Kano

The Kano State Government has commenced a four-day capacity-building workshop for 132 Senior Special Reporters (SSRs) and Special Reporters (SRs) to improve the quality of information dissemination across the state. Declaring the workshop open, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, described the initiative as a “call to service” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent and impactful communication. He emphasized the role of informed citizens and well-trained reporters in a vibrant democracy. The Governor commended the Ministry of Information and the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) for organizing the training and urged participants to upgrade their storytelling skills, ethical standards, and technical competence to build public trust. Read Also: VaxSocial Launches Digital Immunization Campaign in Kano Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, explained that the training is part of a broader state strategy to professionalize communication and improve government narratives. He noted that while SSRs and SRs are not official spokespersons, their widespread presence across MDAs and digital platforms positions them to effectively project government activities. Waiya revealed that this marks the sixth such training since January 2025, with a total investment of N116,205,800. The 132 participants 71 SSRs and 61 SRs, were carefully selected for their key roles in the state’s communication structure. He also praised Governor Yusuf for his continued support and commitment to strategic communication. Read Also: Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Appointed Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Bala Muhammad, highlighted the training’s importance in equipping reporters to deliver accurate, people-centered content reflecting both government achievements and challenges. He praised the Commissioner’s visionary leadership in repositioning the state’s information structure. The workshop, themed “Updating Basic Mass Communication Skills for Enhanced Government Communication,” is facilitated by experts from the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, and organized in collaboration with the IIJ. It is expected to significantly boost the effectiveness of government-affiliated reporters in engaging the public.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone One Headquarters, Kano, AIG Ahmed Garba, has assured the Kano chapter of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) of the police’s commitment to safeguarding the pharmaceutical industry against the circulation of adulterated and substandard drugs. This assurance came during a courtesy visit by PMAN executives, led by their chairman, Mr. Charles Emeka, to the AIG’s office on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. The meeting aimed to introduce the new leadership of the association and foster a stronger working relationship between PMAN and the police. During the discussion, the PMAN team raised concerns over the growing menace of fake and substandard drugs, which pose a threat to public health and undermine the efforts of legitimate manufacturers. They also appealed for increased security support to protect their manufacturing facilities and distribution channels. Read Also: AIG Zone I Receives Gauta Club on Courtesy Visit, Warns Against Unguarded Utterances In response, AIG Ahmed Garba commended the association for its proactive engagement and stressed the importance of regulatory compliance among PMAN members. He pledged the zonal headquarters’ full cooperation in ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical operations in the region. “The fight against counterfeit drugs is a shared responsibility, and the police will work closely with stakeholders like PMAN to protect lives and uphold industry standards,” the AIG stated. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to a stronger partnership in tackling criminal activities in the pharmaceutical sector. Signed: CSP Bashir Muhammad, ANIPR Zonal Police Public Relations Officer Zone One Headquarters, Kano

Former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, has dismissed his removal as Wazirin Gaya by the Gaya Emirate Council as “an action in futility” and lacking legal merit. His response comes days after the Council, backed by the Kano State Government, announced the revocation of his traditional title, following his public criticism of the government over the alleged mismanagement of a $600 million foreign loan. In a statement issued by Ibrahim Dan’azumi Gwarzo on behalf of the APC Patriotic Volunteers, a group founded by Usman Alhaji the former SSG described the withdrawal as politically driven and in violation of due process. He argued that proper procedures were not followed, including failure to issue a query or provide him a chance to defend himself, as required under emirate law. The statement also questioned why Alhaji was singled out, despite other titleholders also lacking approval for reinstatement following the emirates’ restructuring. Read Also: After Ganduje’s Resignation, APC Faces Rising Opposition Momentum Citing the law that dissolved the additional emirates of Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi during the last administration, the group argued that Alhaji’s title had already lapsed when Gaya was downgraded from first-class status. It added that although the emir requested the return of some former titleholders after the restoration of the emirates, the government allegedly denied Alhaji’s reinstatement for political reasons. Despite the withdrawal, the group asserted that Alhaji would continue to be addressed as Wazirin Gaya in recognition of his past service. “No amount of political persecution can erase the legacy of Alhaji Usman Alhaji,” the statement said, adding that they await the final verdict from the Supreme Court on the emirates’ legal status.  

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has commissioned the restored Digital Industrial Park (DIP) in Kano State, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at fostering grassroots digital transformation in Northern Nigeria. Originally completed in 2024, the multi-billion-naira facility was vandalized during the August 1, 2024, nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. The destruction delayed its planned commissioning. However, through a robust public-private collaboration, particularly with IHS Towers, the facility has been fully rehabilitated and is now operational. Read Also: Nigerian Navy Launches High-Tech Agricultural Initiative to Boost Food Security This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Kano State, and made available to newsmen. Representing the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the commissioning ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, expressed the state government’s appreciation for the Federal Government’s commitment to technological development in Kano. “The Minister’s inclusive strategy of engaging private sector players like IHS Towers demonstrates that Nigeria’s digital future is in promising hands,” the Deputy Governor said. “This park is not just a facility; it is a beacon of opportunity and hope for our youth.” Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kazeem Oladepo, who represented IHS Towers, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Kano in the area of ICT infrastructure and digital innovation. “We are prepared to deepen our collaboration with the state government to ensure inclusive digital growth and transformation,” he stated. In his remarks, Dr. Tijani noted that Kano State recorded the highest number of applicants for the Federal Government’s flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a sign of the region’s readiness to embrace innovation. “Kano is ripe for digital transformation. The energy, enthusiasm, and talent of its youth are unmatched,” he said. “This facility will serve as a hub for digital learning, job creation, and innovation.” As a gesture of appreciation, the Deputy Governor presented the Minister with traditional regalia, a sword and cap and conferred on him the honorary title of Sarkin Yakin Digitalization (Grand Commander of Digitalization) in recognition of his leadership and support for digital advancement. The event was attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, private sector stakeholders, and media professionals. It underscored the growing synergy between government and private actors in unlocking Nigeria’s digital economy and empowering its youth. Photos: