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Why Kano power project is yet to be completed–Water resources minister
Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo
The Federal Government has explained that the ongoing Kano state independent power project could not be completed because the state government has not specified the amount of water it needs to power the plant from Tiga Dam.
Kano Focus reports that the Tiga and Challawa hydro-power plants, which were designed to collectively generate about 35 mega watts of electricity, were initiated by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in 2013 at the cost of N14 billion.
In October 2019, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had said his government was trying to secure a permission for the use of Tiga Dam from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources before the project could be completed.
The governor had explained that when completed, the 10 megawatt capacity Tiga project would “take care of the industrial sector of the state”.
“Our state will bounce back to its industrial might. These 10 megawatts, as we mentioned will take care of our industries and street lights in the metropolis.
“Our priority is to make sure that problem of electricity supply is washed aside. When investment will also thrive in the state. We are simply creating more enabling environment for businesses to bounce back. Other small businesses will also thrive and that will go a long way in addressing unemployment problem among our people,” he had said.
“We are about to get that permission from federal government. We are in touch with the federal Ministry of Water Resources. So very soon this project will see the light of the day,” Mr Ganduje added.
However, in a phone interview with KANO FOCUS on Tuesday, Suleiman Adamu, the Minister of Water Resources, said an agreement would soon be reached with the Kano government once it provided details of its water requirement from the Tiga Dam.
Mr Adamu said they are currently waiting for the state government to respond to a set of guidelines issued by his ministry before getting the required amount of water supply from Tiger Dam for the power station.
’’There are rules and procedures for using dams, you must be sure that the amount of water that will be for consumption purpose is safe, then the issue of irrigation should be taking into consideration and then you talk of generating power. In fact you need to know how many litters or gallons you need, so this is what we are waiting from Kano state government’’ he said.
“I was informed recently that, the state government has already sent a letter to us indicating that they have agree to all the terms and guidelines.
“I also visited the independent power station site as you said the project is about 80 to 90 percent completion stage.
“So any moment from now we can meet and sign the agreement. As soon as that is achieved, we can give them water, but we will make sure our irrigation and water supply systems are not affected,” the minister added.
Mr Adamu also debunked rumors that the federal government is planning to privatize all dams across the country.
Headlines
“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.
Headlines
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.
