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Opinion: Between KAROTA and Kano motorists
Adnan Tudunwada
Since his assumption of office, Baffa Babba Danagundi has proven his capacity of bringing developmental reforms to the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA).
KAROTA was established by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in 2012 to sanitize the roads by ensuring every vehicle owner and road users in the state abide by the law.
It is a fact that the roads in Kano are becoming sanitized as vehicle owners gradually strive to abide by traffic rules, unlike in the past, when total recklessness was the order of the day, with accidents occurring almost on a daily basis.
The pioneer Managing Director of KAROTA Mohammed Diggol had done so much in bringing this institution to limelight.
The introduction of road markings to control traffic by KAROTA has helped motorists to exercise caution not to breach traffic rules while driving just as drivers are also forced to acquire valid licenses and vehicle particulars. Those found breaching these rules are fined thousands of naira to serve as deterrent to others. .
All the other former heads of KAROTA namely Mustapha Hamza Buhari Bakwana, AIG Mohammed Hadi Zarewa and Arch. Ibrahim Garba Kabara had equally brought developments to the agency just the current managing director Mr Dan-Agundi is also making commendable efforts in further re-shaping the agency for effectiveness.
Mr Danagundi, has proven to the citizens of Kano that no one is above the law through his seeming abhorrence for nepotism.
I met the KAROTA boss last Friday to lodge a complaint against an operative who treated me unjustly.
While I was with him, a case was brought of how a top government official sent someone to secure the release of a motorist who engaged a KAROTA personnel in a fist fight after he, the motorist, was arrested for breaking traffic rules.
Mr Dan-Agundi told the civil servant who wanted to seek favour that the offender must be punished for breaching traffic rules.
The MD gave me other examples of how top politicians and government usually support offenders, pointing that the law should not spare anyone.
He also narrated how his own sister committed a traffic offence and called him to intervene after she was arrested, but he flatly refused, telling her instead to pay the prescribed fines.
Mr Danagundi told me that he did all these to set an example that would give the KAROTA personnel the courage and motivation to do their work effectively without any fear or favour.
To understand the success achieved by the road agency, I think one should imagine KAROTA personnel staying off our roads for just 48 hours. Certainly, the messy accidents, recklessness and madness that would ensue would be incredible.
However, while citizens need to encourage KAROTA, Mr Dan-Agundi should also pay attention to the allegations of bribe-taking, extortion and assault of motorists against some personnel of the agency especially on the outskirts of Kano city.
I believe the MD of KAROTA should organize a workshop for his personnel to further enlighten them on how to conduct their duties professionally and safely, while also considering constant training for the traffic officials.
KAROTA officials need training on how to approach and talk to drivers and clarify offences committed in a professional manner. This will earn the personnel respect from even the most recalcitrant driver.
I came across a KAROTA official who insulted me and my profession, thinking he would go scot-free but I reported him to the MD, who summoned him and demanded explanations from him. The official was eventually found at fault and Mr Dan-Agundi, immediately formed a committee to investigate the matter.
Such rude personnel who bring disgrace to the traffic agency due to their penchant for bribe-taking, arrogant and abuse of authority should not have a place at KAROTA under Mr Dan-Agundi’s leadership.
Adnan Tudunwada, a media personality can be reached at adnanmukhtaradam@gmail.com or @adnanmoukhtar on Twitter.
Aminu Abdullahi
The adolescent girls initiative for learning and empowerment AGILE has been described as a major catalyst to educational development.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umaru, made the indication while receiving AGILE team in his palace.
According to him, Kano has witnessed significant progress in girl child education facilitated by AGILE, hence the need for traditional institutions and relevant stakeholders to contribute their quota to achieve the desired objectives.
He noted that, Rano Emirate has been at the forefront of ensuring enrollment retention and completion of girls education through various initiatives.
The emir called on the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) to upgrade the girls school in his community.
The monarch said, the school, located beside the palace, requires expansion to accommodate a larger number of students.
The traditional ruler suggested that AGILE should visit the school to assess its condition, saying that, relocating the school to a bigger location had been earlier considered.
In his remarks the permanent secretary Kano state ministry of education Alhaji Bashir Baffa explained that, they were at the palace to seek for support and blessings form the royal father.
He said, AGILE has fostered an enabling environment for girls through promoting behavioral changes through communication campaigns engagement with traditional rulers and advocacy.
He maintained that, the team has embarked on advocacy visits to all relevant stakeholders at community and state levels on the importance of girls education.
Alhaji Baffa hinted that the state government had declared a state of emergency on education, hence the need for the traditional institution to contribute its quota to achieve the desired objectives.
He posited that, the team will visit the school to see possible ways of intervening for the development of education.
The permanent secretary also used the opportunity to condole Rano emirate over the killing of its indigenes in Uromi.
KANO FOCUS reports that, earlier the team has paid a similar visit to Karaye Emirate council as part of efforts to advocate for support from the traditional institution and relevant stakeholders.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, has successfully renovated over 1,300 senior and junior secondary schools in the state in the last three years.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner for education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed this during a visit to the Karaye Emirate on Tuesday.
He added that the AGILE program has enrolled more than 30,000 girls through targeted outreach, grants, and its Second Chance education initiative.
Makoda further revealed that the state government has finalized plan to construct 130 new schools in rural communities, with over 35,000 girls already benefiting from financial assistance under the scheme.
He urged the Karaye Emirate to lend full support to the program and prioritize girls’ education.
In his remarks, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Maharaz, pledged the emirate’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in Kano State.
He commended the state government and the commissioner for their dedication to the programme’s success.
“It is our collective responsibility to support this initiative,” the Emir stated, calling for measures to ensure beneficiaries complete their education with strong academic outcomes.
The commissioner’s delegation consist of the Kano State AGILE Project Coordinator, Malam Mujitapha Aminu and other members of State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU).
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
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