Headlines
UNICEF commemorates 10 years abduction of Chibok girls in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has organised a one day event to commemorate the 10 years abduction of Chibok girls in Borno state.
KANO FOCUS reports that UNICEF lamented the negative impacts of incidents of abduction and kidnapping of school children to the child education in Nigeria, regretting the rising statistics of out-of-school children due to incessant cases of abduction of school children in some states across the country.
Cross section of the participants at the event
Speaking during the the event held in Kano, Michael Banda, Senior Education Manager, UNICEF Kano Field Office, who was also the officer-in-charge at the occassion, representing the UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Mohammed Rahama, also stressed the need for concerted efforts towards the fight against climate change, as part of endeavours to stop school abduction and ensure security in our schools across the country.
Banda also posited that the spate of insecurity will reduce drastically if Nigerian government puts more efforts in making its teeming population productive, just like China and India did.
He also frowned at religious and cultural ideologies that discredit innovative educational policies that promotes mass enrolmenent of children into schools, particularly, the girls, and called for more orientation and campaigns by religious andbtraditional rulers encouraging children enrolment into schools and adequate protecrion of schools children.
Speaking to journalists after the event, the Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education in Katsina state, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed blamed porous borders as part of the causes of insecurity in the state, but assured that government has taken adeqaute measures to ensure security of lives and property, particularly, the safety of school children.
Dr. Isa Yusuf, Hafsat Adhama and Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed
He said that apart from providing enough logistics for security agencies, Governor Dikko Radda recruited thousands of youths across communities in the state to help fight against banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in Katsina state.
He said all the schools from primary and tertiary instutitions in the state are well secured with fence and one gate and security post manning them.
The Commissioner of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Jigawa state, Dr. Isa Yusuf also told journalists at the event that Jigawa has remained safe for school children due to efforts put in place by Governor Umar Namadi to secure lives and property in the state.
According to him, the state government created synergy and good working relationship among security agencies in the state who always work with one mind to fight any form of insecurity across tge state.
He said tge Safe School initiative launched by the Federal Government is also helping tremendously to enwure security of school children in the state.
Student leaders who spoke at the event, with one voice, called on the Federal Government to put more efforts towards the rescue of remaining Chibok girls, hoping that government will soon find lasting solutions to the problem of insecurity bedevilling education of children and youths in the country.
However, in a Statement made available to journalists on Monday, Susan Akila, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, Abuja, quoted Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria as urging for action to secure children’s education in Nigeria.
According to her, new UNICEF report shows that just 37 per cent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks.
A cross section of participants
She added that: ” As Nigeria marks 10 years since the mass Chibok abductions in the Northeast, 90 girls remain in captivity, and the country is recovering from another abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna state in March of this year. UNICEF is calling for intensified efforts to protect the country’s most vulnerable population—its children.”
According to her, UNICEF has released the ‘Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report,’ revealing a stark reality: the journey toward ensuring every Nigerian child can learn in a safe environment is far from over.
“Most notably, the report shows that just 37 per cent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks.
“The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education,” she said.
According to her, “Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s futures must be amplified. Given these alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis. Education is a fundamental right and a crucial pathway out of poverty. Yet, for too many Nigerian children, it remains an unattainable dream,” the Statement said.
She further stated that analysis looked at six result areas – strong school system, violence against children, natural hazards, conflict, everyday hazards, and safe school infrastructure – and uncovered significant disparities in the implementation of safe school standards across Nigerian states.
” Borno State, with a 70 per cent fulfilment of the standards, exemplifies a strong commitment to child safety amidst adversity. Yobe State also demonstrates promising progress. In contrast, Kaduna and Sokoto states lag significantly, with fulfilment rates at just 25 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively.
“In addition to the finding on early warning systems and conflict, the report shows that while schools perform relatively well in terms of training school-based management committees on safety and responding to children’s well-being concerns, only 14 per cent of the participating schools across the 10 assessed states have functioning, safe, accessible infrastructure and just 36 per cent have school staff trained on natural hazards.
