In a decisive step to transform Kano State’s education sector, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has distributed 789,000 school uniforms to pupils in 7,092 public schools across the state’s 44 local government areas.

The initiative, described as a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to improve access to quality education, was announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, the distribution aims to create a dignified and inclusive learning environment for all children in the state.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to overhauling Kano’s education system.

“This is just the beginning, after providing these uniforms, we will continue to equip our schools with additional resources to improve learning conditions,” he said.

In addition to the uniforms, the state government has distributed 53,000 desks to schools, addressing infrastructure challenges that have hindered effective teaching and learning for years.

The initiative has been widely lauded as a game-changer for education in Kano, with stakeholders praising its potential to boost school enrollment, enhance retention, and instill a sense of pride and equality among pupils.

Governor Yusuf’s intervention reflects his administration’s resolve to leave no child behind in the pursuit of quality education, marking a new chapter for Kano’s education sector.

A retired army general, Ishola Williams, has lambasted northern leaders for their alleged inaction in addressing the region’s insecurity challenges.

The general’s criticism comes amid escalating concerns over terrorism, insurgency, and banditry in the North, which have led to widespread attacks and displacement of communities

Williams, in an interview with Sunday Punch, emphasized that the situation has spiralled out of control, with bandits now operating freely and controlling large areas in the North.

He argued that this is no longer just a matter of terrorism but a more complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach.

The retired general suggested that the military’s role should be focused on protecting the territorial integrity of the country rather than pursuing bandits, which is the responsibility of the Mobile Police.

He also advocated for the separation of National Paramilitary Force from the police service, recommending that it should be an independent entity.

Williams pointed out the claims of collusion between security agencies and bandits, saying, “Do they have the will to face the bandits and defeat them? For me, if they don’t have the will, it simply means they are useless.”

He emphasized that the military’s primary role is to protect the country’s territorial integrity, not to engage in internal counterterrorism operations.

Williams proposed strengthening paramilitary police forces, such as the mobile police, to combat insurgency effectively.

He criticized the reliance on the military to perform roles meant for specialized agencies and called for the restructuring of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The military is doing the job of the mobile police,” Williams said.

“The mobile police was created separately from the regular police, with a different uniform and training, to carry guns like soldiers and fight bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.”

Williams also addressed the political dimensions of insecurity, advocating for political solutions alongside military efforts. He suggested that releasing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and engaging regional leaders could quell unrest in the South-East. “The killings and attacks will stop if a political solution is found,” he asserted.

In the northern security crisis, Williams blamed governors for their inaction, particularly regarding the Almajiri system and the influence of traditional rulers. He cited instances of collaboration between traditional leaders and bandits, saying, “They (Governors) are not serious. If they can not take care of Almajiri, can they take care of the terrorists?

The President of MAAUN Group of Universities Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo has endorsed Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as AU Chairperson.

The African Union Commission election which is scheduled for February 2025 has 3 candidates vying for the Chairperson position which include Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Amolo Odinga of Kenya and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

In a courtesy call to Gwarzo in his office on Saturday, the Director of the Pan African School of Diplomacy Salifu Diouf said that they decided to visit him to appreciate his contribution to scholarship and the less privileged in Africa.

On his part, Professor Gwarzo who was once the President of the Protection Rights of Journalists in Africa used the opportunity to call on them to support the candidature of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the next Chairperson of the African Union.

“This is the time to support someone who has Africa at heart, who can unite the continent for prosperity.

You can see what is happening in Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and some countries. The current chairperson Moussa Faki has failed in uniting Africa and in bringing positive changes but with the likes of Youssouf from Djibouti, things will change for the betterment of the African Continent.

This is someone who has the experience, he is a Djiboutian diplomat. He has served in the government of Djibouti as Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2005. He is applying for a job which he is qualified for. I’m therefore appealing to all of you here to rally your support for Mahmoud Ali Youssouf”. Gwarzo said.

The new chair will be elected at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2025 by the AU Assembly via a secret ballot.

Past chairpersons have hailed from western, central and southern regions of the African Union. The AU Executive Council has asserted the right of the East African region to produce the next chairperson and North Africa will therefore vie for the deputy chairperson post