Headlines
Citizens group reviews Kano 2024 budget, develops advocacy kit
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Coalition of citizen groups in Kano, converged for a three day meeting on the 2024 budget process, priorities and performance.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting was jointly supported by Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) and Lafiya project.
Speaking at the meeting, the State Team Lead Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL), Malam Isa Surajo said the session was to identified citizens related projects and programs for legislative advocacy, as well scrutinizing key sectoral budget allocations by aligning it with government priorities.
Also speaking, the programme facilitator Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) Hajiya Umma Rakana commended the participants for exhibiting high commitment and hoped that the work would improve the lives of citizens especially in health and education sub sectors.
In his presentation titled emerging issues from 2023 budget analysis and performance, Salisu Yusuf from Accountability Mechanism on Maternal Newborn and Child Health in Kano state (AMMkas), identified projects in first and second quarter of 2023, that are yet to receive funding as well as those that were not adequately budgeted.
He decried over lack of cash backing, to implement projects, and called for Citizen MTSS to collate inputs.
Dr. Auwal Halilu, from CSACEFA explained that, the education group scrutinized sectors such as pre-primary,primary ,secondary and tertiary education, in the 2023 quarter one and two, education budget performance.
He highlighted that, they identified inadequate funding,zero releases and other important sectors, that were neglected under the ministry of education.
Hajiya Mairo Bello from Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) and Dr. Abdulsalam Kani from the department of economics, Sa’adatu Rimi University of education Kumbotso, advocated for more funding in the education sector.
The event tagged, three day meeting with citizens platforms on the 2024 budget processes, was attended by representatives of Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE), Kano State Led Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM), Hasken Kano, CSACEFA, AHIP, FIDAC and AMMkas.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
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.
