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Governor Yusuf Flags Off ₦16 Billion Gratuity Payment for Former APC Councillors, Others in Kano

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In a landmark move aimed at promoting justice, fairness, and equity in governance, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially flagged off the payment of over ₦16 billion in outstanding gratuities and allowances for former councillors and political office holders across the state’s 44 Local Government Councils. The event took place on Wednesday in Kano.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Yusuf emphasized that the payment was not a political gesture but a moral obligation and legal entitlement owed to those who diligently served the state. “This payment is not a privilege; it is a right. It is our way of appreciating their service and upholding the principles of justice and fairness,” the governor said.

In a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs said according to the governor, the initiative reflects his administration’s core values of dignity, equity, and accountability in public service. “This moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolizes our administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding dignity, fairness, and accountability in public service,” Yusuf stated.

The Governor recalled that when the matter of unpaid gratuities was brought before the Kano State Executive Council, the decision to approve the payment was unanimous, irrespective of the political affiliations of the affected councillors. “It was not right to deny people their entitlements after they have served diligently. This administration has resolved to be different,” he declared.

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Governor Yusuf lamented the failure of the previous administration under the APC to fulfill these obligations. “Councillors from the 484 wards across the 44 local government councils, who served at different times, were unjustly denied their gratuity. We cannot toe that same line of injustice,” he added.

The payment scheme covers various categories of beneficiaries, including former councillors, vice chairmen, local government chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special advisers. The disbursement will be implemented in three phases:

* **Tranche A (2014–2017):** ₦1.8 billion to be immediately disbursed to 903 beneficiaries.
* **Tranche B (2018–2020):** ₦5.6 billion for 1,198 beneficiaries, scheduled for disbursement between May and July 2025.
* **Tranche C (2021–2024):** ₦8.2 billion allocated for 1,371 beneficiaries, to be disbursed between August and November 2025.

In addition to these gratuity payments, the Governor revealed that ₦1.27 billion has been earmarked and is currently being disbursed to cover housing and furniture allowances for current elected and appointed political office holders in the local government areas.

“These payments go beyond financial transactions. They represent our values — that service must be respected, commitments must be honored, and leadership must be accountable,” Governor Yusuf stated, reinforcing the symbolic and practical importance of the gesture.

The governor also used the occasion to commend the efforts of various stakeholders who contributed to the success of the exercise. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the verification teams, finance officers, oversight committees, and administrative coordinators for their meticulous and tireless work,” he said.

He concluded his address with a call for continued unity, cooperation, and shared commitment to development. “Let us work together to build a more prosperous and inclusive Kano State. With pride in our collective effort and confidence in our shared future, I hereby launch the first phase of these payments,” Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared.

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KEDCO Refutes Misleading Claims on Electricity Supply to Bayero University Kano

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Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has refuted recent reports alleging that staff and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) are grappling with unstable electricity supply.

 

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Bala Sani Head of corporate communications Kano electricity Distribution Company.

Sani said the claims are false, misleading, and do not reflect the current reality of power supply to the institution.

Sani Bala said KEDCO is compelled to address the outright falsehoods in the claims made by sources from the institution in a recent report published by Daily Trust Newspaper titled: ‘How BUK’s Solar Project Collapsed, 2 Years After Commissioning’, on Saturday, 13th December 2025.

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According to Sani Bayero University Kano is supplied with Band A electricity supply, connected via the 33kV Rice Field Feeder, with a guaranteed minimum of 21 hours of electricity supply daily, in line with regulatory provisions. Records from KEDCO’s network operations clearly show consistent and reliable power delivery to the university’s main campuses.

The Head said recently a high-level engagements were held between the Management of Bayero University Kano and KEDCO, during which both parties reached a mutual understanding on strategic energy efficiency and cost-reduction measures. Chief among these resolutions is the separation of electricity supply to the staff quarters from the main academic complex, a step aimed at improving load management, transparency, and operational efficiency.

