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A Night of Honor: Governor Yusuf Celebrates 35 Kano Indigenes for Exceptional Service
In a grand and historic ceremony, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, honored 35 distinguished indigenes whose outstanding contributions have left an indelible mark across various fields.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf described the event as “a night of pride, inspiration, and recognition,” celebrating the brilliance and achievements of Kano’s finest individuals.
He noted that the prestigious gathering brought together dignitaries from diverse sectors, including military officers, academics, public servants, engineers, and business leaders.
While non-political in nature, the ceremony highlighted Kano’s immense talent and its continued influence in shaping national progress.
Among the honorees were recently promoted generals in the Nigerian military, senior police and paramilitary officers, and Federal Permanent Secretaries of Kano origin, whose leadership and dedication have significantly impacted national security and governance.
The honored individuals included Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff; Prof. Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanci, CON, Murshid of the National Mosque and renowned academic; Dr. Nasiru Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, and esteemed medical professional.
Others recognized for their unwavering commitment to national defense were Major General M.S. Ahmed, Major General Sani Sumaila Ibrahim, and Air Vice Marshal M. Yusuf.
In academia and other professional fields, the honorees included Prof. Umma Abdullahi, the first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering from Kano; Dr. Hadiza Galadanci, a renowned Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a distinguished academic at the ECOWAS Commission.
Also honored were CP Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, one of Nigeria’s highest-ranking female police officers and the first indigenous female Commissioner of Police from the Northwest geopolitical zone, as well as Eng. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, President of the World Engineering Forum and a highly respected figure in the engineering profession.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized that the ceremony was more than just an awards night—it was a celebration of Kano’s enduring legacy of excellence.
He highlighted the honorees’ dedication, resilience, and service, stressing that their achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations.
“These distinguished sons and daughters of Kano have brought immense pride to our state. Their commitment to excellence is a beacon of hope for our youth, who must strive to follow in their footsteps.
It is our responsibility to honor them and ensure their contributions are never forgotten,” the Governor stated.
The gathering was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and business magnates, fostering an atmosphere of mentorship and collaboration aimed at furthering Kano’s development.
The night concluded with a formal dinner and cultural performances, showcasing Kano’s rich heritage and unity.
In his welcome address, Hon. Muhammad Yusuf Jamu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on National and International Relations, announced that the award ceremony would be institutionalized as an annual event to serve as a platform for unity, sustainable development, and economic prosperity.
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“As You Sow, So Shall You Reap”: Imam Reminds Muslims of Divine Justice
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Imam Nura Garba Mato has urged Muslims to remain conscious of their actions, saying that divine reward and punishment often correspond to the nature of people’s deeds.
KANO FOCUS reports that the imam made the call while delivering a Friday sermon at Jami’u Ansar wal Muhajirun Jumaa Mosque, Cotton Ginnery Layout, Zawaciki, Kano State.
The sermon, titled “Al-Jazā’u Min Jinsil-‘Amal” (Recompense Is According to the Nature of Deeds), focused on the Islamic teaching that people’s actions have consequences and that good deeds attract divine reward.
Imam Mato said Allah had established enduring principles in human life that do not change, urging Muslims to understand these principles and allow them to guide their conduct.
He explained that one of these principles was that recompense corresponds to the nature of one’s actions, stressing the importance of living righteously and fulfilling one’s responsibilities to Allah and fellow human beings.
The imam called on Muslims to observe *taqwa* (consciousness of Allah), remain steadfast in their faith and follow the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He also highlighted the importance of helping people in difficulty, easing the burdens of others and showing compassion to fellow Muslims.
Quoting a prophetic tradition, the imam emphasised that whoever relieves a Muslim of a hardship in this world will receive relief from Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
He further explained that whoever conceals the faults of a fellow Muslim would receive Allah’s concealment of their faults on the Day of Resurrection, while those who make things easier for people in difficulty would receive Allah’s assistance in this world and the Hereafter.
The sermon also underscored the importance of supporting others, noting that a Muslim’s relationship with Allah should be reflected in their treatment of fellow human beings.
Imam Mato urged Muslims to reflect on their deeds and recognise that their conduct carries consequences, encouraging them to embrace good actions, assist those in need and uphold the teachings of Islam in their daily lives.
He stressed that Muslims should make righteousness, compassion and service to others central to their lives in pursuit of Allah’s pleasure and success in the Hereafter.
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Kano Govt Orders Retired Civil Servants to Vacate Offices, Hand Over Government Property
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has directed all civil servants who have attained their statutory retirement age or completed the required length of service to immediately vacate their offices and hand over government property in their possession.
KANO FOCUS reports that the directive was contained in Circular issued on Tuesday by the Establishment Directorate, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Kano State.
The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Abba A. Danguguwa, on behalf of the Head of Civil Service, was titled: “Unauthorized Continuance in Service After Statutory Retirement by Civil Servants in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government – Call for Immediate Handing Over of Official Documents, Properties.”
The government said it had observed that some civil servants continued to remain in office and operate in official capacities after reaching their statutory retirement period.
According to the circular, such conduct was a “negation to the reputation of the Civil Service of Kano State,” noting that the service had a long-standing tradition of ensuring seamless transition by retiring civil servants.
It described the continued stay in service after retirement as a direct infraction and aberration of relevant provisions of the State Civil Service Rules and other applicable service regulations.
The government stressed that it was legally and administratively untenable for any officer to remain in service or perform official functions beyond the statutory limit.
Consequently, all civil servants who had retired either by age or length of service were directed to immediately exit and hand over all official documents, government property and duties to their immediate subordinates in their respective ministries, departments and agencies.
The circular also directed all Accounting Officers, including Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives, as well as Directors of Administration and Personnel Management, to ensure strict and immediate compliance with the directive.
It warned that any officer found aiding, abetting or condoning the continued stay of a retired officer in service would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.
The directive takes immediate effect, the circular stated.
Headlines
Kano Settles N32bn Pension, Gratuity Liabilities, Says Gov Yusuf
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf says his administration has settled approximately N32 billion out of the N48 billion inherited backlog of gratuities and related liabilities owed to retirees in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gov Yusuf disclosed this on Thursday while addressing residents at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano.
The governor said the government had also sustained the regular payment of monthly pensions while increasing the minimum monthly pension from N5,000 to N20,000.
He said the welfare of workers and pensioners remained a priority of his administration, citing timely payment of salaries, improved remuneration and measures aimed at strengthening the public service.
According to him, the state has maintained the practice of paying workers’ salaries on or before the 25th of every month while implementing the N71,000 minimum wage for civil servants.
Gov Yusuf also said his administration was sponsoring public servants for professional training, including programmes at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), to strengthen their administrative and leadership capacity.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a professional and motivated workforce, while ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of serving workers and retirees were recognised and treated with dignity.
