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POST-COVID-19: UNDP, WFP, Japan Launched Unconditional Cash Transfer Programme In Kano

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Danliti Ibrahim

To cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kano state, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with World Food Programme (WFP), Japan and European Union (EU) launched unconditional cash transfer in Kano, with 9,600 families and 2500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as beneficiaries from the state.

The kick-off of the programme marks the beginning of SDG Week in Kano, that will be featuring the distribution of 200 hospital beds with their accessories, (mattresses, side drawers, pillows with cases, etc), 2 Ambulances and 20,000 KN-95 face masks, to health facilities, among others.

Ganduje organises special Prayer Against COVID-19

Resident Representative of the UNDP, Muhammad Yahaya, who spoke during the occasion at Africa House, Government House, Kano, Monday, said the programme was aimed at helping those badly affected by the pandemic.

While revealing that, “The UNDP through the ONE UN COVID-19 Basket Fund is supporting communities…deeply impacted by COVID-19 to cushion the effect of the pandemic through stepped-up action to protect the very vulnerable,” he commends governor Ganduje for his effort in providing palliatives to the vulnerable.

“It is gratifying to note that, 9,600 families and 2 500 SMEs will benefit from this programme, with N460 Million in Kano state alone. As part of the total sum N13b earmarked for the country,” he discloses.

Referring to Kano’s effort in taming COVID-19 pandemic, Yahaya appreciated that, “Kano was, at a time, becoming the epicenter of the pandemic, but due to diligent effort by the Governor with this lieutenants, the state emerged victorious against the pandemic.”

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Explaining further that “History has it that, Kano overcame many challenges before. As such Kano will at the same time came victorious against the pandemic.”

He commended European Union (EU), “…for the generosity, Embassies of Japan and Canada, Dangote, Melinda and Gates Foundation, among others in their efforts in facing all the challenges of the pandemic.

Appreciating governor Ganduje’s effort and political will to cushion the effect of the pandemic, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, hinted, through virtual link that her office is working very hard to see to the development of the state.

“We are currently working at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Specialist Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Hospital. We will continue to do our best to see that we achieve all MDG goals. While supporting you all the time,” she said.

Ambassador of the European Union who also joins the discussion virtually, Ketil Karlsen, commended governor Ganduje for the political will accorded to the partnership.

In his remarks, governor Ganduje assured that the tempo with which the state fought the pandemic would be sustained, emphasising that, “We will continue doing our best to cushion the effect of COVID-19.”

He said “Over 300, 000 households in 484 Wards, across the 44 local governments in the state, benefited from the palliatives given to members of the public.

This is in addition to the consignment of food items sent by the federal government which had also been distributed to the less privileged citizens to reduce the hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Assuring that, his administration would continue doing it’s best in partnering with development partners and other stakeholders.

 

Appreciating further that, “The government of Kano state is indeed grateful and feel strengthened by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) nomination of Kano state as the Zonal hub for consultations on SDGs and Social Protection, which my Special Adviser on MDGs, Habib Yahaya Hotoro, is Focal Coordinator for the office.”

In his special recognition and commendation of the cash transfer, governor Ganduje maintained that, it was a great pleasure for him and a source of joy for the people of Kano that, “…today we are launching this laudable programme which targets the vulnerable through the transfer of monetary benefits to the poor households to enable them meet some of their basic needs.

In a statement by Governor Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary Abba Anwar said the targeted cash transfers to the poor represents a formidable and effective tool not only in combating poverty but also in addressing inequality and promoting socio-economic development.”

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Holds Exclusive Prerogative to Choose Deputy – Malam Inuwa Waya

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Malam Inuwa Waya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has reaffirmed that the constitutional prerogative to appoint a new Deputy Governor rests solely with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Malam Waya cautioned against undue interference from individuals on social media who have been attempting to dictate the Governor’s choice following the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.

“It is only Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who has the prerogative to choose his deputy. People should stop coming to social media to tell him who to appoint. The constitution does not mandate him to select from any particular zone; it is entirely his decision,” Malam Waya stated.

He further explained that while political balancing may encourage consideration of candidates from Kano North or South since the Governor hails from Kano Central, such arrangements remain political strategies rather than constitutional requirements.

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Malam Waya also commended Governor Yusuf’s infrastructural strides, noting that within two years, the administration has revived water projects, advanced public-private partnerships in power, and accelerated development across education, agriculture, and investment.

“The Governor has revived the glory of Kano. With the infrastructure projects ongoing, it will be an easy sail for all of us as we prepare for 2027. He has put Kano first, and that is what matters,” he said.

On the issue of inclusivity, Malam Waya emphasized that all stakeholders, including former APC members, are being carried along in governance. He urged the people of Kano to unite behind the Governor’s vision.

“We, the old APC members, have no problem with Governor Yusuf. We are knit together in Kano, and our priority is Kano first, not any individual. The Governor knows who he will pick as his deputy, and we trust his judgment,” he concluded.

Malam Waya also extended prayers for the acceptance of Ramadan fasting and congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Kano for celebrating Sallah peacefully.

 

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ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

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Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

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Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

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