Kano

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has forwarded the name of Saidu Yahya to the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC). The nomination was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. Yahya, a seasoned anti-corruption expert and accomplished public servant, is expected to bring renewed focus and operational efficiency to the Commission. Born in 1978, the 47-year-old holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation. Read Also: FG to Establish Cattle Breeding Centres Across Six Geopolitical Zones He has over 18 years of experience in combating corruption, serving in various strategic capacities at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Until his nomination, he was the Team Leader of the General Investigations and Constituency/Executive Projects Tracking Division and a member of the ICPC Directorate of Operations Task Force. Yahya is well-versed in investigating bribery, corruption, money laundering, illicit financial flows, criminal diversion of public funds, sabotage, project tracking, and asset recovery. He is also a certified trainer in investigative techniques and project monitoring, with extensive training from top national institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Defense Intelligence College, and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria. Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Yahya’s practical experience and technical skills will strengthen the fight against corruption and improve the Commission’s operational effectiveness in promoting public accountability in the state. In a related development, the Governor also announced the appointment of Barrister Hafsat Adda’u Kutama as the new Secretary and Legal Adviser to the Commission, with immediate effect. The Head of Service has been directed to redeploy the outgoing Secretary and Legal Adviser, Barr. Zaharadden Hamisu Kofar Mata, back to the Ministry of Justice for reassignment. Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing PCACC Chairman, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, praising his courage, tenacity, and dedicated service to the state. He commended Muhuyi’s commitment to public accountability and good governance and wished him success in future endeavours. “The Government of Kano State remains open and willing to work with Barrister Muhuyi in the future, whenever the opportunity arises,” the Governor stated. The nomination and appointments, according to the statement, reaffirm the current administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the sustained fight against corruption in Kano State.

Prominent Kano businessman, Alhaji Kabiru Sani Kwangila Yakasai (popularly known as SKY), has urged governments at all levels to focus on implementing community-based projects that will directly reduce poverty and improve livelihoods across the country. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Kamalu Yakubu Ali on behalf of Alhaji Kabiru Sani Kwangila Yakasai, following the closing ceremony of a Qur’anic reading event marking the conclusion of *Ashfa*, presented by Malam Abdulkadir Shehu Mai Anwar in Tudun Yola, Gwale Local Government Area. SKY advised governors to shift their attention from large-scale capital projects to smaller, people-oriented initiatives in the remaining years of their tenure. Read Also: Kano Governor Promises Renovation of Day Science College After Viral Report He emphasised that such grassroots-focused development efforts could help curb petty crimes, which he linked to the worsening poverty and hardship faced by Nigerians. “Governments must now prioritise the welfare of their citizens. Many people are suffering. These are difficult times, and leadership must reflect the urgency of the people’s needs,” SKY said. He urged state governors, particularly in Northern Nigeria, to channel more funds into empowering small-scale traders and entrepreneurs who have lost their capital due to the economic downturn. According to him, rebuilding this segment of the economy is key to reducing poverty and stimulating local growth. In addition, he appealed to both federal and state governments to provide free or subsidised fertiliser to farmers, describing the current cost of agricultural inputs as a major barrier to food production and food security. “Supporting farmers with fertiliser and basic inputs will help reduce the cost of food and contribute to national stability,” he noted. SKY also called for investments in affordable housing to address growing urban congestion and its link to youth-related crime. He argued that providing decent housing options for workers and low-income families would ease pressure on city centres and promote peace.

