quality teaching model for the teacher. We hope to increase the access in nearest future.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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