In line with this agreement, metering process has already commenced in the university’s staff quarters, covering both the old and new campuses and said the initiative will ensure accurate energy measurement, promote responsible consumption, and enhance service sustainability.

Sani Bala pointed out that KEDCO remains committed to providing reliable, quality, and transparent electricity supply to all its customers, including tertiary institutions. We encourage stakeholders and the general public to seek clarification from verified sources and avoid the dissemination of unverified reports that may cause unnecessary concern.

The company further pledges to work closely with Bayero University Kano and othe critical institutions to support uninterrupted academic and administrative activities through efficient power supply solutions.

He added that KEDCO remain committed to enhancing service delivery through continuous improvement in power supply, leveraging investment in network expansion and upgrades.

 

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Press Week: NUJ National President Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel Office

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As part of activities marking the celebration of Press Week 2025, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, has inaugurated the Online Media Chapel office at the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano Council.

Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, who was supported by the Chairman of the Kano Council of the NUJ, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, and the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, said the NUJ constitution, which was amended, co-opted online journalist practitioners into the NUJ. One of the key requirements for being a member of the NUJ Online Chapel is to have CAC registration, and one must be an editor or reporter of online media.

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Comrade Alhasan said that very soon the Nigeria Union of Journalists will come up with a scheme to ensure Nigerian journalists get insurance due to the hazards of the job.

Alhasan Yahaya added that private establishment practitioners will also benefit from the insurance scheme as they work hard to project the image of Nigeria.

On his part, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said the establishment of the Online Media Chapel was done with good intention.

He said that very soon the Government of Kano State will organize a retreat for online journalists in Kano, which will be held outside the state.

During the Press Week, awards were given to the Director General of Media and Communication to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, among others.

The executives of the Online Media Chapel were inaugurated on the 27th of April at the Kano NUJ Press Center, led by Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo.

 

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Jigawa State Government to Renovate Government College Birnin Kudu

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Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has pledged to renovate the old premier Government College, Birnin Kudu, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening legacy educational institutions in the state.

The governor made the pledge during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA), held at the college premises. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

According to the governor, priority attention is being given to long-established schools because of their historical significance and the calibre of leaders they have produced over the years. He noted that the history of Jigawa State cannot be adequately told without reference to Government College Birnin Kudu, given the role its alumni have played in the state’s development.

In his address, the National President of BIKOBA, Alh. (Dr.) Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), highlighted the association’s sustained commitment to the growth of its alma mater, working in synergy with government and development partners. He commended the Jigawa State Government under Governor Namadi for allocating funds for the renovation of the school, describing the intervention as timely in view of prevailing economic challenges.

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Dr. Muhammad outlined BIKOBA’s interventions over the years, including support for water supply, desks and chairs, hostel facilities, laboratories, medical supplies, learning materials, and sporting equipment. He also acknowledged the contributions of partners such as the Dangote Foundation, Ganduje Foundation, Qatar International, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as class chapters and individual members.

The BIKOBA president, however, drew attention to lingering infrastructural and administrative challenges facing the college, appealing for increased financial support to rehabilitate secretariats and address critical needs. These include the reconstruction of hostels gutted by fire, renovation of dilapidated classrooms and administrative blocks, upgrading of computer centres, staff quarters, the college mosque, and conference and dining halls. He also urged government authorities to investigate alleged lapses in admission practices and restore proper entry standards to safeguard the school’s academic quality.

Chairman of the occasion, Pharmacist Hashim Ubale Yusuf, called on individual members to continue supporting the alumni association, describing such commitment as a legacy and source of inspiration for younger generations.

Also speaking, a former President of BIKOBA, Colonel Umaru Malami, cautioned members to use their time judiciously to positively impact themselves and society. He described age as transient and urged adherence to values taught by Islam. Colonel Malami further called on governments at all levels to focus on people-centred policies capable of improving living standards, rather than making empty or unrealistic promises.

The AGM concluded with calls for collective responsibility in preserving the heritage and academic standards of Government College Birnin Kudu.

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