NOA warns greengrocers against use of chemicals for preservation

By Bosede Olufunmi

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano state, has warned greengrocers to desist from using chemicals for the preservation of vegetables and fruits.

The Acting Director of the Agency in the state, Alhaji Rabiu Ado, gave the warning at a public awareness campaign against the use of chemicals to preserve foodstuff on Thursday in Kano.

Ado also urged foodstuff dealers to abandon this dangerous practice, describing the process as harmful and dangerous.

“The essence of the awareness is to let those involved in such practices know that such is dangerous, which effect can cause kidney problems, hypertension, among serious health issues, including terminal diseases.

“We should understand that mixing chemicals with consumable in the name of food preservation can be dangerous to our lives,” he said.

On his part, Danladi Abba, an Assistant Director at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Kano Branch, described the dangers in using chemicals to preserve consumables as enormous.

He decried a situation where sellers were using calcium carbonate in preserving their products, describing the situation as not only wicked, but suicidal.

Abba noted that only welders were permitted to use calcium carbonate to melt iron doors, vehicles, among others to ease their work.

“Henceforth, we will start monitoring welders, who come to buy these chemicals to make sure that they only use them for their professional work and not to sell them to fruit sellers.

“Anyone caught in the act will face the law,” he warned.

The Secretary, Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, Adam Muhammed, thanked the agency for the sensitisation, which he described as timely.

Adam advised his co-sellers to be careful while preserving their fruits, by following hygienic ways, emphasising that anyone caught violating the process would be punished accordingly.

He appealed to government to provide concrete interlock, streetlight and parking space as well as modern fruits preservation machinery that can store fruits for days without using any form of chemicals.

Also speaking, President of Dawanau grains market, Muttaqa Isa, said that they would adhere and checkmate how grains were being preserved during fumigation in the market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders such as Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Enviromental health officials attended the awareness campaign

Kano govt pledges enhanced welfare services for boarding students

By Usman Datti Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board, Alhaji Rabiu Sale Gwarzo, has reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the continued provision of enhanced welfare for students in boarding schools.

Alhaji Rabiu Gwarzo made this known during a meeting with Principals of boarding schools across the state, where he emphasized the importance of student welfare in achieving academic excellence. He said that the present administration will continue to provide the best possible care and support for World - class education in the state

The Executive Secretary urged Principals to recognize the trust and responsibility placed in them, and seize the opportunity to support the state government's efforts in achieving outstanding educational results.

He also  stressed the importance of a collaborative working relationship to facilitate timely situation reports on boarding schools' conditions for prompt and decisive action.

Gwarzo then acknowledged the tireless efforts of the school heads in ensuring the provision of quality education to students in their respective schools.

Speaking, the Director Boarding Schools Hajiya Binta Jaya expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary for his dedication and support, which have yielded significant positive changes in the board.

The Principals responded by commending the Executive Secretary for creating a forum for discussion, and voiced their appreciation for the nutritious, ample, and hygienically prepared meals served to students.

KASHAM collaborate with National Institute of Information Technology to build women, girls capacity

By Zainab Olufunmi 

An NGO, Kasham Girls, Women, and Youth Development Initiative, said it will collaborate with National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) create, build skills for women and girls to build their capacity on technical and vocational skills.

The Executive Director of Kasham, Dinatu Maji, disclosed this while signing MOU with NIIT to bring amazing opportunity for girls, women and youth in 19 northern states.

She said the MOU will enable them have capacity to self reliance in stability.

According to her, "opportunities they get hands on learning equipments technical amazing learning space to facilitate.

"This will run for five years expose them to opportunity in other to better their life. 

In the same vein, Dr. Bayero Farah, Director General and Chief Executive of NITT, said it is a good initiative and will make a great impact in women ans girls.

Transparency of DMCSA Leadership Restores Public Trust to Health Sector -- Ma'aji Sumaila

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Kano State Commissioner for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring, and Evaluation Comrade Nura Ma'aji Suma'ila has extolled the leadership of Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), headed by its Director General Pharmacist Gali Sule, for their transparency and accountability while discharging their duties.

Speaking during an advocacy visit paid to him by the DMCSA management, the Commissioner disclosed that good leadership style of the current leadership of the Agency has restored the trust among state residents on health sector and equally won back the confidence of the suppliers.

