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Ajrena Foods commissions Peanut Processing Facility in Kano
Aminu Abdullahi
In a major stride toward strengthening agricultural development and economic growth in Kano State, the state government has formally participated in the commissioning of Ajrena Foods Limited, a peanut-processing company built to meet international standards while creating lasting economic benefits for local farmers and communities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, marked the official launch of the company’s operations.
The facility was established with the support of Propcom+, an initiative funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking at the occasion, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Danjuma Mahmud represented by Coordinator special agro processing zone SAPZ Kano Aminu Iliyasu described the factory as a catalyst for further industrial investment in the state.
He noted that the facility would play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural value chain through modern technology and innovation, with significant potential for job creation, increased revenue generation, and expanded market access for local products.
Iliyasu urged all stakeholders to ensure the factory operates at full capacity and consistently produces high-quality products that can compete globally.
He further revealed that under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abba K. Yusuf, the state is reviving its groundnut processing industry through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. As part of the initiative, a dedicated Agricultural Transformation Center (ATC) is set to be developed in Dawanau, Dawakin Tofa LGA, for the aggregation and primary processing of groundnuts.
Additionally, a state-of-the-art Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) is proposed for Bagauda in Bebeji LGA, which will handle final processing of crops such as groundnuts, rice, tomatoes, and sesame.
Dr. Adiya Ode, Political Director and Team Lead at Propcom Plus, stated that the organization partnered with Ajrena Foods by providing both financial support and technical assistance in building the facility and establishing a robust local supply chain. She emphasized the company’s impact in creating opportunities for local farmers to benefit directly from the facility.
Ajrena Foods Executive Director Ajay Ramnani shared that the company’s first outgrower scheme, launched in 2024, trained over 1,000 farmers primarily women and youth in best agricultural practices, with inputs provided and product traceability established from farm to factory. This, he said, ensures the company exceeds global standards and helps rebuild rural prosperity, aiming to restore Kano’s historic reputation for its iconic “groundnut pyramids.”
Mr. Ramnani added that the facility will focus on peanut cleaning and the production of Nutzy-coated peanut snacks.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from the industrial, federal, and state sectors, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agro-industrial advancement.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Sports Commission has congratulated Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya on his redeployment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission described the redeployment as a welcome development, reflecting the confidence reposed in Waiya’s leadership ability, administrative experience and commitment to public service.
In a statement issued on Saturday, by the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Zulfa’at Abubakar Rano, the Chairman of the Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, expressed confidence that Waiya would bring his wealth of experience to bear on youth and sports development in the state.
Waiya was previously the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs before his redeployment in the minor cabinet reshuffle announced by the governor.
Babangida said the new commissioner’s experience in public service, communication, policy implementation and stakeholder engagement would contribute to advancing the ministry’s objectives and strengthening the sports sector.
He also pledged the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry to promote grassroots sports, identify and nurture emerging talents, empower young people and improve Kano’s competitiveness in national and international sporting activities.
The chairman stressed that effective collaboration between the ministry and the commission would be crucial to achieving sustainable growth in the sports sector and creating more opportunities for youth participation and development.
He wished Waiya a successful tenure, expressing optimism that his appointment would bring innovation and further progress to youth and sports development in Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
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