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Rationale Behind Queen Elizabeth Endorsment Of Ganduje’s Education Policy

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Queen Of England

 

 

By​ Malam Muhammad Garba

 

Gearing up to the re-opening of schools as the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic gradually dies down, Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Sunday, August 30, displayed his unwavering passion for good governance when he distributed over N880,922,432,38 to Community Promotion Council (CPC), across​ the 44 Local Government Areas of the state for the rehabilitation of primary schools. The CPC was mandated to ensure that the work is done within a period of three weeks.

 

During the elaborate ceremony held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Ganduje who spoke before eminent dignitaries and stakeholders in the education sector who came from across the globe, assured that his administration would continue to finance education being the​ bedrock for societal development. He emphasized that, “it is because of the importance we attach to this sector that our budgetary provision for education is over 26 percent.”

Governor Ganduje’s Free Primary Education Policy Laughable -Doguwa

In that occasion, each Local Government branch of CPC received the sum of​ N20 Million​ for the renovation of selected primary schools across the state. There is no gainsaying the fact that the Ganduje’s administration has demonstrated the political will to ensure that every child in Kano state has unhindered access to basic education.

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Queen Elizabeth hails the scenario duirng the distribution

This explians the reason why there is high level of community participation towards the development of education in the state, as good spirited Kano citizens who have the interest of the state at heart have continued to show support to Ganduje’s giant strides in the education sector.

 

Governor Ganduje’s zeal and passion to develop education in Kano state is highly showcased in the​ budgetary allocation in 2020 which is well over 26 percent, of which five percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and five percent of the Local Government statutory allocation are part of it.

More so, the entire size of the Education Trust Fund are judiciously being invested for what it is meant for. The Ganduje’s administration​ is making all this effort to ensure that the Kano child has quality education.

 

It is, however, important to note that education development is a must for the overall development of our state. The state government is also making good use of​ the Federal Statutory​ funds and other grants from development partners for the development of primary and basic education which has been long declared free and compulsory in the state.

 

One will, however, not be surprised at the avalanche of accolades and praises coming from notable world leaders who have sincerely hailed Ganduje’s giant strides in education sector. Apart from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu, who at different fora, in recent times, blew Ganduje’s trumpet over his uncommon achievements in education, several other world leaders and representatives of International NGOs and development partners, such as DFID, UNICEF, World Bank, among others,​ have also continued to show their appreciation and admiration to Ganduje’s style of leadership and dispensation of democratic dividends, overwhelmingly, in the education sector.

 

Indeed, Ganduje’s revolution in the basic and secondary school education sector has earned him commendations from all over the world. Countries such as the United Arab​ Emirates, France, United States of America (USA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,​ among others have indicated their interest to work with Kano state government​ towards the success of this project.

 

No wonder that at the ceremony last Sunday, one of the foremost world leaders,​ the Queen of England, Elizabeth 11, commended Ganduje’s effort in education, describing the commitment as encouraging and commendable.The Queen who spoke through the representative of the Department for International Development (DFID), Nafisa Ado, said, “Kano is really doing well in protecting the rights of children with her free and compulsory primary and secondary education policy. On behalf of Her Majesty, the Queen of England, we are commending Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for investing rightly in education.

 

“We will consistently partner with the state government in this direction.

While we strengthen the capacity of our communities through our education and governance programs, we shall maintain our support to the state. The Queen of England will continue its support. From 31 August, the name DFID will be replaced by FCDO. That is the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.” and Queen Elizabeth tesitifies to that

 

Recall that in the first week of September last year,​ stakeholders in the basic education sector across the globe gathered at Coronation Hall, Kano Government House where the two-day Stakeholders Summit on Free and Compulsory Basic Education took place.Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu; former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, top politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign ambassadors and representatives of the international community were present at the epoch-making event, which kick-started the revolution being witnessed in the basic and primary education sector.

 

Few months ago, the funding component of the Free and Compulsory Basic and Secondary Education in the state was​ launched at the Sani Abacha Stadium Indoor Sports Hall. During that event, Ganduje distributed cash to over 110,000 schools across the state designed to enable them build capacity and​

human resource development.

 

Governor Ganduje also​ distributed 790 Digital Classroom All Inclusive Empowerment Solution​ and Tablets to 728 teachers, 39 Master Teachers, nine Senior Secondly School Officers and 14​

Principal Officers. The programme​

was aimed at capacity building towards free and compulsory education on School​

Development​ Plan (SDP) and ICT appreciation​ for directors and zonal​

education directors.

 

Moreso, the free and compulsory basic and secondary education policy has necessitated​ massive rehabilitation and construction of new class rooms, provision of instructional materials, training and restraining of teachers,​ provision of water, toilets and electricity in schools and strengthening of our Institutions quality assurance.