The Joint Clusters of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State have debunked a report published by some newspapers, regarding their alleged criticism of the Kano State Government over delays in establishing a Disability Commission. In a statement issued by Abdulrahman Uba Daushe, Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association in Kano, the group clarified that it neither made any statement nor participated in any engagement that criticized or “slammed” the state government. “The misleading headline and content misrepresented our organization’s position. We did not attend any engagement or make any public comment as reported. The banner image used by the outlet was taken during a separate event held on July 22, 2025, titled Stakeholders’ Engagement on Strengthening Inclusive Support Systems for Vulnerable Populations and Persons with Disabilities in Kano State,” the statement noted. Read Also: Kano Governor Promises Renovation of Day Science College After Viral Report According to Daushe, the Joint Clusters were not officially invited to that event, and their absence confirms no formal participation. He acknowledged that one cluster representative attended the meeting in a personal capacity, not as a spokesperson for the entire coalition. “Following the publication, we reached out to the organizers and several attendees who expressed shock at the claims made in the article. They have since distanced themselves from the misleading report,” Daushe said. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation with the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders in advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. “We have consistently enjoyed positive engagement with His Excellency and his cabinet. At no time have our proposals been rejected,” he emphasized. The Joint Clusters urged the general public and advocacy groups to remain committed to peaceful and respectful engagement, stressing that sensationalism or misinformation does not serve the interests of PWDs in Kano State. “We appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position and remain focused on collaborative efforts that promote inclusion and lasting change,” the statement concluded.

The Chairman of Sumaila Local Government Council, Alhaji Farouk Abdu Sumaila, has officially flagged off the construction of a new Health Centre and an Islamiyya School in Farin Gida community, as part of efforts to improve healthcare and educational services in the area. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Information Officer of the Council, Haruna Gunduwawa, and shared with newsmen shortly after the foundation-laying ceremony. The new health facility is expected to serve residents of Farin Gida and neighbouring communities including Kadiyawa, Rafin Kanya, Kargon Fulani, Karon Kanawa, Busari, and Sanda. Related: Girls’ Hostel Razed by Fire at Dano Memorial Secondary School, Gani Speaking at the event, Alhaji Farouk reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects that directly enhance the well-being of citizens. He stated that the initiative aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s broader development agenda aimed at uplifting communities across Kano State. The Chairman confirmed that all necessary payments have been made to the contractor handling the projects, adding that mobilization to site would begin without delay. He called on the contractor to uphold quality standards and complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. Alhaji Farouk also urged residents to continue supporting the Kwankwasiyya-led administration, emphasizing that unity and cooperation remain critical to sustainable development. He expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to the realization of the project, particularly the District Head of Sumaila, Galadiman Daji of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Nasidi, for his support in ensuring fair treatment of landowners affected by the project. In his remarks, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Nasidi lauded the developmental strides of the Sumaila Local Government Council and the Kano State Government, describing the projects as timely and beneficial to the people. Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chairman of Sumaila Local Government, Adda’u Aminu Liman; Council Leader; Administrative Secretary, Surajo Idris Kanawa; Director of Personnel Management; and the District Head of Rimi, Sarkin Sullubawa of Kano, Alhaji Idris Sunusi Bayero.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has appointed Zaharaddeen H. Kofar Mata, Esq., as its Acting Executive Chairman. The appointment was disclosed in an internal circular dated July 28, 2025, signed by the Commission’s Chief Security Officer, L. Dauda, on behalf of the Executive Chairman. The circular stated that the appointment takes immediate effect and remains subject to further directives from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. “In line with the commitment of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure sustainability in service delivery and effective leadership, Management wishes to notify all staff that Zaharaddeen H. Kofar Mata, Esq., has been appointed as the Acting Executive Chairman of the Commission with immediate effect,” it read. Read Also: Kano Govt Inaugurates Probe Panel Over Drug Baron’s Bail Involving Commissioner Although no specific reason was provided for the leadership change, the circular emphasized continuity of operations within the Commission. “This appointment is pending further directives from His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State,” it added. The Commission directed all directors, heads of units, and staff to cooperate fully with the new acting chairman and support him in delivering on the Commission’s mandate. Prior to Kofar Mata’s appointment, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado held the position of Executive Chairman. He was initially appointed by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2016. Rimin Gado was suspended in July 2021 following claims by the Kano State House of Assembly that several anomalies were uncovered under his leadership. He was reinstated by the National Industrial Court sitting in Kano in January 2023 but is now being succeeded in an acting capacity by Kofar Mata, pending further decisions by the state government. (Kano Times)