A press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of DMCSA, Farouk Isa Musa, quoted the Commissioner saying that transparency in drug procurement is a critical aspect of healthcare systems, particularly in ensuring that medications are accessible, affordable, and of high quality. 

Pledging to continue working closely with the Agency, Sumaila commended the Director General and his team for the visit, which he described as "informative and meaningful engagement."

Earlier speaking, Pharmacist Gali Sule said they were at the Commissioner’s office to brief him on the basic operation procedure of the Agency and to seek his input on how to mitigate the challenges bedeviling the Agency

According to the Director General, the Agency is getting 80 percent of its suppliers through tender due to the transparency nature of the method, which helps in reducing the risk of corruption and mismanagement of funds, and getting health commodities at a cheaper price as the process allows for comparing prices to get a better deal.

Sule implied that to enhance transparency and accountability, the DMCSA involves all relevant stakeholders in the selecting process, including healthcare professionals, development partners, and community leaders.

He added that they employed better scrutiny of suppliers and products in order to ensure that only high-quality medications are procured,

Dabo 2025 Nationl Conference: BUK Offers to Support PSN

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Bayero University, Kano expressed its readiness to support the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) as the organization is making early necessary arrangements for the much-anticipated Annual National Conference, slated to be held in November in Kano.

The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano Prof Sagir Adamu Abbas, made this known when he received the members and executives of PSN, led by the National President of the association Pharmacist Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, who paid him a courtesy call in his office, Wednesday.

The Vice Chancellor said the leadership of the university is ever ready to render any assistance to professional organizations, like the PSN, that promote expertise and advance their respective careers.

Speaking earlier, the PSN National President said they were at the office of the Vice Chancellor to pay homage and intimate him about the activities of the association.

Pharmacist Ibrahim further notified the Vice Chancellor that Kano state has been chosen to host this year's national conference.

"Thousands of our members across the country are expected to attend the conference. Due to the large number of expected attendees, we must find a large conference venue that will accommodate all of us and also seek any other relevant support. As such, we came here to seek your support in that direction."

On his part, the PSN Chairman Kano State Chapter Pharm. Murtala Isa Umar highlighted that the last time Kano State hosted such kind of important meeting was 27 years ago, which was then tagged 'Dabo 98,' adding that the proposed meeting for this year, dubbed 'Dabo 2025 Annual National Conference,' is the 98th of its kind.

Speaking on the importance of the conference, the Director General of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency and a Fellow of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Pharmacist Gali Sule said the meeting is a global event where stakeholders gathered to discuss the nitty-gritty of the pharmaceutical profession.

He gave his assurance that the conference attendees for this will see positive changes and significant development in Kano regarding the noble profession.

Pharmacisit Sule expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and his management team for their indefatigable support to the PSN and Kano community in general.

He finally thanked the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University for what he called "invaluable technical support and advice" to his agency on drug production and how to upgrade the manufacturing unit.

Ma'aji Sumaila Inspects 9 Key Projects In Kano Metropolis

 

By Sagiru Ado Abubakar 

The Honorable Commissioner Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano Comrade Nura Ma'aji Sumaila during a monitoring inspection tour, yesterday, assured transparency and accountability in project implementation across the state.

Comrade Nura Ma'aji Sumaila vowed to protect government interest in project implementation and emphasized on quality projects as government of His Excellency Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State prioritizes on standard projects that contribute to the welfare and development of Kano State people.

Yesterday, the Honorable Commissioner Comrade Nura Ma'aji Sumaila took a tour across Kano metropolis and inspected about 9 key ongoing projects.

The projects inspected were as follows: renovation of female ward and theatre at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Nassarawa, general renovation works at Nuhu Bamali Martanity Hospital, Kofar Nassarawa, and construction of Sickle Cell Center at Murtala Muhammad General Hospital, Kano.

Other projects inspected included: construction of Dan Agundi Interchange Flyover, construction of Unguwar Dabai Road, Construction of Yan Awaki-Unguwa Uku Road

He also visited the ongoing construction of Kwankwasiyya Gida-Gida Blocks of 4 Classrooms at Yalwa Models Primary School and Samaru Islamiyya, Fagge local government.

Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano is mandated to regulate public procurement with openness as well as conduct monitoring and evaluation of all projects in Kano State.

"Today the ministry visited 6 local governments in Kano metropolis, we are very much pleased with what we saw. The quality is up to standard and the commitment of the contractors is actually very encouraging."

"We only had a problem in one of the 4 classroom blocks, where the contractor is not be located despite the fact that he has paid 30% mobilisation fee and the work measured is not up to 25%."

The Honorable Commissioner Ma'aji Sumaila promised to invite any contractor and client ministries in any project sites where work is not delivered as expected to make sure that things are going as scheduled 

Sagiru Ado Abubakar, Information Officer, reporting from the Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano

Kano to Foster Ties With Pharma Companies to Improve Healthcare Delivery

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State government has expressed its willingness to strengthen ties with pharmaceutical companies with the sole purpose of enhancing healthcare delivery services by improving citizens' access to medications and other healthcare commodities.

The Director General of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) Pharmacist Gali Sule made this known while receiving the donation of plastic pallets from Unique Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, the Director General said the donation is important and timely, noting that the gesture will add value to the supply chain, improve efficiency, and increase storage capability of the Agency. 

Speaking further on the essence of the partnership, Pharmacist Sule pointed out that the collaboration between Kano State government and pharmaceutical companies will definitely help in ensuring that essential medications are more affordable and accessible to citizens, especially the vulnerable ones..

According to the DMCSA boss, the partnership will significantly improve healthcare access, foster innovation, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for the population.

Pharmacist Sule pledged that when the upgrade of the drug manufacturing facility of the DMCSA is fully completed, the agency will liaise with pharmaceutical companies and other relevant institutions of learning to improve the production of medications and promote research.

He finally thanked the management of the Unique Pharmaceutical for what he described as "a continued support."

Presenting the equipment on behalf of the management of the company, the Business Development Manager of Unique Pharmaceutical Mr.Someshwar Shinde said the donation is a part of corporate social responsibility to demonstrate their appreciation to DMCSA.

Mr. Shinde emphasized that the gesture is a show of solidarity and an attempt to compliment the efforts of the Kano government to ensure the availability of medical supplies across the state.

The Business Manager, who was accompanied by the Regional Manager of the firm Pharmacist Afolabi Emmanuel Olateju,

assured the Director General of continued support of the company to the state government through the Agency.

Buk to hold 4th international conference on doctoral colloquium

By Zainab Olufunmi 

The Bayero University Kano to hold international conference on doctoral colloquium to grapple with uncertainties driven by inflation.

The theme of the conference titled: “Management for Sustainable Development in Times of Economic Uncertainties: Issues, Perspectives, and Challenges,” 

Speaking at the press briefing, the  Dean, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences of BUK, Prof. Muhammad Isa said this year's conference is particularly timely as global economies continue to grapple with uncertainties driven by inflation, geopolitical tensions, digital disruptions, and evolving financial landscapes. 

He said this will serve as a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry professionals to engage in insightful discussions on sustainable economic models.

"Financial resilience, innovative management practices that can enhance economic stability and inclusive growth.

"This is the  fourth International Conference and Doctoral Colloquium to

provide a platform for intellectual discourse on strategic management approaches for sustainable development amid economic uncertainties",he said.

Isa further explained that this will address contemporary economic and financial challenges, exploring innovative solutions for resilience and stability.

He added that this will examine role of risk management, governance reforms, and financial strategies in mitigating economic shocks.

The conference include chief Host: Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano

Host: Prof. Muhammad Aminu Isa, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, BUK

Chairman of the Occasion: Sarkin Shanu Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, FCA

Special Guest of Honour: Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Honourable Minister of State for Education

Keynote Presenter Speaker: Peter Wallis, President, Wallis Energy Corporation, Massachusetts, USA

 Lead Paper Presenters

Mr. Daniel Wagner – CEO, Country Risk Solutions/Advisor, FOSSREA

Prof. Mohammed Dahiru Madawaki– Director, University of Maiduguri Business School (UMBS)

Prof. Abdullahi Ahmed – University of Canterbury, UK.

