As we approach the blessed month of Ramadan, the Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has issued an urgent appeal to all road users, especially drivers, to exercise patience and drive with caution. Ramadan is a time of worship that brings changes in driving behavior due to fatigue, dehydration, and increased traffic congestion, particularly during Iftar and Taraweeh prayers.

In a recent statement roads during this holy period. The agency provided several guidelines for drivers to follow during Ramadan:

– **Avoid Over-Speeding Before Iftar:** Many drivers rush home for Iftar, leading to traffic congestion and accidents. It is crucial to drive at a safe speed to protect yourself and others.
– **Stay Alert and Calm:** Fasting can cause fatigue or dizziness. If you feel weak or drowsy, take a break before continuing your journey.
– Exercise Patience and Courtesy on the Road: Traffic congestion increases, particularly around markets and mosques. Avoid reckless driving and show understanding towards others.
– tay Hydrated and Eat Light Before Driving:Ensure you drink enough water and eat a light meal at Suhoor to maintain energy and focus while driving.
– Watch Out for Pedestrians and Cyclists:Many people walk to mosques, especially at night. Drive carefully, especially in crowded areas.
– Plan Your Journeys in Advance:f possible, avoid traveling during peak congestion times and drive when you are in good condition.
– Follow Traffic Rules and KAROTA Officials’ Instructions:Adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations to protect your life and that of others.

KAROTA remains committed to ensuring road safety during Ramadan and will increase patrols to facilitate smooth traffic flow. The agency urges all drivers to embrace patience, respect one another, and drive responsibly during this holy month.

In a statement signed by Nabulusi Abubakar Kofar Naisa said the Managing Director, Hon. Faisal Mahmud Kabir, conveyed his best wishes to everyone for a blessed Ramadan and prayed for a peaceful and safe observance of the holy month.

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has completed arrangements to flag off distribution of three billion naira (N3b) to victims of flood in last rainy season in the affected areas.

Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf disclosed this while declaring opened the 23rd State Executive Council Meeting held at Kano Government House today.

A statement issued by Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Wednesday said, Governor Yusuf revealed that the amount was donated by the Federal Government to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory as intervention for the 2024 flood disaster.

The governor further revealed that the money was remitted to the state treasury few months ago in preparation for onward distribution the the affected victims.

He added that the administration kept the money appropriately to identify the real victims who will benefit from the gesture of the Federal Government and ensure produnce, accountability and responsiveness in the process.

“Now that we are ready, we have all the lists of the victims, we know how much each victim will collect, so the distribution will commence,” the governor assured.

He said already a main and sub committees for the distribution of the donation were set up and would go accross the 44 local government areas to disburse amount to real victims. Gov. Yusuf affirmed

It could be recalled that National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) with support from Intentional donor organisations have tracked the areas and people affected by the flood in Kano state.

By Salisu Baso

An author of Bahaushiyar Al’adu, Malam Zubairu Musa Baban Naji has emerged the winner of the first Kano State Censorship Board Hausa Novels Writing Competition organised by the Board in collaboration with the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA).

The chairman organising committee of the competition, Alhaji Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino announced the outcome of the result in a grand celebration to mark the first historic competition at the presentation and awards ceremony to the winners and participants of the occasion.

He further said the runner up was Danladi Zakariyya Haruna, the author of Gado Gida da horo who came second while a female author, Hauwa Shehu written Bahaushe Mai Arziki took third place to clinch N200, 000, while the winner and his runner ups received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.

In his welcome address the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, Alhaji (Dr) Abba Al-Mustapha said the competition amongst the novelists was to revive the reading culture and also to encourage the young writers and improve their wealth talents.

He assured the readiness of the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf to continued its efforts in restructuring the film production and publication of novels towards changing the society according to moral values.

In his remarks, Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu called on the film producers to seize opportunity of utilizing the novels into the scripts writing for films production.

He charged the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Youth and sports and film producer to lead the film producers to sponsor the first ten novels and produce a series of films.

Also speaking Alhaji Sani Danja commended the Executive Secretary of the State Censorship Board Abba Al-Mustapha for his effort to improve the relationships between the members of Kannywood and Authors in the state, adding the two parties have the same goals of educating and entertaining the society as wee as promoting culture and tradition of the Hausa cultural heritage.

Those attended the occasion includes the representative of Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, representative of Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Executive Secretary History and Culture, Managing Director Kano State Tourism Board, Managing Director Radio Kano as well as Chairman, El Samad, Alhaji Sammani Ahmad and Shehu Hassan Kano.