Headlines
I’m still a PDP member–Ganduje’s commissioner
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Sadiq Wali, the Kano state Commissioner for Water Resources has reiterated that he is still an active member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) despite his position in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Wali had raised eyebrows after his pictures emerged on social media platforms clutching a PDP membership card which he was said to have acquired alongside his father, Ambassador Aminu Wali, a former minister of foreign affairs and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, a former senator.
The trio was said to have acquired the opposition membership cards last Saturday reportedly to avoid being expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities.
The Kano PDP split
It could be recalled that the PDP in Kano state had split into two factions after the elder Wali–whose son Sadiq had attempted to contest for the 2019 governorship election in the state was–forced out of the race by Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, who anointed his protege, Abba Yusuf as the PDP’s candidate.
After Mr Ganduje defeated Mr Yusuf in the 2019 elections, the anti-Kwankwaso PDP faction, led by Yahaya Bagobiri visited and congratulated Mr Ganduje on his election as governor of the state.
According Mr Bagobiri, who led the delegation, their support for the APC was not against the interest of their own party.
“We did it in the open and also through the media. That our people should support governor Ganduje in his second term bid. Which we all did. What we did was simply efforts in strengthening democratic structures and principle of free and fair choice.
“With this victory Your Excellency, we can say Allah saved us, Kano and its people from that tyranny. This is what we have been yearning for Your Excellency. That was why we came in block and supported your candidature, which yields fruits at the end of the day,” Mr Bagobiri had said.
Other members of the delegation included Aminu Wali, Akilu Sani Indabawa and Bello Hayatu Gwarzo.
In his response, Mr Ganduje welcomed the opposition chieftains and invited them to participate in an “all inclusive government as a show of appreciation and respect for the harmonious working relationship between him and the ‘original PDP members’ in the state”.
‘We answered Ganduje’s call’
But in his reaction to the speculations, Mr Sadiq Wali told KANO FOCUS that he had never left the PDP even after his appointment as commissioner, noting that Mr Ganduje called them to build an inclusive government.
“It’s not good for you journalists to speculate on something that did not happen.
“When I was invited the Kano state government told us it will form an all inclusive government.
“I have never collected a membership card from any other political party apart from my own political party the PDP.
“If I wanted to join the APC it would not be a shame for me and I will announce it everywhere, but I’m not willing to do so.
“Soon after Governor Ganduje won the supreme court verdict, he reiterated that he wanted an all inclusive government. So, I don’t know why people are trying to create problems,” he said.
The commissioner however blamed the Kwankwasiyya movement (led by Mr Kwankwaso) for “bringing destruction and disintegration in the PDP”, forcing them to join the opposition APC.
“We have been maltreated by the Kwankwasiyya faction. It’s not fair to us. Now somebody has won and asked us to help him. Do you expect us to reject him,” he asked.
“I’m willing to help Governor Ganduje since he invited us to help him in his government because he has faith in me,” Mr Wali added.
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.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
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