Kano Community Leaders Hail State Govt for Drug Availability at Health Facilities

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Community members of Gwarzo Local Government Area have expressed their appreciation for the Kano State Government’s efforts in improving drug availability at healthcare facilities in the area.

They made the commendation when the Director General of Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) Pharmacist Gali Sule visited Gwarzo General Hospital as part of executive supervision to Hospital Management Board Zone 4.

The residents, who spoke through the village Head of Gwarzo town Malam Muhammad Halliru Gwarzo and the Chairman of Friends of the Hospital Committee Malam Babangida Soda, have noted significant improvements in the availability of both essential and specialized medications, which has greatly enhanced the quality of healthcare services in the area.

The community leaders further called on wealthy individuals to

support the government's efforts by emulating the two prominent philanthropists in the area, namely Alhaji Sama'ila Gwarzo and Alhaji Bala Giwa Getso, who constructed and donated accident and emergency unit and eye clinic, respectively, to Gwarzo General Hospital.

The village head and the Chairman of Friends of the Hospital Committee emphasized the importance of synergy between the government and the community to address any remaining challenges and ensure that all citizens have access to the medications they need.

Responding, the Director General of DMCSA, Pharmacist Gali Sule, said the community's commendation reflects a positive shift in healthcare accessibility and highlights the importance of government initiatives in addressing public health needs.

He attributed this success to the Kano State government's commitment to healthcare reform, which includes better supply chain management, increased funding for healthcare facilities, and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies through tender procument by the DMCSA.

"These measures have not only improved drug availability but have also fostered a sense of trust and reliability in the healthcare system," he stressed.

The DG further pointed out that the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir has came up with good policies and programs for health sector aimed at ensuring that essential medications that are qualitative and affordable are consistently stocked and accessible to patients in need in all the facilities across the state.

The aims of the supervision, according to him, are mainly to ensure the smooth running of the hospitals, especially in the areas of the availability of health supplies based on Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) and Kano State Contributory Health Management Agency (KSCHMA) schemes, Service Communication (SERVICOM), and the general sanitation of facilities, among others.

During the visit, the DG was received by the leadership of Gwarzo General Hospital and that of HMB Zone 4, which comprised Gwarzo, Kabo, Karaye, and Rogo Local Government Areas. He was conducted round to all units and departments, including the male and female wards, pediatric department, physiotherapy unit, maternity, and eye clinic.

Other departments Pharmacist Gali Sule visited are the accident and emergency, theater, pharmacy, laboratory, KSCHMA, dental clinic, and general outpatient department (GOPD).

Majalisar Dokoki Ta Jihar Kano Za Ta Hada Hannu Da DMCSA Don Inganta Sashin Lafiya

Daga Farouk Isa Musa 

A wani ho66asa na mussaman don ha6aka harkar kiwon lafiya, Majalisar Dokoki Ta Jihar Kano ta sha alwashin yin duk mai yiwuwa wajen tallafawa Hukumar Samar da Magunguna da Kayan Asibiti ta Jihar nan don ganin ta sauke nauyin da aka dora mata.

Mambobin Kwamitin Lafiya na Majalisa ne suka bayyana haka a lokacin da suka ka6i bakuncin shugabannin Hukumar Samar da Magunguna ta Jihar Kano (DMCSA), karkashin jagorancin Darakta-Janar na hukumar, Famasist Gali Sule, wadanda suke je harabar majalisar don yiwa 'yan Kwamitin bayani a kan ayyukan ma'aikatar da kuma tarin nasarori da ta samu a shekara daya da rabi.

Da yake jawabi a lokacin ganawar, Mataimakin Kakakin Majalisar, Honoabil Muhammad Bello Butu-butu ya tabbatar wa da shugabannin Hukumar ta DMCSA cikakken goyon bayan Majalisar domin inganta samar da magunguna a fadin jihar nan.

Daga nan sai Mataimakin Kakakin Majalisar ya yabawa irin namijin kokari na shugabanni da ma ma'aikatan Hukumar Samar da Magunguna ta Jiha.

A nasa jawabin, Shugaban Kwamitin Lafiya na Majalisar Dokoki Ta Jihar nan, Honorabil Zakariyya Alasan Ishaq, wanda kuma shi ne dan majalisa mai wakiltar Kura da Garun Mala, ya jinjinawa Famasist Gali Sule sakamakon tarin nasarori da ya samu a cikin gajeren lokaci.

