Kano

The Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has reassured civil servants of the state government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and professional development. Speaking in an interview with The Historica Nigeria during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Musa described workers as the “engine room of governance,” stressing that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf would continue to place them at the heart of its reform agenda. Read Also: Governor Yusuf Demands Removal of Kano Police Commissioner He further called on Kano residents to demonstrate unity, sacrifice, and respect for the rule of law, urging them to protect government property and resources for the common good. “Our people, the residents of Kano State, must love one another, embrace selflessness, and safeguard government properties, because at the end of the day, they are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Musa said. The Head of Service also offered prayers for the state and the nation, asking for peace, progress, and prosperity. “May Allah increase His blessings upon our dear country, Kano State, and its people. May He also continue to guide and support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in delivering on its mandate,” he added. The Independence Day celebration in Kano featured reflections on unity, good governance, and the collective responsibility of citizens in building a stronger nation.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the state Commissioner of Police over what he described as deliberate sabotage during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. Speaking at the ceremony held at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Governor Yusuf condemned the withdrawal of police personnel from the event, describing the commissioner’s action as “unpatriotic, unprofessional, and uncalled for.” Read Also: Kano Showcases Security Gains and Youth Rehabilitation at 65th Independence Anniversary He said the incident was not only an embarrassment to the state but also a direct attempt to undermine national unity and public order, stressing that such a commissioner has no business remaining in charge of security in Kano. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state, while assuring citizens that the government would not be distracted by actions capable of disrupting public peace. Reports indicate that the governor’s outburst stemmed from the withdrawal of police personnel during the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. He described the action as “unpatriotic and uncalled for,” stressing that such conduct undermines the spirit of unity and collective responsibility that Independence Day represents. It will be recalled that the relationship between the Kano State Government and the police has remained strained since 2023, beginning with the tenure of former Commissioner of Police Husaini Gumel, followed by Salman Dogo, and presently Mohammed Usaini Gumel Bakori.

Kano State has recorded notable improvements in the security of lives and property over the past two and a half years, according to the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya. Speaking during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration in Kano, themed “Strengthening National Security Through Unity and Development”, Waiya credited the progress to the Safe Corridor Initiative — also known as The Kano Model — introduced by the state government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. The initiative adopts a non-kinetic approach to tackling political thuggery, youth restiveness, and drug abuse. It is being implemented in collaboration with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The programme provides de-radicalization, counseling, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration opportunities for young people. Read Also: Our Administration Must Not Disappoint Kano People, Governor Yusuf Tells Appointees According to Waiya, the Kano Police Command arrests between 50 and 70 youths weekly for drug abuse and related crimes, while the NDLEA apprehended 1,345 suspects in 2024 alone — 1,301 males and 44 females. “The initiative focuses on two groups,” he explained. “Voluntary repentant youths, including political thugs, are profiled, mentored, rehabilitated, and transformed into peace advocates. Drug users and school dropouts are also offered counseling, vocational training, and educational opportunities to reintegrate productively into society.” Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the event, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani, reiterated the administration’s commitment to education as a tool for youth rehabilitation and empowerment. He noted that the programme has also helped reduce incidents of phone snatching, political violence, and other social vices. The governor further urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), echoing the call of the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner. The anniversary event, held at Government House, Kano, drew participants including representatives of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, electoral officials, civil society organisations, government functionaries, students, and members of the press.

As the 10th edition of the National Quiz Competition on Legislature and Democracy 2025 concluded in Kano, Governor’s College emerged as the overall winner, earning the right to represent Kano State at the forthcoming North West National Quiz Competition. This was contained in a statement issued by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam. According to Ibrahim Adam, the competition, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) under the supervision of the National Assembly, Abuja, is aimed at deepening the knowledge of Nigeria’s youth about the role of the legislative arm in promoting democracy. Related: Kano Governor Nominates Two New Commissioners, Appoints Solicitor-General The thematic areas covered included legislative oversight and accountability, legislative practice and procedures, National Assembly structure, conduct and performance, as well as constitution and governance. The competition featured six secondary schools drawn from across the state’s three senatorial zones. The participating schools included Governor’s College, Government Girls Secondary School Kadawa, Science College Dawakin Tofa, Government Girls Secondary School Gwarzo, Girls Science and Technical College Sumaila, and Government Secondary School Rano. Declaring the event open at the Kano State Library Board, the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Suleiman Mukhtar Ishaq Madobi, represented by the Assistant Chief Legislative Officer, Umar Abdulganiyu, emphasized that the House is committed to supporting programmes that enlighten students about legislative activities. Read Also: Kano Govt Dismisses False Reports on NECO SSCE Ranking He added that any school emerging winner at the state level would, as tradition, be invited to the State Assembly for encouragement ahead of the national competition. In his remarks, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, represented by the Director of Educational Support Services, Hajiya Halima Sadiya Tukur, commended the National Assembly for prioritizing civic education, noting that the quiz was not just a competition but a platform for celebrating knowledge and nurturing future leaders. Speaking also, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Library Board, Dr. Kabiru Ado Zakirai, expressed gratitude to the State and National Assembly for partnering with NILDS to host the event. Announcing the results, the Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, represented by the Programme State Coordinator, Aliyu Abdullahi, declared Governor’s College as first, Government Girls Secondary School Gwarzo as second, and Government Secondary School Rano as third. Professor Suleiman recalled that the first edition of the quiz was held in 2016 within the Federal Capital Territory, and following directives of the Institute’s Governing Council, it has since been expanded to all states of the federation, with this year marking its 10th edition. Certificates of attendance were presented to participating schools, while winners received prizes. The statement further highlighted that Governor’s College was originally established during the second tenure of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 2011, but its fortunes dwindled over time until Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, upon assumption of office in 2023, revived its infrastructure and restored its glory, leading to this current success. Governor Yusuf also appreciated the people of Kano for their continued support, reiterating his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education and delivering on campaign promises.