The Kano State Executive Council has approved a total of ₦8.53 billion for the execution of critical infrastructure, health, education, water supply and social welfare projects across the state.

The approvals were granted during the 37th Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, January 16, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano House, the Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the State’s Commissioner of information and internal affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said the projects cut across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and are aimed at improving service delivery, public safety and socio-economic development.

Waiya said, a major portion of the approved funds includes ₦3.1 billion for the supply of non-ferrous aluminium sulphate (alum) for water treatment across the state for six months in 2026, under the Ministry of Water Resources. The Council also approved ₦1.7 billion for the construction of a 2-coat surface dressed road from Chiromawa to Garun Babba in Garun Malam Local Government Area.

The commissioner said, other key approvals include ₦677.5 million for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and renovation of Rogo General Hospital following a fire outbreak, ₦520 million for the procurement of a CT scan machine at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, and ₦660.3 million for drainage construction and interlocking works in Ayagi-Aisami, Bakin Ruwa Ward of Dala Local Government Area.

He said, the Council also approved funds for the construction of an orphanage hostel at Nassarawa Children’s Home, renovation of GJSS Tatsawarki in Kumbotso LGA, compensation for farmlands affected by the construction of five small earth dams across selected local government areas, and the construction of Arewa Knot and multi-tiered fountains at Alfurqan and Baban Gwari roundabouts.

In addition, compensation totaling ₦251.9 million was approved for properties affected by the construction of a 5-kilometre dualised road in Bagwai Local Government Area.

On policy matters, the Executive Council expressed deep concern and dismay over the death of a female patient at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, where a pair of scissors was reportedly left in her abdomen during surgery. The Council condemned the incident, describing it as a grave act of negligence, and assured the public that the ongoing investigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

It further extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of citizens.

The Council also acknowledged the strategic importance of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project and approved the phased development of the AKK Industrial Layout in Tamburawa, with Phase I focusing on basic infrastructure and perimeter fencing.

Furthermore, the Executive Council approved the comprehensive enhancement of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Karaye, following persistent structural challenges at the camp, to improve the welfare, safety and general wellbeing of corps members serving in Kano State.

The State Government reiterated its commitment to prudent resource utilization and sustained investment in projects that directly impact the lives of residents.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In an extraordinary and controversial final, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra-time on Sunday to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at a stunned Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The match was decided by a moment of individual brilliance but will be remembered for an unprecedented protest. With the score 0-0 deep into second-half stoppage time, Senegal saw a potential winner by Ismaila Sarr disallowed for a foul. Moments later, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a shirt-pull on Brahim Diaz.

In a shocking escalation, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest of the decisions. The dramatic walk-off halted play for over fifteen minutes before senior player Sadio Mane helped mediate a return. The reprieve proved decisive: Diaz’s audacious panenka penalty was calmly saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the match to extra-time.

There, midfielder Pape Gueye struck the decisive blow, unleashing a spectacular rocket from outside the box that curled into the far corner, leaving Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou rooted.

Senegal then professionally managed the remaining minutes to secure their second AFCON crown. The victory also shattered Morocco’s formidable 16-year undefeated record on home soil, dating back to 2009.

The final was not without chances in regulation. Bounou had produced a superb save to deny Iliman Ndiaye in the first half, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi spurned a golden opportunity, flashing his shot wide when through on goal shortly before full-time. Ultimately, it was Senegal’s resilience amid the chaos that sealed a historic and tumultuous triumph.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately clarify the terms of a $5 billion health cooperation agreement recently signed with the United States, citing “materially different” and potentially unconstitutional framings of the deal.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed alarm over what it described as conflicting portrayals of the five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in December.

While the Nigerian government has presented the agreement as an inclusive framework to strengthen health security and boost domestic financing, U.S. official statements framed it as focusing strongly on supporting Christian faith-based healthcare providers.

The ADC highlighted that the U.S. version introduces “identity-based elements” absent from Nigeria’s account, suggesting funds could be directed primarily to health institutions linked to one religion—a move the party says violates constitutional guarantees against discrimination.

“The U.S. characterisation indicates that spending under the MoU should be targeted at health institutions backed by a particular religion only,” Abdullahi stated. “This raises serious constitutional and national cohesion concerns.”

Under the agreement, the U.S. intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion over five years, while Nigeria is to increase its domestic health spending by about $3 billion in the same period. The deal covers HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio interventions.

The ADC also pointed to a clause allowing the U.S. President or Secretary of State to pause or terminate programmes deemed against national interest—a condition reportedly omitted from Nigeria’s public explanation of the MoU.

“Why is the Nigerian government committing more resources under an arrangement that appears discriminatory and grants unilateral termination powers to a foreign government?” Abdullahi questioned.

Citing Sections 42(1), 15, and 17 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibit discrimination and obligate the state to promote national integration, the ADC insisted that any agreement introducing identity-based distinctions in public service provision is fundamentally flawed.

The party has demanded that the Federal Government clearly state which version reflects the actual terms and explain the significant discrepancies between the two accounts.