A tasa gudunmawar, dan majalisa mai wakiltar maza6ar Ungogo a zauren majalisar, Honoabil Aminu Sa'ad ya yi kira da sauran hukumomi a jihar nan da su yi koyi da Hukumar Samar da Magunguna ta hanyar zage damtse domin ciyar da jihar nan gaba.

Da yake jawabi tun da fari, Darakta-Janar na Hukumar Samar da Magunguna da Kayan Aikin Asibiti ta Jihar Kano, Famasist Gali Sule ya ce sun je Zauren Majalisar ne don sanar da 'yan Kwamitin irin aikace-aikacen hukumarsa da nasarori da hukumar ta samu da kuma kalubale da take fuskanta.

Famasist Gali Sule ya kara da cewa kadan daga cikin irin nasarorin da hukumar ta samu sun hada da biyan sama da kaso 60 na bashin da ake bin wannan hukuma wanda aka gada daga gwamnatin da ta gabata, da kuma samar da ingantattun magunguna masu rahusa daga kaso 30 zuwa kaso 96.

Haka kuma, yawan asibitocin da Hukumar take bai wa magunguna sun karu daga guda 814 zuwa 890. Haka zalika, Hukumar tana gudanar da taron masu ruwa da tsaki duk bayan watanni uku don tabbatar da ana yin komai bisa tsari kuma a bude, in ji shi.

KNHA Pledges to Support State Drug Agency

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Kano State House of Assembly has expressed its determination to do everything possible to provide support to Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency with a view to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

Members of the House Committee on Health disclosed this when they received the management team of the DMCSA, led by the Director General Pharmacist Gali Sule, who visited the House to make presentation about the activities and operations of the Agency and showcase the achievements recorded since the DG took over the mantle of leadership of the organization.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Speaker Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-butu assured the DMCSA of full support of the House of Assembly. He heavily lavished praise to the management of the Agency for their hard work, resilience, and dedication.

On his part, the Chairman of the Committee and member representing Kura/ Garun Malam, Hon. Zakariyya Alasan Ishaq expressed his appreciation for the presentation, commending Pharmasist Gali Sule for what he termed an "exemplary and remarkable eadership worthy of emulation."

In his contribution, a member representing Ungogo constituency Hon. Aminu Sa'ad called on other agencies to emulate the DMCSA due to a good track of records and a tremendous development recorded under Gali Sule.

Speaking earlier, the Director General said they were at the House to intimate the Members on the activities conducted by the Agency.

"Apart from paying more than 60 percent of the inherited debt and the increase in drug availability at healthcare facilities, we introduced several measures to promote transparency and accountability.

"Among such measures," he pointed out, "we introduced a quarterly review meeting, where all departments make presentations to relevant stakeholders on the success recorded and how to confront challenges."

 

Thanking the members for their untiring support, Pharmacist Sule urged for more cooperation.

In his presentation, the Director Drugs and Supply Pharmacist Tukur Ibrahim listed some of the achievements recorded, including paying off the sum of N800 million out of N1.2 billion inherited debt, and increasing the fund value of the Agency) from N102 million (negative value) to N19.99 million.

He also added that, as of September 2024, the drug availability at facilities  rose to 96 percent from the initial 30 percent, and health facility coverage was increased from 814 to 890.

Comrade Ma'aji Decries Poor Execution Of Projects In His Hometown, Other Places, Summons Contractors

By Sagiru Ado Abubakar

The Honorable Commissioner Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano Comrade Nura Iro Ma'aji has raised concern over the poor execution of Kwankwasiyya Gida-Gida Blocks of 4 Classrooms in Sumaila and Garko local governments.

Comrade Ma'aji expressed disappointment on what he witnessed on ground during inspection of primary school projects he visited yesterday, 11th January, 2024 in his hometown, Sumaila and Garko local government areas.

Ma'aji stated that the contractors despite the fact that they were given project specifications and designs, failed to act in accordance with rules and instructions.

According to the Honorable Commissioner, only in the Albasu local government, the project execution impressed. The contractor and the supervisor found on site. 

