News
SMEDAN holds retreat for it’s board, management in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, has organized a retreat for it’s board and management staff in Kano.
Declaring the retreat open, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said his administration since inception till date has empowered over one million youths and women to improve their livelihoods.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Governor who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji said the youths and women were empowered in skills such as modern techniques, animal husbandry, automobile, sanitation vanguards, rice, tomatoes and wheat processing among others.
“the present administration of Kano State considers entrepreneurship support and youth development as top priority,” Ganduje noted.
In his address the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Maryam Yalwaji Katagum has described the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise, MSME sub-sector as the surest way to address the several agitations and tense security challenges across the country.
The Minister represented by her Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Babagana Alkali however maintained that for the sub-sector to to thrive well and address the challenges, there is need for an enabling environment.
According to her, “the recent report of the National Bureau of Statistics as reported on its website portrays a worrying picture of the rate of unemployment in the country. This is in spite of the strident efforts of government in implementing policies targeted at driving growth and creating employment.
“It is therefore obvious that the best way to arrest the above situation is to have a virile MSME sub-sector, possibly with special focus on youth and women.
“It will be recalled that the 2017 National Survey on MSMEs, jointly conducted by SMEDAN and National Bureau of Statistics, NBS revealed that we have over 41 million MSMEs in Nigeria. This figure represents over 80% of the total number of enterprises and accounts for 75% of Nigeria’s total employment base.
“Consequently, if we cannot create an enabling environment for this sub-sector to thrive, we will all suffer it’s negative consequences, mindful of the fact that Mr. President’s target of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty is largely hinged on the sub-sector.
“Therefore, in our collective effort towards stimulating a structured and efficient MSME sub-sector in Nigeria, there is the obvious need for all enablers to establish a mutual, but financial partnership that would provide the much sought after environment that is conducive for the sub-sector to thrive,” she said.
In his remarks, the Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, Dikko Umar Radda said Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Sector remains the engine for critical economic growth and poverty reduction globally.
Mr Radda noted the retreat would create enabling environment for stakeholders to hasten development of MSME’s sub sector and it’s growth.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
