Headlines
61 Inmates Memorise Holy Qur’an in Kano Prison
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, has recorded another milestone in its inmate rehabilitation programme, with 61 inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kurmawa, completing the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Public Relations Officer of the command, Misbahu Lawan Kofar Nassarawa, disclosed this in a statement, saying the achievement underscores the Service’s commitment to inmate reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
According to the statement, the graduating class comprised 55 male and six female inmates, many of whom had little or no prior knowledge of complete Qur’anic recitation before they were admitted to the custodial facility.
The command said the inmates attained full memorisation of the Holy Qur’an through structured religious instruction, discipline and dedication, describing the feat as evidence of the transformative impact of faith-based rehabilitation programmes.
To mark the occasion, the Nigerian Correctional Service, in collaboration with the Chokali Humanitarian Foundation, presented welfare packages to the graduates.
Each inmate received new clothing, mattresses, blankets and financial support to encourage personal development and facilitate successful reintegration into society after release.
The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf Lakpene, commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for promoting educational, vocational and moral development programmes across custodial centres nationwide.
Mr Lakpene said such initiatives equip inmates with the knowledge, skills and values required to become responsible and productive citizens after serving their sentences.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibrahim Rambo, expressed appreciation to the Kano State Command and the Chokali Humanitarian Foundation for supporting the rehabilitation programme.
He described the Qur’an graduation ceremony as a demonstration of effective leadership, collaboration and the Service’s commitment to holistic inmate development.
Also speaking, Professor Aliyu Haruna praised the Correctional Service for its sustained efforts to transform inmates through meaningful rehabilitation programmes.
He said faith-based interventions play an important role in preparing inmates to return to society as responsible and law-abiding citizens.
Chairperson of the Kano State Prerogative of Mercy Committee, Hajiya Azumi Namadi Bebeji, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving inmate welfare.
She commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support for inmates across custodial centres in Kano State.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, CSC Mohammed Ali Kibiya, congratulated the 61 graduates and urged them to sustain the discipline, moral values and spiritual growth they acquired during the programme.
He also encouraged inmates to continue praying for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.
The event featured special prayers led by the Custodial Chaplain, DSC Mohammed Alkanawy, and the Chief Imam, Imam Nasiru Abdu, who prayed for the inmates, the Nigerian Correctional Service and the nation.
Dan Ruwatan Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Ado Bayero, presented certificates to the 61 graduates in recognition of their successful completion of the Qur’anic memorisation programme.
The Kano State Command reiterated its commitment to promoting public safety through education, vocational training, moral guidance and faith-based rehabilitation programmes designed to facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
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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