The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦8.53 billion for the execution of critical infrastructure, health, education, water supply and social welfare projects across the state.

The approvals were granted during the 37th Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, January 16, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano House, the Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the State’s Commissioner of information and internal affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said the projects cut across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and are aimed at improving service delivery, public safety and socio-economic development.

Waiya said, a major portion of the approved funds includes ₦3.1 billion for the supply of non-ferrous aluminium sulphate (alum) for water treatment across the state for six months in 2026, under the Ministry of Water Resources. The Council also approved ₦1.7 billion for the construction of a 2-coat surface dressed road from Chiromawa to Garun Babba in Garun Malam Local Government Area.

The commissioner said, other key approvals include ₦677.5 million for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and renovation of Rogo General Hospital following a fire outbreak, ₦520 million for the procurement of a CT scan machine at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, and ₦660.3 million for drainage construction and interlocking works in Ayagi-Aisami, Bakin Ruwa Ward of Dala Local Government Area.

He said, the Council also approved funds for the construction of an orphanage hostel at Nassarawa Children’s Home, renovation of GJSS Tatsawarki in Kumbotso LGA, compensation for farmlands affected by the construction of five small earth dams across selected local government areas, and the construction of Arewa Knot and multi-tiered fountains at Alfurqan and Baban Gwari roundabouts.

In addition, compensation totaling ₦251.9 million was approved for properties affected by the construction of a 5-kilometre dualised road in Bagwai Local Government Area.

On policy matters, the Executive Council expressed deep concern and dismay over the death of a female patient at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, where a pair of scissors was reportedly left in her abdomen during surgery. The Council condemned the incident, describing it as a grave act of negligence, and assured the public that the ongoing investigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

It further extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of citizens.

The Council also acknowledged the strategic importance of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project and approved the phased development of the AKK Industrial Layout in Tamburawa, with Phase I focusing on basic infrastructure and perimeter fencing.

Furthermore, the Executive Council approved the comprehensive enhancement of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Karaye, following persistent structural challenges at the camp, to improve the welfare, safety and general wellbeing of corps members serving in Kano State.

The State Government reiterated its commitment to prudent resource utilization and sustained investment in projects that directly impact the lives of residents.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In an extraordinary and controversial final, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra-time on Sunday to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at a stunned Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The match was decided by a moment of individual brilliance but will be remembered for an unprecedented protest. With the score 0-0 deep into second-half stoppage time, Senegal saw a potential winner by Ismaila Sarr disallowed for a foul. Moments later, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a shirt-pull on Brahim Diaz.

In a shocking escalation, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest of the decisions. The dramatic walk-off halted play for over fifteen minutes before senior player Sadio Mane helped mediate a return. The reprieve proved decisive: Diaz’s audacious panenka penalty was calmly saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the match to extra-time.

There, midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive blow, unleashing a spectacular rocket from outside the box that curled into the far corner, leaving Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou rooted.

Senegal then professionally managed the remaining minutes to secure their second AFCON crown. The victory also shattered Morocco’s formidable 16-year undefeated record on home soil, dating back to 2009.

The final was not without chances in regulation. Bounou had produced a superb save to deny Iliman Ndiaye in the first half, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi spurned a golden opportunity, flashing his shot wide when through on goal shortly before full-time. Ultimately, it was Senegal’s resilience amid the chaos that sealed a historic and tumultuous triumph.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano State Chapter, has commended His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and the Nigeria Police Force for their rapid and decisive action in apprehending suspects linked to the gruesome murder of a woman and her children in Dorayi, Gwale Local Government Area.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade Aisha Muhammad Yanleman (Assistant Secretary) and Sayyida Bahijja Malam Kabara (Chairperson), NAWOJ praised the professionalism and commitment of security agencies in ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

The association noted that the prompt response has reassured the public and restored confidence in the state’s security architecture, sending a clear message that crime will not go unpunished in Kano.

NAWOJ expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a “painful and irreparable loss” that has touched the conscience of the entire nation. The association extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, emphasizing that the tragedy calls for collective reflection and responsibility.

Beyond commending the authorities, NAWOJ urged families and communities to be more vigilant, stressing that some individuals may silently battle mental health challenges such as depression. The association highlighted the importance of early intervention and care to prevent avoidable tragedies, pointing to the Dorayi incident as a wake-up call for society.

The association strongly insisted that justice must take its full course, not only to punish the culprits but also to serve as a deterrent to others. NAWOJ reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of women and children, while praying for peaceful coexistence, safety, and harmony in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

“Once again, NAWOJ Kano State Chapter stands in solidarity with the grieving family and reiterates its commitment to promoting peace, security, and the protection of women and children in our society,” the statement concluded.