Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaraya, the newly appointed Commissioner of Finance, has called for collective efforts to help Kano State achieve its developmental goals. He made this statement during a dinner organized in his honor by the Greater Kano Initiative, held at Ten To Ten Restaurant

“I was given the position of Commissioner of Finance not because I am above everybody. We should collectively help Kano. The Governor gave me this opportunity, and there is a challenge before me. It’s not only for me; the position of the Commissioner of Finance is for everybody,” Dr. Danmaraya stated. He expressed gratitude for the support and faces he saw at the event, emphasizing the shared sacrifices and efforts made by the Greater Kano Initiative.

Dr. Danmaraya highlighted the importance of addressing issues in schools and improving student performance. “We have sacrificed a lot. We did a lot on schools and why students are failing exams. We should record success stories,” he said. He urged attendees to draw attention to any mistakes and assured them that his doors are always open for assistance.

Comrade Kabiru Marmara, Head of the Greater Kano Initiative, welcomed attendees and explained the purpose of the gathering. “The reason for this gathering is to honor our members. The Commissioner is our secretary,” Marmara stated. He recounted the inception of the Greater Kano Initiative in 2018, aimed at reviving Kano’s lost glory, especially in light of reports indicating Kano’s high rate of drug addiction.

“We picked some drug addicts and rehabilitated them by empowering them. We also mobilized and campaigned against incessant accidents in Kano metropolis by giving stickers. Road Safety and all the traffic agencies joined us,” Marmara added. He expressed pride in the achievements of the initiative’s members, including critical stakeholders in Kano State’s affairs.

Comrade Galadima, in his goodwill message, shared a success story of rehabilitating a young drug addict affected by a marriage breakup. He suggested that appointees should be given an agenda for the state’s development.

Engineer Sani Bala, MD of the Rural Electricity Board, urged the Greater Kano Initiative to expand research on electricity generation and distribution in Kano and Jigawa. “We need to provide electricity to Kano, and no one will do it,” Bala emphasized.

Hajiya Fatima Abubakar Amneef, Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Enlightenment and Mobilization, said there is a need to revive and reinforce the efforts being made by the Greater Kano Initiative in all developmental strides as it affects Kano.

The event underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in driving Kano State’s development forward.

The One Voice Development Initiative has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in extending the tenure of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management. This announcement was made in a press release dated January 10, 2025, addressed to all media organizations.

According to the press release, the One Voice Development Initiative had called on President Tinubu on October 3, 2024, at Arewa House, Kaduna State, to extend the tenure of the NCS management. “We at One Voice Development Initiative are elated to express our heartfelt gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in extending the Nigeria Customs management due to its significant and pivotal roles towards driving the Nation’s economy for growth and development,” the statement read.

The organization emphasized that this bold step underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business and investment, aligning with his administration’s strategic efforts to revamp Nigeria’s economy. “The extension of Nigeria Customs management is a testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to creating an enabling environment which attracts local and foreign investments. This decision will undoubtedly propel Nigeria’s economic growth, promote regional connectivity, and solidify its position as an industrial hub,” the statement added.

The press release also highlighted the achievements of the NCS management under the leadership of CGC BA Adewale Adeniyi. “Permits me to remind you of my previous press interaction on October 3, 2024, which dwelled and spoke much about the achievements of the NCS management under the leadership of CGC BA Adewale Adeniyi. For your information now, those remarkable efforts have been doubled up and believe would soon manifest and give a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy,” the statement noted.

The One Voice Development Initiative praised the NCS for its remarkable success in the first half of 2024, surpassing its revenue target by 8% and marking a 127% increase over the previous year’s revenue. “The NCS has achieved remarkable success in the first half of 2024 with a half-year revenue target of 2.54 trillion. The Service has collected 2.74 trillion, surpassing the target by 8% and marking a 127% increase over the previous year’s revenue,” the statement revealed.

The organization also commended the NCS for its effective border control measures, which resulted in notable achievements from January to June 2024. “The service intensified its anti-smuggling efforts in the first half of 2024, resulting in notable achievements. The NCS made 2,442 seizures with a DPV Duty paid value worth 25,520,652.948, which is higher than the DPV of seizures in the first half of 2023,” the statement highlighted.

The press release further acknowledged the NCS’s commitment to community and stakeholders’ engagements, as well as staff welfare. “The NCS has implemented several key initiatives to simplify and expedite customs procedures, capacity building programs for officers, and public-private partnerships to enhance customs clearance efficiency. These efforts are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic growth,” the statement said.

In conclusion, the One Voice Development Initiative pledged its support for President Tinubu’s administration and the NCS management team under the leadership of CGC BA Adewale Adeniyi. “We believe that these milestone achievements will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape. We pledge our support for President Tinubu’s administration and look forward to collaborating with his government to drive sustainable development,” the statement concluded.