Headlines
COVID-19: Ganduje asks civil servants to remain at home for 14 more days
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje on Monday directed civil servants to remain at home for 14 more days as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Ganduje gave the directive while receiving a report from the 40-member Kano COVID-19 Fund-raising committee under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK) Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello and co-chair Tajuddeen Dantata.
Mr Ganduje said the 14-day extension order became necessary following his determination to ensure that all proactive measures are put in place to avoid the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the ancient commercial city of Kano.
He also appealed to Kano residents to strictly adhere to directives from the federal ministry of health and the state government, especially observing social distance, washing hands regularly and stay-at-home order to avoid being infected with the dreaded virus.
“We are extending the stay-at-home break given to our workers in the state. Because it is evidently clear to all that Nigeria is still recording more cases, with the number of 5 deaths,” the governor revealed.
Mr Ganduje also maintained that the state’s border closure order remains in force, promising residents that his administration will do everything possible to combat the deadly virus in the state.
The governor commended the work and assured that very soon the committee would start distributing those items to the identified potential beneficiaries, who stand at 300,000 households and other special clusters like orphanage homes, as disclosed by the committee.
He revealed that he was satisfied with the distribution modalities proposed by the committee, and assured his maximum support.
While presenting the report, Muhammad Bello, said the total cash at hand that was already in the Committee’s bank account stands at N364,695,700.5k.
According to him individuals, groups and corporate organisations has donated foodstuffs, medical equipments, among others.
He disclosed that other segments of the society that made their contributions, include members of the National Assembly and their counterpart from the State Assembly, commissioners, corporate bodies, business community, other philanthropists among others.
Meanwhile, the governor also visited Sani Abacha Stadium where Dangote Foundation is constructing a 500-bed isolation centre.
The Centre is already 50 percent completed with 250 beds installed, while the remaining 250 beds would be ready by Tuesday, according to the Project Manager of Dangote Foundation, Sanusi AbdulKadir.
Mr Ganduje who spoke while sitting on one of the beds, said “I am not sitting on this bed because of any sickness. You all know that I am COVID-19 negative. I just want feel the comfort Dangote Foundation has made for those who are found positive. Which we are praying not to have.”
He reiterated the 3-Model strategy the state comes up with against the deadly disease of COVID-19, of Preventive, Curative and Palliative. Which he assured that the state would do everything possible to get the best out of all the three stages.
He thanked all those who made contributions, health workers, Clerics who are up and doing in praying for the state and the country, traditional institutions, all people who are doing their best to comply with advice given by health professionals, among others.
Kano state executive council had earlier directed civil servants to stay off office for 14 days as from Wednesday, March 25th as part of efforts to safeguard the lives of the people of the state and prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