 

In line with the free and compulsory basic and secondary school education policy, Ganduje’s administration has commenced direct funding of primary and secondary schools numbering 1180 with a total students population of 834, 366 at a total cost of about N200 million per month or N2.4 billion per annum. Furthermore, ​ Ganduje has budgeted N357 million to take care of free-feeding for pupils​ in primary four to six classes in all​

primary schools across the state.

 

Similarly, government has provided school

uniforms to 779, 522 newly enrolled pupils (boys and girls) at the total cost of N381 million. Governor Ganduje flagged off the distribution of the school uniforms and other instructional materials at Mariri Special Primary School in Kumbotso Local Government Area last year. In a bid to reduce teaching deficiency in the education sector, the state government has engaged 3000 volunteer teachers to teach in the various public and Qu’ranic schools across the state.

 

The most beautiful aspect of Ganduje’s policy on free and compulsory basic education is the re-modeling of the Almajiri education system. About 650 special teachers have been recruited by the Ganduje’s administration to teach the Almajiris English, Mathematics and other conventional subjects even as they​

continue with Quranic education. Today in Kano, Almajiris who hitherto flood the streets in tattered clothes are now provided with free school​ uniforms and instructional materials to learn in school just like their peers. This has not only solved the problem of nuisance ​ constituted by the Almajiris when they roam the street begging during school hours, it will also change the worldviews of these hapless children and at the end, give them a sense of belonging in the society. ​

 

Already, Kano state government has commenced the streamlining of about 13, 619 Ouaranic schools with 2.5 million pupils across the state and integrate them into the free and compulsory education programme. The state government has also set up Quaranic and Islamiyyah Schools Management Board.

 

There is nogainsaying the fact that the implementation of free and compulsory basic and secondary education in the state for all children has reached commendable stage. Though very expensive, considering the huge amount of money involved, Ganduje believes that there is no better time to lay strong foundation for the future of Kano children, than now; and this must be done by ensuring that every Kano child has unhindered access to free and compulsory education.

 

This explains why he made it a cardinal aspect of his policy thrust in the Next Level agenda of his administration. During his inaugural speech on May 29, 2019, he promised Kano parents that they will no longer spend money​on purchasing uniforms, learning materials, feeding during school hours and​ school fees for their children. All that they need to do is to encourage their​ children to go to school and learn. This promise has been fulfilled by Governor Ganduje.

 

Today in Kano, compulsory, free primary and bssic education policy has become a success story. Indeed, there is no better way to build a better future and ensure that tomorrow will be better than today for our children who are no doubt leaders of the generation to come,​ than to create a solid foundation that is built on the bedrock of quality and qualitative education policy that can stand the test of time. This is Ganduje’s goal—- a goal he is pursuing with passion, a goal he is getting. Now that this policy has received the blessings and commendation of the revered Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, Governor Ganduje is encouraged to do, even more.

For Queen Elizabeth II that has been on the throne for long its a welcome development, Queen Elizabeth II will continue to prosper in her effort, Queen Elizabeth II

Garba is the Commissioner for Information, Kano State.

Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

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This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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Opinion

Barau’s Failed Strategy Again, By Adnan Mukhtar

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Adnan Mukhtar T Wada

There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “the mighty oak falls, while the flexible willow survives.” This saying implies that even the strong and mightiest can fall or fail, while the seemingly weak and insignificant remain standing. The secret to this does not lie in egoistic tendencies, machiavellian plots or deploying attack dogs to undertake one’s biddings. It lies in humility, adaptability and resilience, reminding us that true strength lies not in external power, but in internal flexibility and determines willingness to recognise and heed proper advice when given one.

I initially hesitated to respond to the rejoinder on my article about Senator Barau’s poor political strategy. However, I’ve decided to address it for two key reasons: to provide further clarification on the senator’s strategy and to set the record straight that my opinions are entirely my own, unbiased and uninfluenced by any external sponsorship.

But first, I will like to correct the character (or is it writer)’s tendency in quoting Quranic verses to hoodwink people gullibly. No true Muslim ever denies that it is Allah the supreme that gives power, but it is the Holy Quran itself that emphasises the importance of human action and responsibility.

For instance, Surah As-Saff Ayat 14 states that Allah helps those who help themselves, highlighting the need for human effort in achieving success. This verse shows that quoting Quranic verses to deceive innocent people doesn’t change the reality that our actions have consequences.

Additionally, Quran 13:11, says that Allah won’t change a people’s condition unless they change themselves. This verse underscores the importance of personal agency and reform.

It’s also essential to recognize that the Quran encourages reasoning and critical thinking. Quran 18:54 reminds us that humans are prone to disputes, but we should strive for constructive arguments, appealing to reason and acknowledging the truth.

