Headlines
Kano govt sets up task force to reclaim illegal iccupation of Kwankwasiyya housing estates
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has constituted a Special Task Force to reclaim and secure government-owned residential properties illegally occupied by unidentified individuals in Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo cities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the move followed concerns expressed by the state government over the unlawful takeover of several houses within the estates, which were originally developed for public use.
Approval for the constitution of the Task Force was granted by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, in line with his administration’s commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring their optimal utilisation for the benefit of the people.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, said the prolonged inability of previous administrations to fully utilise the properties created room for illegal occupation across various phases of the estates. He noted that the present administration has resolved to put the houses to proper use, making it imperative to reclaim them without further delay.
The SSG assured that the exercise would be conducted in a civil, orderly and humane manner, stressing that there would be no witch-hunting or victimisation of affected persons.
Members of the Task Force were selected based on their professional competence, experience and commitment to the socio-economic wellbeing of Kano State. The Task Force is chaired by Major Abubakar Usman (Rtd), with representatives drawn from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Housing, Housing Corporation, Kano State Investment and Properties, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Hisbah Board, Neighbourhood Watch, KAROTA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant agencies.
According to the terms of reference, the Task Force is mandated to issue time-bound eviction notices to all illegal occupants, profile and document those occupying the properties unlawfully, ensure full government possession of the affected houses and recommend the deployment of adequate security personnel across the estates.
Responding on behalf of members, the Chairman of the Task Force, Major Abubakar Usman (Rtd), pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment diligently and transparently. He assured that occupants would be given adequate time to remove their personal belongings within the approved timeframe, adding that any challenges encountered would be promptly referred to the Office of the SSG.
Major Usman appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the assignment and thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the Task Force.
The Kano State Government has called on members of the public to support the exercise, emphasising that it is aimed at protecting public assets, restoring order and strengthening accountability in the management of government housing estates.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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