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Kano committed to religious tolerance – Gov. Yusuf

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the rights of all citizens to freely practice their faiths without discrimination.

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

The Governor made the declaration while receiving the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, who led a delegation on an official visit to Kano State as part of her nationwide assessment of issues relating to freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Governor Yusuf welcomed the delegation and emphasized Kano’s reputation as a state where people of different religious backgrounds have lived side by side in peace, mutual respect and understanding.

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He noted that the administration has continued to support policies and institutions that strengthen social harmony, uphold justice and protect the constitutional rights of all residents regardless of their religious affiliation.

Governor Yusuf stated that Kano remains committed to fostering dialogue among religious communities and addressing emerging challenges through lawful and inclusive mechanisms that promote peace and stability.

He explained that the state government recognizes the important role of traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders in sustaining harmony and preventing tensions that could threaten peaceful coexistence.

The Governor further assured the UN delegation of the state’s readiness to cooperate with national and international bodies working to advance human rights, religious freedom and respect for diversity.

Speaking during the engagement, Professor Ghanea said her visit was aimed at examining the situation of freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria, including constitutional and institutional safeguards, challenges faced by religious communities, the role of traditional practices and efforts being made to address religious discrimination and tensions where they exist.

The delegation held discussions with senior government officials and other stakeholders on measures being implemented to strengthen interfaith understanding, protect fundamental freedoms and promote peaceful relations among communities.

Governor Yusuf thanked the United Nations Human Rights Council for choosing Kano as one of the states to be visited and reiterated his administration’s determination to preserve the state’s legacy of religious tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.

 

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I Gave Tijjani Gandu N10 Million to Support Musicians, Media but Funds Were Allegedly Not Distributed – Governor Yusuf’s Spokesperson

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The spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has alleged that popular singer Tijjani Gandu failed to distribute ₦10 million that was reportedly entrusted to him for musicians and media practitioners, according to a statement shared on the spokesperson’s verified Facebook page.

According to Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa,he has released the ₦10 million to Tijjani Gandu with the intention that the money would be shared among fellow musicians and members of the media as financial support. He claimed, however, that the funds were allegedly not distributed as intended.

Writing in Hausa on his verified Facebook page, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa stated: “Na bawa Yaron nan Tijjani Gandu kudi naira miliyan goma ya rabawa mawaka da ‘yan media ya cinye, amma wai har dashi a maganar masu amana.” The statement translates to: “I gave this young man, Tijjani Gandu, ₦10 million to distribute among musicians and media practitioners, but he consumed it all, yet he still speaks as though he is among the trustworthy.”

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According to the governor’s spokesperson, the allegation was made in response to ongoing public discussions regarding accountability and trustworthiness. He did not provide additional details on when the funds were allegedly handed over or identify the intended beneficiaries.

As of the time of this report, Tijjani Gandu has not publicly responded to the allegation made by Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. There has also been no official confirmation or independent evidence released to substantiate the claim beyond the spokesperson’s social media statement.

The allegation has generated reactions on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on the claims made by the governor’s spokesperson.

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Oloyede Bows out as JAMB Registrar, Hands over to Prof. Aina

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the outgoing registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on Friday, said strong institutions built on integrity, technology and transparency remained the key to sustaining public confidence in the tertiary admissions system.

Mr Oloyede stated this during the handover ceremony to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina, in Abuja, where he reflected on his 10-year stewardship and expressed confidence in the board’s future.

He said the board’s achievements were anchored on five cardinal principles: staff welfare, discipline, technology, transparency and networking, which guided reforms that strengthened the credibility of JAMB’s operations.

He added that staff welfare received unprecedented attention during his tenure through improved working conditions, rehabilitation and construction of office facilities across the country, and enhanced retirement benefits.

He said, “When I stood at the threshold of this national assignment 10 years ago, I understood the depth of the responsibility placed on me.

“I knew the privilege and burden of stewarding a process that opens the doors to millions of Nigerians.

“One thing I remembered clearly was that I was just like a general on a military expedition and to fight, I needed officers and troops.”

Recounting his achievements, Mr Oloyede disclosed that the board committed more than N8 billion to strengthen employees’ retirement savings and financial security.