“The analysis comes on the heels of disturbing reports of violence affecting schools, with brazen abductions of students on the rise. In the last 10 years, conflict-related violence has led to more than 1,680 children abducted while at school and elsewhere; 180 children killed due to attacks on schools; an estimated 60 school staff kidnapped and 14 killed; and more than 70 attacks on schools, according to verified reports by the United Nations.
” The threat of abduction of students is severely affecting children’s learning. As of 2021, over one million children were afraid to return to school, and in 2020, around 11,500 schools were closed due to attacks, according to Policy Weekly by Nextier,” she said.
UNICEF Nigeria called for the government, partners, and the international community to take decisive action to: ensure all schools across all states have the resources and tools to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, focusing on the most vulnerable regions; address critical gaps in safe school infrastructure, preparedness for natural disasters, conflicts, and comprehensive approaches to violence against children.
UNICEF Nigeria also stressed the need for government to strengthen law enforcement and security measures to protect educational institutions and communities from attacks and abductions; prioritize education and child protection in national policies and budget allocations to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all Nigerian children.
She further stated that government should ensure the continuity of education and learning when schools are shut through multiple learning pathways such as radio and TV programmes and through digital platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport.
According to her, UNICEF is working with the government to ensure that every child can access safe learning environments.
She said the agency has supported the inauguration of state safe school steering committees and the drafting of state-costed implementation plans for safe schools in 13 states. It also provides school grants, safety kits, training, and awareness raising to accelerate the implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools.
“As we remember the Chibok girls and all children whose right to education has been compromised, let this sombre anniversary serve as a catalyst for change. However, we must acknowledge the recent abductions, which underscore the persistent vulnerability of our schools. To ensure that schools are safe havens, strong political will and proper implementation of safe school standards are essential. Together, we can restore trust between educational institutions and the communities they serve, ensuring schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth,” said Munduat.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has conducted a capacity-building training for operatives of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) to enhance their investigative capacity in tackling financial crimes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the training, held in Kano, focused on strengthening the technical skills of investigators to address increasingly complex and technology-driven financial offences.
Hajiya Aisha Gadanya Malam Saidu Yahaya
A statement signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer of PCACC, Isah Mansur Bello said the session was facilitated by James Ebiboloukemi, Head of CCS1 at the EFCC Kano Zonal Office, who provided practical insights into the evolving nature of financial crimes and strategies for combating them effectively.
Key areas covered during the training included financial intelligence gathering, analysis of financial records, asset tracing and recovery, digital forensics, detection of money laundering, interrogation techniques, case documentation, and prosecution support.
Participants were also equipped with practical tools to investigate and manage complex financial crimes, particularly those involving digital platforms.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of PCACC, Malam Saidu Yahaya, described the training as timely and critical to improving the commission’s operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed PCACC’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the EFCC in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in Kano State and beyond.
The commission also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support in ensuring the agency’s independence and providing necessary logistical backing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has commended the Federal High Court in Kano for sentencing a 20-year-old drug suspect, Muhammad Maharazu, to 15 years imprisonment.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer NDLEA Kano Strategic Command Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari on Thursday, the command said the conviction followed Maharazu’s arrest on February 14, 2026, at the notorious Filin Idi drug den in Kano.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Commander’s Special Joint Task Force in possession of various illicit substances, including Diazepam tablets. During the operation, Maharazu allegedly produced a knife in an attempt to attack officers while trying to evade arrest but was swiftly disarmed and taken into custody.
The agency said Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Kano, sentenced the convict to 15 years imprisonment on April 15, 2026, with no option of fine. The sentence is to take effect from the date of judgment.
Reacting to the development, the NDLEA Kano Commander, Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, described the judgment as decisive and a strong warning to drug offenders.
“This conviction sends a clear message that no amount of threats or violence will deter our officers from carrying out their mandate. Kano will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers,” he said.
The command added that the custodial sentence would serve as a deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking or those who resort to violence to resist arrest.
It also called on members of the public to continue supporting the agency’s efforts in tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, emphasizing that the fight against drug-related crimes requires collective responsibility.
