The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin Little, has condemned the recent attack on journalists covering the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Saturday

Little, in a statement signed by his Executive Assistant, Adnan Mukhtar, described the attack as unfortunate and unacceptable, calling on security agencies to demonstrate greater commitment to ending political thuggery in the state.

“Politicians are guilty of recruiting and using thugs during political rallies, and I believe this is absolutely wrong. Such actions contribute to the destruction of the future of our young people by exposing them to immoral and criminal activities.

“It is important that we tell ourselves the truth. A government that claims to be fighting thuggery, phone snatching and drug abuse should not be seen sponsoring or encouraging thugs to attend political rallies. This is unfortunate, unacceptable and uncalled for.

“Political rallies should be platforms for presenting ideas, engaging citizens and seeking their support, rather than breeding grounds for violence and criminality.”

Little extended his sympathy to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the affected journalists and all other victims of the incident.

He assured the people of Kano that, if elected, his administration would have zero tolerance for political thuggery and other forms of violence, stressing that his government would prioritise the protection of lives and property and create an environment where journalists and citizens can carry out their legitimate activities without fear.

The Kano State Government has earmarked N27.806 billion for the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state’s 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muhammad Tajuddin Uthman, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Kano Press Centre, where he outlined a number of initiatives being undertaken by the government to improve security, education, healthcare and access to technology across the state.

Uthman said the proposed ICT and CBT centres would be established in each of the 44 LGAs to provide residents, particularly students, with access to computers and digital examination facilities without having to travel long distances to Kano metropolis.

The commissioner explained that the initiative was designed to address the difficulties faced by students from rural communities who are required to travel to the state capital to sit for examinations conducted electronically.

According to him, the government considers the establishment of the centres necessary because examinations and other important services are increasingly moving online, making access to computers and reliable internet-enabled facilities essential for students and other members of the public.

Uthman cited areas such as Dambatta and Gaya as examples of communities where students sometimes have to travel to Kano to access CBT facilities, stressing that the new centres would bring such services closer to the people.

He said the centres would not be restricted to examinations, as residents of the respective LGAs would also have opportunities to use the computers and other facilities for various digital activities, thereby improving their digital literacy and access to online services.

The commissioner disclosed that each of the proposed centres would have three compartments, with each compartment designed to accommodate 100 students at a time, giving each centre a total capacity of 300 students.

Uthman further stated that each centre would be equipped with 300 computers to ensure that a large number of candidates could participate in computer-based examinations and other digital activities simultaneously.

He explained that the government was also making provisions for uninterrupted power supply at the centres, with electricity expected to be supported through the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), generators and solar-powered systems.

According to him, the centres would operate on a 24-hour basis to maximise their usefulness and ensure that students, residents and other users could access the facilities beyond conventional working hours.

Uthman said users would be required to pay affordable charges for some of the services provided at the centres, explaining that the fees would help sustain the facilities, maintain the equipment and ensure that the centres remain functional after their establishment.

On security, the commissioner said the state government was strengthening existing security arrangements in the 44 LGAs through additional measures, including the deployment of forest guards to areas where insecurity has been identified as a challenge.

Uthman said the additional security arrangements were aimed at improving rapid response to security threats and enhancing the safety of residents, particularly in local government areas and communities considered vulnerable to attacks.

He further disclosed that military bases would be established in strategic locations across the state as part of measures to strengthen security and improve the government’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.

The commissioner said the government was determined to ensure that security challenges did not prevent residents in rural communities from accessing government services, education, healthcare and other opportunities.

On healthcare, Uthman announced plans to provide a rural emergency ambulance for wards across the state’s 44 LGAs as part of efforts to improve access to emergency and basic healthcare services for people living in rural communities.

He explained that the ambulances would be designed specifically for rural environments and would help transport patients requiring urgent medical attention from remote communities to appropriate healthcare facilities.

According to the commissioner, the ambulances would be in the form of tricycles adapted for emergency medical transportation, making them suitable for communities and roads where conventional ambulances may experience difficulties.

Uthman added that each ambulance would have two drivers assigned to it to ensure availability and continuity of service, while qualified drivers would be recruited by the government to operate the vehicles.

He said the rural ambulance programme was specifically intended to bring emergency healthcare closer to rural dwellers and reduce delays in transporting patients to health facilities.

The commissioner also disclosed plans to establish electric vehicle charging points in the metropolitan area as part of the government’s efforts to promote cheaper and more sustainable transportation.

Uthman said the charging infrastructure would support users of electric motorcycles and electric tricycles and would make it easier for residents to adopt electric vehicles as an alternative means of transportation.

He explained that increasing access to charging facilities would contribute to reducing the cost of transportation for residents while also supporting the state’s transition towards cleaner energy-powered mobility.

The commissioner commended Abba Bichi for his contribution towards the provision of solar-powered facilities, describing such initiatives as important to the state’s efforts to expand access to reliable and alternative sources of electricity.

Uthman also said the state government would continue its efforts to revive entrepreneurship, stressing that the development of small businesses and self-employment opportunities remained an important part of its strategy for improving livelihoods and economic opportunities for residents.

He said the various initiatives in ICT, healthcare, security, renewable energy and entrepreneurship were aimed at bringing government services and opportunities closer to residents across the 44 LGAs, particularly those living in rural communities.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, on his 50th birthday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.

Governor Yusuf described Kofa as a distinguished son of Kano whose contributions to his constituency, the state and Nigeria have earned him recognition and commendation.

The Governor praised Kofa for his outstanding performance in the National Assembly, where he has served in several key capacities, including Chairman of the Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Transport and Foreign Affairs, and currently Housing and Habitat.

According to Governor Yusuf, Kofa has demonstrated strong legislative capacity through effective representation, advocacy and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents.

He also acknowledged Kofa’s contributions to the housing sector and national development during his service at the Federal Housing Authority.

Governor Yusuf commended the lawmaker for his continued focus on grassroots development, particularly through empowerment programmes targeting youths, women, farmers, entrepreneurs and vulnerable members of society.

He said Kofa’s interventions, including provision of working tools, business support, vocational training, educational assistance and agricultural initiatives, have helped create opportunities for many constituents to improve their livelihoods.

“You are a fine lawmaker who has demonstrated effective representation of your people. Your empowerment and human development initiatives for the people of Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency are remarkable and worthy of emulation,” the Governor said.

Governor Yusuf further described Kofa as a public servant who has combined legislative responsibilities with direct engagement with the grassroots, ensuring that the concerns and needs of his constituents receive attention.

He noted that Kofa’s experience as a businessman, lecturer, public servant and legislator has enabled him to make meaningful contributions to national discussions and issues affecting Kano State.

“Having attained so much at 50, Kano State is proud of you and appreciates your contributions to the development of our state and country,” Governor Yusuf said.

The Governor wished Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa many more years of good health, happiness and success, while praying that Almighty Allah grants him the wisdom and strength to continue serving humanity.

He also prayed for greater opportunities for the celebrant to contribute to the growth and development of Kano State and Nigeria.