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Kano extends MoU with Dangote, Bill Gates on routine immunisation
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state Executive Council has approved the extension of the health programme Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government, Bill and Melinda Gates and Aliko Dangote Foundations.
KANO FOCUS reports that The state commissioner for information, Muhammad Garba announced this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the weekly council meeting.
Garba stated that the MoU, which followed the significant progress achieved in the programme, is aimed at improving Routine Immunisation (RI) services in the state with focus on optimizing vaccine availability at service delivery points, among others.
The commissioner further announced that the council has approved MoU between the state government and Medina Academy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the physical teacher training of 5, 000 teachers at Madina, students’ courses and establishment of virtual classes.
He explained that the state government would be responsible for providing return air tickets, visas, training allowance to the first batch of 50 teachers that will attend the intensive training in Madina before Ramadan.
Garba said the council has also approved the sum of N500, 000 million as counterpart fund for the implementation of a six year World Bank assisted project tagged: Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).
He said the project is aimed at increasing the adoption of climate resilience landscape management practices and enhance livelihood in targeted arid and semi-arid watersheds in northern Nigeria.
The project according to the commissioner is being at the federal ministry of environment and the state ministry of environment at the states level to consolidate the achievements recorded under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project in Kano.
Garba added that approval has also been given by council for the release of N94, 922, 380.00 million to facilitate the settlement of rent stores and garage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2020 and 2021.
The commissioner revealed that the council has given approval for the ratification of various administrative approvals that included contract for the completion of dualized 5km road network in Tofa local government; construction of roads network at Dawanau town in Dawakin Tofa local government.
Others are ratification of award of contract for the reconstruction of Dawakin Tofa-Kiyawa Road; release of fund for the training of healthcare personnel and refund on stamp duty and educational support fund; contract for internet service renewal and annual maintenance of ICT equipment and deployment of Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) software at Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital.
The rest are engagement of consultant for the supervision of the proposed Kano state Fibre Optics Network Project; procurement of firefighting operational vehicles; maintenance of 12 selected metropolitan roads; contract for management and maintenance of street lightening, fountain and landscape area of Dangi interchange, purchase of one unit 350 KVA MIKANO generator.
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NUJ urges Kano residents to support task force on drug abuse
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
Headlines
Governor Yusuf swears in six commissioners, three advisers, 19 permanent secretaries
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Headlines
Kano Cabinet Reshuffle: Waiya Moves from Information to Youths and Sports Ministry
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
