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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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Dangote Spotlights Refinery, Vision 2030, Others, At Nasarawa Trade Fair

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Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman.

 

Africa’s leading conglomerate will feature its flagship Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the 2026 Nasarawa Trade Fair, which will be officially declared open by the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on April 20.

Dangote Industries Limited will also showcase its Vision 2030, which focuses on driving innovation and Africa’s industrialization.

The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE) with the theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.

A statement from the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said other Strategic Business Units of the company will be participating at the annual event in the state capital, Lafia.

Anthony Chiejina stated that products to be featured at the Fair will include those from the Group’s Strategic Business Units, such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasonings, Dangote SinoTruk, Dangote Packaging, and Dangote Fertiliser.

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The statement quoted the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that Nasarawa State is key to the Group’s overall investment in Africa.

“It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments in Africa,” she said.

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman noted that the Trade Fair provides a valuable platform for the company to engage with key stakeholders and Nigerians interested in exploring business opportunities with the organization.

She stated that a dedicated Help Desk will handle inquiries, enabling the company to effectively engage participants on the Dangote Group’s Strategic Business Units.

Speaking to newsmen in Lafia, Chairman and Council members of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the theme for this year’s Trade Fair aptly aligns with Dangote Group’s vision.

“We align strongly with the vision of Aliko Dangote, whose leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future. His focus on industrialization, local production, and value creation inspires our efforts to connect MSMEs to structured value chains.

“Through this partnership, we are building a bridge between grassroots businesses and large industries, driving inclusive growth,” he said.

He said the third edition of NASTFE is designed as a practical business, industrial, and human capital development platform, adding that it is not just an exhibition.

According to him: “A major highlight of this year’s programme is the Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (ESAP), now structured as a package project for sponsorship support.

“ESAP is a yearly initiative from July-December targeting 2,000 beneficiaries across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

“The programme is strategically designed as a mobile training system, moving from one Local Government to another to ensure inclusive grassroots participation.”

Speaking on the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said: “Our strategy is to align local enterprise development with large-scale industrial systems.”

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Al-Istiqama University Secures Full Accreditation for 11 Academic Programmes

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The Management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, is pleased to announce that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Full Accreditation status to a total of eleven (11) academic programmes following the comprehensive accreditation exercise conducted in November and December 2025.

According to the official report released by the NUC, the programmes were assessed based on the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with emphasis on curriculum content, quality of academic staff, physical facilities, library resources, and employers’ rating.

The programmes granted Full Accreditation are:

Faculty of Health Sciences:
• Community Health Science
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

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Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences:
• Shari’ah
• Criminology and Security Studies
• International Relations
• Sociology

Faculty of Science and Computing:
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

This achievement affirms the University’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education and reflects the dedication and professionalism of its academic and administrative staff in building a centre of excellence. With this development, all accredited programmes have secured full recognition for a period of five (5) years.

The Management expresses its profound appreciation to the Founder, Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, OFR, Ph.D., the Governing Council, Faculty Members, Heads of Departments, staff, and students for their collective efforts and commitment, which made this milestone possible.

Al-Istiqama University remains resolute in sustaining and further enhancing the high standards that have earned it this prestigious recognition.

Signed:
Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya
Vice-Chancellor
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State

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Legacy of a Progressive Intellectual: Symposium and Book Launch to Honor Late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni in Abuja

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A coalition of friends, colleagues, and comrades will gather on April 29, 2026, to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni, a titan of Nigerian progressive intellectualism and social justice.

Comrade Mohammed, who passed away on December 11, 2025, was widely regarded as an incorrigible patriot and a cornerstone of the socialist movement in Nigeria. Throughout a distinguished career spanning Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), he remained a steadfast advocate for academic freedom, gender equality, and the transformation of Africa.

The memorial event aims to honor his decades of struggle—from his pivotal role in the Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN) and the anti-apartheid movement to his contributions as a founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and a staunch leader within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Event Highlights:

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• Symposium: Under the theme “Scholars and the Social Question in Nigeria: Reflections on the Life of A.S. Mohammed,” the session will be chaired by Senator Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi. Distinguished panelists include Dr. Yusuf Bangura, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Prof. Aliyah Adamu Ahmad, and Dr. Julie Sanda.
• Book Launch: The event will feature the formal presentation of Comrade Mohammed’s major original work, The Satiru Revolt of Peasants and Slaves in Sokoto, 1906. The session will be chaired by the former Governor of Sokoto State, H.E. Mal. Yahaya Abdulkarim mni, with a review by Prof. M. J. Kuna.
• Endowment Fund: All proceeds from the book launch will benefit an Endowment Fund established to support the late Comrade’s family and the noble causes he championed.
• Biographical Tribute: Dr. J. Maina will present a biographical sketch detailing the life of the man many knew as a “crusader for the common good.”

Event Details:

• DATE: April 29, 2026
• TIME: 9:00 AM
• VENUE: BON Elvis Hotel, 2 Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja

Comrade Sokoto mni lived a life that inspires, leaving a legacy worthy of preservation. By documenting his struggles and advancing the discourse on justice and development, we ensure that his rich engagements continue to inspire the hope of making Nigeria a better country.

Members of the general public, the academic community, civil society, labour and the media are cordially invited to attend this day of reflection and celebration. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to justice and nation-building while contributing to a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Y. Z. Ya’u

 

For the Committee

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