Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

A Kano-based lawyer and politician, Barrister Salisu Salisu Umar, has accused the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, of deliberately frustrating the confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Addressing journalists in Kano, Barr. Umar alleged that Senator Barau’s opposition stems from envy and a lack of commitment to the revival of Kano’s moribund industries and youth development efforts. “Most of our industries have collapsed due to poor electricity supply, and many women’s small-scale businesses have also suffered. Instead of supporting solutions that could revive these sectors, Barau is working to ensure Ramat is not confirmed. His actions show he doesn’t want Kano to progress,” Umar stated. Read Also: Ganduje and Barau: The Power Duo Shaping Kano and National Politics He described Ramat’s nomination as a symbol of hope for young Nigerians, particularly those from Kano, warning that attempts to block his confirmation would be viewed as opposition to the advancement of youth and the state’s industrial revival. “If Ramat loses the NERC chairmanship, we will mobilize against Barau politically — whether in Kano North, South, or Central — even if he contests for governor or president. We will ensure he is retired politically,” Umar vowed. The lawyer further criticized Barau’s approach to Kano’s federal appointments, describing it as self-serving. He said while many positions given to Kano indigenes were minor, the NERC chairmanship was one that could genuinely benefit the people, making Barau’s resistance particularly disappointing.

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has announced a new partnership initiative with the Kano Science Secondary Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA) Class of 2021 General Chapter aimed at fostering collaboration in health education, community outreach, and youth development. The Director General of DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule made this known when he received the executive leadership of the association when they paid him a courtesy visit at the Agency’s headquarters in Kano. Welcoming the delegation, the Director General commended the association for its commitment to fostering unity and development among alumni of science secondary schools across the state, noting that the passion and organizational spirit demonstrated by the young graduates reflect the values of excellence and service instilled by Kano’s science education system. “It is encouraging to see young people, especially science graduates, showing initiative and a sense of responsibility toward community development and contribute positively to society. The Agency will continue to support educational and youth-driven initiatives that align with our mandate. The DMCSA believes in supporting youth-driven initiatives that align with the state’s vision for human capital development and public health improvement,” the Pharm. Sule said. Read Also: TechnoServe, KASSOSA, and TIC Partner to Train 1500 Young Girls in Kano, Introduce Robust Aftercare Phase He emphasized the importance of science education in building future leaders capable of driving progress in healthcare, research, and technology. The DG commended the association’s commitment to supporting educational and health-related initiatives across the state, reaffirming the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with youth-led groups in promoting public health awareness, responsible drug use, and science-based community service. “This kind of partnership aligns with DMCSA’s broader mission to ensure access to quality, safe, and affordable srugs and medical consumables while encouraging civic participation in the health sector. I’m optimistic that this collaboration would serve as a model for other alumni associations and public institutions in Kano State,” he assured Speaking earlier, the Chairman of KASSOSA Class 2021 General Chapter Comrade Auwal Mustapha Maikano expressed his satisfaction with the DG’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the promotion of public health standards. He also commended the management of DMCSA for their warm reception and the Agency’s contributions to improving access to qualitative and affordable drugs and medical consumables in Kano State. Appreciating the Director-General for his exceptional leadership in ensuring the steady supply of quality drugs and medical consumables across the state’s healthcare facilities, Comrade Maikano reiterated the association’s readiness to partner with the Agency in areas such as health awareness campaigns, educational outreach, and community development programs. “I, on behalf of KASSOSA Class of 2021 General Chapter, wish to commend the DG DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule for his open-door policy and commitment to community partnership. This collaboration would create opportunities for joint health campaigns, mentorship programs, and volunteer projects in schools and local communities,” the Chairman said. “Our association believes that health awareness and drug safety are key components of community progress. We look forward to collaborating with DMCSA to educate our members and the general public on responsible drug use and healthcare access,” he added. The visit was part of KASSOSA’s ongoing engagement efforts aimed at strengthening collaboration between alumni of science-based secondary schools and key stakeholders driving healthcare, education, and innovation in Kano State. KASSOSA is a network of alumni dedicated to promoting science education, professional development, and community service across Kano State. The Class 2021 General Chapter represents graduates from all science secondary schools in the state, and they are dedicated to promoting educational excellence, mentorship, and community service among graduates. Signed: Farouk Isa Musa PRO, DMCSA

Bandits have attacked Faruruwa community in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, abducting five women, four of whom are nursing mothers. The incident occurred late Sunday night when the gunmen invaded Yan Kwada village around 11 p.m., shooting sporadically to scare residents before whisking the women away to an unknown destination. A resident of the area said the attackers moved from house to house, shooting into the air and breaking doors before seizing the victims. According to the source, two of the abducted women have since returned, while three others remain in captivity. Read Also: A Quiet War on Our Soil: How Aid, Chemicals, and Banditry Are Strangling Northern Nigeria’s Ginger Heartland The latest attack has heightened tension across rural communities in Kano State, particularly those sharing borders with Katsina State. Observers say recent peace agreements between some local governments in Katsina and bandit groups may be forcing criminal elements to relocate into Kano territory. Security experts and community leaders have called on the Kano State Government to collaborate with its Katsina counterpart to curb the spillover effects of the peace deals. “Kano must strengthen its security presence in the border areas to prevent infiltration from neighbouring states,” one of the community leaders said. The attack occurred barely a week after a joint military operation reportedly killed 19 bandits in the area. Residents of Faruruwa and nearby villages have continued to live in fear, with some fleeing their homes to Faruruwa town and other urban centres for safety.