The contractors found with failures were asked to stop working and report to the Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano on Monday, 13th January, 2024

" I have to commend the contractor in the Albasu school project for doing work well done."

"Those found with failures must correct, they have everything in their contract papers and we must abide and keep to those specifications."

The Honorable Commissioner asked all the officers in charge of supervision to communicate with the contractors and inform them to report to the ministry on Monday.

The Honorable Commissioner and his team yesterday visited Zango Primary School, Garko local government, GSS Albasu, Albasu local government, Sumaila Gabas Primary School, Sumaila and 5 kilometer road, Sumaila 

The contractor of 5 kilometer road of Sumaila confirmed to the Honorable Commissioner that he will report back to the construction site this coming Monday.

The Honorable Commissioner was accompanied by the Technical Advisers of the ministry, Permanent Secretary, Engr. Garba Adamu, Director Civil Engineering and Infrastructure, Engr. Ibrahim Idris, Director Building, Engr. Hassan Abubakar Kabara, Director Planning and Statistics, Bldr. Mas'ud Lado Saleh, Director Data, Muhammad Mu'azu, Deputy Director Building, QS Muhammad Tijjani and Other supporting staff.

Kano Project Monitoring Commissioner Ma'aji Tasks Contractors on Qualitative Work

By Sagiru Ado Abubakar

To ensure transparency, accountability and good governance in public projects, the Honorable Commissioner Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano Comrade Nura Iro Ma'aji has today embarked on a project monitoring tour to assess the quality and progress of the ongoing projects in Kano State.

During the visits, Comrade Ma'aji has ordered contractors handling ongoing construction of Kwankwasiyya Gida-Gida Blocks of 4 Classrooms at Gyanawa primary school, Gaya, Indabo Primary School, Wudil, Garin Dau primary school, Warawa, 5 kilometer road, Wudil and Isolation Center, Yar Gaya Dawakin Kudu local government to deliver quality jobs. 

Comrade Ma'aji while inspecting the projects, insisted that high quality building materials must be used by the contractors.

The team of engineers from the ministry of procurement who accompanied the Honorable Commissioner to the project sites noted in some places that there are inconsistencies, unprofessionalism and cracks in some structures.

While drawing attention of the contractors to the observations made, the Honorable Commissioner warned that he may find time, in near future, without notice to come back and see if the observations have been taken or not.

" This ministry has the mandate to monitor and evaluate projects to ensure compliance in accordance with the Kano State Procurement Law 2021." 

"The visitation is in fulfilment of our primary responsibilities to monitor all projects,  evaluate them and call for corrections." The Honorable Commissioner explained 

The Honorable Commissioner finally warned them that Kano State under the administration of His Excellency Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano will not accept poor quality and shoddy jobs from any contractor 

NFSS receives 319 complaints in 2024

By Zainab Olufunmi

Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) says it received 319 complaints from January to December.

The Commander Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Kano State Command Abdullahi Al’ameen disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kano.

He said the service is trying its best to leave up to its mandate, including prevention, detection of crimes and illegal activities perpetrated in the forests.

According to him, “out of the 319 complainants, 300 had been treated while 19 were pending in court.

“Most of the cases were on animal theft, banditry, kidnapping, motorcycle theft, debt, phone snatching, rape, vandalism among others.

"We will partner with relevant stakeholders on community policing",he said.

Al’ameen further explained that this year NFSS will re-train it's personnel on security information and weapon - handling.

He added that the training will help personnel  to know what to do in the forest, gather relevant information on armed robbers, thieves among others.

The Commander also appealed to the  government to pass a bill to make them one of the government security outfits since they are still a voluntary organisation.

He solicited the cooperation of the public to make the state a zero-free society.

Kano Public Procurement Commissioner Nura Ma’aji Assumes Office

By Sagiru Ado Abubakar

Amidst thousands of supporters, shortly after the swearing in ceremony of the newly appointed commissioners by His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, the newly appointed commissioner Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji has assumed office

Honorable Nura Iro Ma’aji a renowned governance expert, and Policy Development Specialist hailed from Sumaila Local Government, a lecture at Bayero University, Kano, Social Science and Administration (S.S.A), School of Continuing Education (S.C.E), served as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano on Employment and Job Creation, and also held the role of Special Adviser on Student Affairs

During his speech on assumption of office, the Honorable Commissioner, acknowledged the support giving to him by the Kwankwasiyya Movement under the guide of the National Leader, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Executive Governor of Kano, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and people of Sumaila Local Government

“Without my knowledge, today in the morning, I received a call from the government House that my attention is needed. I am aware that today is the day His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State planned to swear in the new commissioners. But I didn’t know where to be assigned and posted.