These and many teachings of the Quran demonstrates that quoting Quranic verses to deceive others is misguided and doesn’t align with the principles of Islam. Attack dogs should be wary of how they throw our revered religion into the fray of greed.

Now to the crux of the matter, I’d like to first correct the character who responded to my article. The title of my piece is, “Senator Barau and his poor political strategy.” But by conveniently omitting the word “poor” while making reference to the article, I will think that they did not read the article comprehensively because they were in a rush to collect their little share of the national cake.

Those familiar with me in the media space and beyond can attest that I’m an independent thinker with unwavering ambition. Despite Senator Barau being old enough to be my father, I take pride in speaking truth to power, unafraid to challenge the status quo.

I have been writing and publishing articles in the national dailies since a year after completing my IJMB programme at Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, some 15 years ago. My digital footprint is there on the internet, the pseudonyms who were sponsored to write the rejoinders know this better.

My independent mind prompted my ambition to contest for election in 2019 and to aspire for the same office in 2022. I’m a media consultant with clients from different sectors and a university lecturer, I’m therefore too big to be sponsored by any individual for pecuniary interest much less one that involves Barau. The allegations are not only shallow but myopic and defensive in the absence of any substantial argument to counter the fact that indeed Barau’s political strategy is very poor!

That is why I found the rejoinder taken too personal, failing to address the issues raised. This has proven the title of my article referring to Senator Barau as a politician with a poor strategy from day one. The strategy he is using to respond to me is in itself a failed one.

It’s baffling that a supposedly seasoned politician like Senator Barau would engage in a pointless battle with someone from his own Senatorial District simply to further his ambitions of becoming Kano’s governor. Considering his confrontational history with humble appointees like Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, I question his ability to handle a formidable opponent like Murtala Sule Garo. Not only do they hail from the same local government, but Garo also boasts a broader support base and superior people mobilisation skills.

What’s more, Garo wields significant influence over the party structure in Barau’s own backyard, which is precisely why Barau seeks to oust Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman. However, this move overlooks the fact that a former governor leads the party in the state, where there is currently no serving governor.

People like Abubakar Kabir Bichi and Engineer Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly are both grassroots politicians who were forces to reckon with in Barau’s 2023 election. He has been winning elections in this area because of the calibre of people in Kano North who are mostly of the APC.

The sponsored pseudonym accused me of not appreciating the role of destiny in Senator Barau’s ambition forgetting that it was the same Barau who displayed his desperation to convince the President to sack Abdullahi Gwarzo after not consulting any party official including Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at a time the former Minister scored 79 in his assessment scorecard. The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination will testify to this.

It was said that he did all the maneuvering to test his strength within the APC, it is evident that his little supporters are boasting of this but where is their faith in destiny when you are struggling to see the sacking of someone that did nothing to you?

Garba said and I quote “It is on record that since he ventured into politics, he has maintained a decent image devoid of rancour, acrimony or ill feelings towards others”.

Is it, not the same Barau and his people that were calling Murtala Sule Garo and the former Minister Gwarzo names shortly after the sack? Your people were even mocking him after he was removed boasting that their leader has come of age. Did Barau call any to order?

When people were trooping from the nook and crannies of Kano to sympathise with ATM Gwarzo, Barau was nowhere to be found, apparently due to his guilty conscience.

I have cautioned the Distinguished Senator to stop creating unnecessary enemies for himself in the zone he comes from. The Kano North is a no-go area for the NNPP, he should understand that even if you nominate 3 Ministers from Kano Central, they can’t defeat Senator Kwankwaso’s NNPP.

Kwankwaso is the strong man of Kano politics and is in full control of the Kano Central and Kano South. His only threat is the Kano North because of the aforementioned stakeholders.

Senator Barau should apply a new strategy of uniting party members by working together without plotting evil against anyone.

The defectors that he boasts of receiving, claiming that he is giving APC more strength is nothing short of a Kannywood movie in full glare. He should tell me any serious and grassroots supporter he has so far welcomed to the APC other than Kannywood actors and Tik Tokers in their desperation to collect their share of the National Cake ‘Awanki Gara’.

It’s evident that Barau is lacking in political strategy, people who lack that will be committing blunders at the helm of the affairs of Kano. It will be suicidal to elect a man of his calibre to govern a mega state like Kano.

The pseudonym boasts that the position of Deputy President of the Senate is bigger than the office of a governor. A whole governor? The Chief Security of Officer of a whole state? This writer should check his head again.

Kano needs someone who will be serious with governance, who will bring and attract investors not from receiving Tiktokers and Kannywood actors to receiving Nollywood and Bollywood actors at the Africa House.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed!

Adnan is a political commentator, he writes from Abuja

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