Headlines
Dangote supports FG to break poverty, malnutrition cycle
…as gov’t enlists ADF in Core Committee
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Africa’s foremost philanthropist- Aliko Dangote-is supporting the Federal Government to help break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition in the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that in a move to tackle severe acute malnutrition in Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima had enlisted the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) in the high-powered Nutrition Core Working Committee (NCWC).
The critical body, dubbed the “intellectual powerhouse” by the Vice President, will spearhead the fight against hunger and malnutrition across Nigeria.
Fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja, Managing Director of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mrs Zouera Youssoufou said the Foundation’s expertise and experience would be leveraged in the onerous task of upturning the negative nutrition indices in the country.
She said the Foundation “stands ready to contribute wholeheartedly to the realization of a healthier, nourished, and more prosperous Nigeria.”
The Managing Director said as a member of the advisory group, the Aliko Dangote Foundation was committed to providing technical assistance and leveraging our resources to implement effective strategies outlined in the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition.
She added that ADF’s focus will extend beyond immediate relief to sustainable solutions that empower communities, enhance healthcare systems, and promote education on nutrition.
She said: “Malnutrition poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of our citizens, particularly the most vulnerable – our children. It is a challenge that transcends sectors, requiring a unified and concerted effort to address the complex web of factors contributing to malnutrition.”
She commended the efforts of the Tinubu-led Federal Government to reposition nutrition in her development agenda.
Recognizing the grave threat to our national growth and prosperity, the Federal Government of Nigeria took additional steps to tackle the persisting scourge of severe acute malnutrition in Nigeria through the inauguration Friday of a high-powered Nutrition Core Working Committee (NCWC).
The Vice President called the Committee the “engine room” and “intellectual powerhouse” of the administration’s fight to eliminate sever acute malnutrition in Nigeria through the National Council on Nutrition.
He challenged the committee to start by tackling the malnutrition crisis from the most vulnerable communities.
“Advise us, draw the roadmap,” he implored, emphasizing the crucial role of the members of the committee as expert advisors.
Other members of the Nutrition Core Working Committee (NCWC) are: representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the World Bank Group, Nutrition International, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and the Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).
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.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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.