He added that the board under his leadership also introduced a 13th-month salary, increased examination-duty incentives from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and provided daily meals for staff.

The outgoing registrar said that retired workers received benefits ranging from N3 million to N10 million, while medical interventions and performance-based rewards were also introduced to boost staff morale.

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Mr Oloyede, however, stressed that improved welfare did not diminish the board’s commitment to discipline.

He said more than 10 members of staff faced prosecution over various allegations of misconduct, noting that accountability remained non-negotiable in preserving the institution’s integrity.

Highlighting JAMB’s technological reforms, Mr Oloyede said the board expanded the use of biometrics, digital verification, CCTV surveillance, electronic payment platforms and remote monitoring systems to improve examination security and service delivery.

“I share the belief that we must all suffer for either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment. This is why discipline is incontestable as a cardinal principle of JAMB operations, and that accounts for the well-known remittances of scores of billions in operational surpluses to the government treasury.

“At the heart of our operational blueprint is technology, and we owe many of our far-reaching reforms to innovative technologies.

“Scaling up of computer-based test (CBT), improvement of digital architecture, creating a central admissions processing system (CAPS), advanced biometric and identity verification, CCTV monitoring, and others are some of the steps taken to make our operations seamless on rock-solid integrity,” he said.

He acknowledged that technology was not infallible, recalling recent operational challenges, but maintained that continuous innovation and internal vigilance remained essential.

He also said that transparency was institutionalised by publishing the board’s operational and financial activities and making the admission process more open and accountable.

According to him, the reforms have significantly reduced arbitrary admissions and strengthened public trust in the board.

Mr Oloyede also attributed some of JAMB’s achievements to collaboration with security agencies, tertiary institutions, the National Identity Management Commission, communications regulators, civil society organisations, the media and more than 1,000 accredited CBT centres.

He said the board had modernised its operations, reduced examination malpractice, strengthened accountability and restored confidence in Nigeria’s admission process.

“We made mistakes because we are human, and we corrected them. Whatever was done right was a collective effort, while I accept responsibility for whatever fell short,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the board’s institutional culture, dedicated workforce and robust systems would enable his successor to consolidate on the reforms.

He urged stakeholders to support the new registrar, saying the success of any institution depended not on an individual but on the strength of its systems and values.

In his inaugural address, the new Registrar, Mr Aina, pledged to preserve JAMB’s integrity while building a stronger institution driven by professionalism and accountability.

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Brilliant Minds Shine As Gusau Army Girls School Graduates 25, Amidst Low Enrollment

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The atmosphere was filled with pride and joy in Gusau as Command Science Secondary School (Girls) celebrated its graduation, speech, and prize-giving day on Thursday, 30 July 2026, graduating 25 exceptional students out of its 75 total enrollment.

Delivering her address, the Commandant of the institution, Major Fatima Jimoh, highlighted the school’s steady growth since its establishment by the Nigerian Army in May 2017. She noted that the institution has successfully produced 180 graduates to date, maintaining commendable academic performances in both West African Senior School Certificate Examination and National Examinations Council examinations.

Major Jimoh also highlighted recent milestones achieved since assuming duty in May 2026, including the restoration of regular solar-powered water supplies, administrative block renovations, revived school band performances, and heightened institutional discipline.

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While celebrating these achievements, the Commandant drew attention to critical challenges facing the school, such as the absence of a standard science laboratory, a dilapidated dining hall, leaking roofs, and inadequate staff accommodation, while appealing to the government, the Nigerian Army, and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent intervention.

She passionately urged parents and guardians to leverage the secure and disciplined learning environment provided by the academy to champion girl-child education by enrolling more daughters.

Representing the Special Guest of Honour, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General WB Idris, Lieutenant Colonel Gezawa Musa assured the school management and students of maximum operational and developmental support.

He charged the graduating Class of 2026 to remain focused on upcoming future challenges, uphold utmost integrity, and serve as worthy ambassadors of the prestigious institution.

The memorable event featured a colorful parade by the graduating students, lively cultural displays, intellectual debates, the launch of the school magazine, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding cadets.

 

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