Headlines
Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others named in TIME 100 most influential people for 2026
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Renowned African industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026, reaffirming his standing as one of the most successful and iconic business leaders of his generation.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dangote joins global influential figures from multiple sectors, including political leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, revered Pope Leo XIV, current head of Catholic Church as well as business and technology leaders including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
A statement sent to Kano Focus by Esan Sunday of Dangote group said the annual TIME100 list, published on Wednesday April 15, 2026, recognises global figures whose leadership, ideas, and actions are shaping the future across business, politics, culture, and society. Dangote’s inclusion places him alongside prominent international figures drawn from diverse spheres of global influence.
This marks Dangote’s second appearance on the prestigious TIME100 list, following his first recognition in 2014, when he was honoured for his exceptional impact on business and philanthropy. His return to the list more than a decade later underscores the consistency and scale of his influence on the global stage.
Dangote, who is being recognized for his African industrial drive is the only Nigerian on the list and featured in the titan and innovators category. Other prominent honorees named alongside Dangote in the titan category are Reid Wiseman, Commander of the Artemis II mission to the moon; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet and Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube.
Also featuring prominently under the titan category are Michael and Susan Dell, the high-profile American tech billionaires and philanthropists best known as the founders of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, a global non-profit that focuses on improving the lives of children living in urban poverty. Included here also is the American designer and billionaire, Ralph Lauren, best known for founding the global lifestyle empire Ralph Lauren Corporation.
Recognized in the Pioneer category are individuals with breakthroughs in Science and Social Advocacy such Kiran Musunuru and Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, both of whom were cited for medical breakthroughs in genetic therapy as well as Aaron Williams, recognized for advancements in heart transplant readiness.
Influential figures recognized in global entertainment and culture include Ranbir Kapoor, prominent Indian actor; Dakota Johnson, recognized as an actress and cultural icon and Kate Hudson, included for her cultural influence.
As Founder and President of Dangote Group—Africa’s largest indigenous industrial conglomerate—Dangote has played a central role in advancing industrialisation across the continent. Under his leadership, the Group has made landmark investments spanning cement manufacturing, sugar and food processing, agriculture, infrastructure, and lately energy, significantly reducing Africa’s reliance on imports while creating millions of direct and indirect jobs.
In its citation, TIME Magazine highlighted Dangote’s vision of building African industries with local resources for global competitiveness, noting his recent investments in large‑scale energy and manufacturing infrastructure as emblematic of his long‑term commitment to Africa’s economic transformation.
Beyond business, Dangote is widely acclaimed for his philanthropic leadership through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), one of Africa’s largest private philanthropic organisations. The Foundation supports critical initiatives across healthcare, nutrition, education, disaster relief, and economic empowerment, contributing to improved outcomes for vulnerable communities across the continent.
The 2026 TIME100 recognition further reflects a broader global acknowledgement of African leadership, innovation, and enterprise, with Dangote standing as a symbol of the continent’s growing influence in shaping global economic and development narratives.
This latest honour consolidates Aliko Dangote’s legacy as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist, whose work continues to drive sustainable development, inclusive growth, and long‑term value creation—both within Africa and beyond.
Under his leadership, Dangote Group recently launched Vision 2030, with which Dangote Industries aims to transform from a regional $30 billion conglomerate into a $100 billion global powerhouse by 2030.
This strategy focuses on industrial self-sufficiency for Africa, moving the group from “regional dominance to global relevance”.
Dangote said the roadmap to vision 2030 is divided into phases to “supercharge” the group’s expansion; with phase one spanning 2025-2028 focused on scaling existing businesses—cement, fertilizer, and energy—and optimizing assets for international competitiveness.
The Phase two running from 2028-2030 is for the deployment of new businesses and ventures into global markets to drive the final leap to the $100 billion revenue target. The Dangote Group plans to venture into steel manufacturing, power, and deep-sea ports to tackle industrial bottlenecks across Africa.
This recognition by Time Magazine underscores the growing global acknowledgment of African leadership and innovation, and highlights Aliko Dangote’s enduring influence as a visionary leader committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The 2026 list underscores the expanding global visibility of African leadership and Dangote’s continued influence as a leading industrialist and philanthropist.
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Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others named in TIME 100 most influential people for 2026
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