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Kano State’s N33 Billion Investment Drive: Unveiling a New Era of Development and Infrastructure

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Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of N33,455,431,626.56 for the execution of various development projects across the state.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that the Council approved the settlement of nine-month allowances for 2,369 screened street sweepers under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change at N426,420,000.00. He added that the Council also approved N109,070,000.00 for the procurement and distribution of UTME/JAMB forms, including the screening, registration, and training of prospective candidates under the Ministry of Education. Similarly, he noted that N284,122,002.61 was approved for the construction of a Model Primary Health Centre at Rimin Zakara in Ungoggo Local Government Area under the Ministry of Health.

The Commissioner further revealed that the Council granted approval for the general repairs and renovation of physical structures at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Shekara at N434,339,301.25, as well as the renovation of First Lady’s College, Magwan, at N893,109,270.55. He explained that the Council also reviewed the contract rates for the construction of 8 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached houses, a gatehouse, and the renovation of the wall fence at Government House, Kano, with an approved sum of N90,725,980.96. Additionally, he announced that N6,600,000,000.00 had been allocated for the implementation of 2025 State Constituency Projects, while N256,654,768.37 was approved for the ongoing renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Office at Government House, Kano.

He further noted that N160,000,000.00 was approved for the purchase of property at Ja’en Quarters, Gwale LGA, for conversion into a public school.

Comrade Waiya disclosed that the Council approved N378,000,000.00 for the procurement of nine Toyota Hilux vehicles to be used as operational vehicles by some agencies and Local Government Project Monitoring Committees in the three senatorial districts. He added that N9,760,888,878.39 was approved for the construction of seven rural roads and backlog rehabilitation intervention (Phase II) under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

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He further explained that N5,283,158,140.59 was allocated for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Sharada Road (Dan Agundi Interchange – Panshekara Underpass), while N3,423,002,893.84 was earmarked for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Murtala Mohammed Way (Club Road Roundabout – Bompai Road – Audu Bako Way – State Road Junction).

The Commissioner announced that the Council approved N5,220,690,390.00 for the construction of 1,000 units of two-bedroom prototype houses for free distribution to victims of flood disasters.

He added that N135,250,000.00 was approved to augment the cost of providing befitting accommodation for 2,500 intending pilgrims at the Holy Land (closer to Harami). He also stated that the Council approved the splitting of the Ministry of Works and Housing into two separate ministries, namely the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing Development, to enhance efficiency in infrastructure and housing development.

Comrade Waiya informed journalists that the Council approved the training of 2,000 members of the Kano State Vigilante Group and the provision of uniforms for 6,000 members. He revealed that the Council also endorsed the buy-back of 324 houses in the Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo Mega Cities from Pension Funds Trustees, allowing the government to resell them to interested buyers and recoup the funds. He further stated that approval was granted for the procurement of food items for Ramadan feeding programmes and palliatives, which will be distributed to key stakeholders, interest groups, MDAs, CSOs, and NGOs.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Council approved the engagement of Messrs. Skipper T&D DAMC as consultants for the completion and subsequent operation of the Challawa 2x3MW and Tiga 10MW Hydro Power Plants, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He also announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had signed into law three bills passed by the State House of Assembly, namely the Kano State Metropolitan Transport Agency Bill, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Bill, and the Security-Watch Neighbourhood Law.

Comrade Waiya revealed that the Executive Council received and reviewed the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the End-Bad Governance Protest of August 2024, which investigated cases of breach of peace, destruction of public and private property, and loss of lives. He also stated that, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to Kano State’s development, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received six awards from various MDAs and NGOs. Similarly, he announced that the Governor presented awards to the top three winners of the 9th Edition of the 44 Young Kano State Scientists Competition, facilitated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The Commissioner assured the people of Kano State that the government remains committed to infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare, adding that the Executive Council will continue to take decisions that will positively impact the lives of the citizens.

Signed
Sani Abba Yola
Director, Special Duties
Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
19/02/2025

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Political War Erupts as Kwankwaso Rubbishes Marafa’s Call to Sack Matawalle

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The Director of Finance and Administration of the Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Authority, Hon. Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has dismissed as futile the call by former Senator Kabiru Marafa for the removal of Dr. Bello Matawalle as Minister of Defence, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully satisfied with Matawalle’s performance.

Kwankwaso made the remark while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, describing Marafa’s demand as unfortunate, baseless and driven by personal bitterness, and stressing that it would not influence the President’s decision.

He said it was disturbing that a politician from the same state as the minister, Zamfara, would publicly attack Matawalle despite the minister’s commitment to national service.

“I was truly shocked when I heard the comments of former Senator Kabiru Marafa calling for the removal of the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, even going as far as fabricating lies and false allegations against him. These statements are clearly driven by confusion and jealousy, and Mr. President will never accept them from enemies hiding behind criticism,” Kwankwaso said.

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Hon. Kwankwaso further argued that Marafa lacks the moral standing to speak on security matters, citing a controversial traditional title allegedly linked to criminal elements within Marafa’s immediate circle.

“Besides jealousy and bitterness, Marafa has no justification to speak on security issues. A close relative of his senior brother was said to have been involved in helping to confer a traditional leadership title on the notorious bandit leader, Ado Aliero, in Yandoto. It was during Dr. Bello Matawalle’s tenure as governor that the title was subsequently suspended. So I ask: if he truly has a conscience, does he really have the right to speak on security?” he queried.

 

Kwankwaso also recalled past political comments credited to Marafa, in which the former senator reportedly vowed to defeat President Tinubu politically, questioning the sincerity of his present demand.

“Not long ago, Marafa openly said he would defeat Tinubu and cause him a one-million-vote loss. Now the same person who once wished the President’s failure is calling on the President to remove someone who is working for the success of his administration. That contradiction exposes the real motive behind these attacks,” he added.

 

He maintained that President Tinubu’s confidence in Dr. Matawalle remains firm, noting that no amount of pressure, manipulation or political jealousy would force the President to act against his judgment.

In his concluding remarks, Kwankwaso cautioned Northerners against what he described as a growing culture of destructive rivalry and bitterness, where individuals seek the downfall of others simply because they have lost political relevance.

He warned that those currently calling for Matawalle’s removal might be the same people who would later accuse the President of marginalising the North should he appoint someone else from outside the region.

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New Defense Minister GC Musa Takes Oath of Office

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence.

Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, took the oath of office on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.

Nigerian Tracker News had reported that the Senate on Wednesday confirmed Musa as Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening.

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During the session, the former CDS was grilled over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.

He told lawmakers he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes duty.

Musa also vowed to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.

Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds.

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KANSIEC Appoints Adhoc Staff for Ward Bye-Elections

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Prof Sani Lawal Malumfashi KANSIEC Chairman

 

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, has issued appointment letters to adhoc staff for the upcoming ward bye-elections in three local government areas of the state.

During the presentation of the appointment letters, Professor Malumfashi urged the adhoc staff to justify the trust and confidence the commission has reposed in them.

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He expressed his confidence in their ability to discharge their duties based on their level of education, experience, and track record of honesty and dedication.

The adhoc positions include 3 Returning Officers, 3 Electoral Officers, and 3 Assistant Electoral Officers for Dala (Kofar Mazugal), Dogowa (Maraku), and Ghari (Matan Fata) wards.

In a statement signed by Bashir Habib Yahaya media aid to the executive chairman said the Chairman appreciated security agencies, politicians, and the general public for their support and cooperation. The bye-elections are scheduled to hold on December 13, 2025.

 

 

 

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