“It is not my power and wisdom; God decides for me.”

The Honorable Commissioner then appealed for the support and maximum cooperation of the entire staff of the ministry as according to him cannot work and achieve success alone.

Honorable Farouk Abdu, Executive Chairman, Sumaila Local Government was among the people accompanied the Honorable Commissioner to the ministry. He introduced the honorable commissioner as a gentleperson who shows respect to everyone.

“I know Comrade Nura Iro Ma’aji personally, I know his capacity to rule, and I know his vision for the development of Kano state.”

Engr. Garba Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano spoke on behalf of the entire staff of the ministry. He promised to give the new commissioner support and cooperation needed to deliver and achieve success.

Kano Schools Management Board Committed to Uplift Secondary Education

By Usman Datti Abdullahi 

The Executive Secretary of Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSMB) Rabiu Sale Gwarzo has reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to promoting exceptional educational standards in secondary schools education.

Speaking when he convened the inaugural meeting with the twenty three zonal directors, the Executive Secretary discussed the current status of schools within the state, aimed at assessing the progress, challenges, and future prospects of secondary education in Kano State.

During the meeting, the Executive Secretary and zonal directors engaged in a comprehensive review of the schools' performance, focusing on key areas such as academic achievements, infrastructure development, among other issues that need prompt intervention. The discussion also touched on strategies for improving the overall quality of education in the state.

The ES emphasized the state government's commitment to providing access to quality education for all students, regardless of their background or socio-economic status, adding that the declaration of State of Emergency on education is a critical step towards achieving this goal.

Honorable Rabiu Gwarzo also highlighted some of the notable achievements recorded by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, demonstrating a clear vision for education standards in Kano State, calling for effective utilization of 

government education initiatives to achieve the desired outcome.

He noted that the Board is committed

to foster a collaborative environment among staff to build on these achievements and ensure quality education for the development of the state.

Kano House Committee on Public Procurement Visits New Commissione Diggol

 By Sagiru Ado Abubakar 

The Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Public Procurement has, on Tuesday, paid an oversight visit to the new Commissioner Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Kano State, Muhammad Diggol

The committee led by the Chairman House Committee on Public Procurement, Honorable Murtala Musa Kore was received by the Honorable Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Diggol, directors and other supporting staff of the ministry, as contained in a press statement issued by Sagiru Ado Abubakar spokesperson of the ministry.

According to the secretary House Committee on Public Procurement, Honorable Abubakar Danladi Isah said that it is a working relationship visit aimed at rebuilding a synergy between the committee and the new commissioner. He appreciated the existing relation between the ministry and the committee and advised the new administration to build upon.

“Presently, we are studying the 2024 report of this ministry and planning to forward each activity of the ministry to the plenary for general discussion and taking appropriate decision. If there is a need to invite the honorable commissioner especially on the issue of non-compliance as we noticed that lot of MDAs are not compliance with the procurement provision of the ministry.”

“Our prayer is to have strong working relationship from the honorable commissioner, as our work depends largely on the works of the ministry," he highlighted.

On his part, the Honorable Commissioner, warmly welcomed the committee and commended them for their proactive approach in conducting their duties. He further expressed his support for the committee emphasizing the importance of the committee in relation to the budget formulation.

“This ministry has major rule to play in governance processes. It assigns to handle and assess public procurement and projects by making sure that funds are spent judiciously. It must ensure that each project meets ethical standard in order to ensure transparency and accountability.”

“It is very unfortunate to see that public funds spent to constructs roads and structurers that do not last long. No ministry in Kano that deserve working with the State House of Assembly as such. The ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation is doing an oversight work from part of the executive arm like the House of Assembly.”

The Commissioner vowed to work closely with the House Committee and appealed to make some additions, if possible, in the budget of the ministry submitted to the house.