Tag: Abdullahi Ganduje

Kano LG Polls: Ganduje Asks Electoral Commission To Be Neutral

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje speaks during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House on October 6, 2020.

 

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has asked the State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to be neutral in the forthcoming local government elections slated for early 2021.

This call was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abba Anwar.

According to the statement, the governor made the demand during the swearing-in of the newly screened and appointed Commissioners of the electoral umpire, during the State Executive Council meeting.

He gave the assurance that nobody would interfere in the operations of the Commission before, during or after the election coming up soon.

“As our Electoral Commission is bracing up for the local government election coming up early next year, we resolved to make the Commission complete for immediate operation,” he said.

“We have the remaining of only one Commissioner now, who will also be screened by the State House of Assembly. We all believe that KANSIEC must be complete for good and smooth operation.

“Even though you are appointed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, but when it comes to work, don’t be partisan. You have to, in fact, you must maintain neutrality in whatever you are doing.”

The newly appointed and sworn-in Commissioners are Ahmad Rufa’i Yalwa, Idris Haruna Geza and A’isha Abubakar Bichi.

He also charged them to be diligent and transparent in their official engagements, stressing “You should do everything possible to make sure that you remain as independent as your name suggests.”

Kano Musician Sentenced To Death Can Appeal Up To Supreme Court, Says Ganduje

 

A musician sentenced to death in Kano, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, can appeal the judgement up to the Supreme Court, the Kano State Government said on Tuesday.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said this during a briefing with State House Correspondents in Abuja after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Shariff-Aminu, 22, was sentenced by an upper Sharia court in Kano last August after he was found guilty of blasphemy for a song he circulated via WhatsApp in March.

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He did not deny the charges.

Judge Khadi Aliyu Muhammad Kani, had said he could appeal against the verdict.

“He has already appealed,” Ganduje said on Tuesday. “So that process is going on. And that process will continue up to the Supreme Court.

“For the time being, we are waiting for the judicial processes.”

On what he discussed with Buhari on Tuesday, Ganduje said he briefed the President on security matters in Kano and thanked him for his support to the state during the critical periods of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kano Multi-Billion Naira Economic City Is Near Completion, Says Ganduje

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, briefs State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

 

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has said that the multi-billion naira economic city under construction has reached over 70%, as his administration hopes to boost commercial activities in the country.

Speaking to State House correspondent on Wednesday, after a closed-door meeting with vice president Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Ganduje noted that the project has state-of-the-art features that would boost productivity and service delivery.

The project, which sits on 117.2 hectares of land, was commissioned in 2016.

It is a joint venture development agreement between the state government and Brains and Hammers Ltd, and the Governor believes the completion which is at an advanced stage will be an answer to the over-populated markets in Kano.

“Kano is a megacity, highly populated and therefore commercial activities must be encouraged, and so all the markets are terribly filled up because we need to expand them.

“So to create a new economic city is the answer and it has reached an advanced stage and there are so many facilities there; apart from the shops, there are mega-hotels, banking halls, and also, there are trailer parks and so many other things you expect to see in an economic city and the work has reached over 70%,” the Governor revealed.

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Funding Free Education

Governor Ganduje also informed journalists about the efforts his administration is making to ensure that the compulsory free education from basic to secondary is implemented.

He stated that an education promotion committee has been set up with initial funding of N20 million for schools that need to be renovated.

The Ganduje added that the committee would interface with well-to-do indigenes from local governments who would contribute to funding free education in the state.

He said, “We have designed a package for direct labour, rehabilitation, and renovation of our respective schools; now we have created an education promotion committee and we have given them the sum of N20 million to identify schools to be renovated, with the scope of work to be undertaken and we have given them three weeks to complete that project so that there will be a report and our engineers will give a report.

“They will also invite the well-to-do indigenes of the local government who will also provide their own contribution.”

The Governor added, “After completion of the report, they will tell us how much they have been able to gather from the indigenes of the local governments and then we will give them money, and you know we have declared education to be free and compulsory from basic to secondary, so we have to involve community participation.”

Governor Ganduje also revealed that the state has been able to pay up to date, the counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Programme.

He also revealed how the state will generate adequate funds for the free education initiative for school children in Kano.

“I am happy we have been paying our counterpart funding for UBEC and we are up to date.

“And also, we have an education trust fund of which 5% of our IGR and 5% of the revenue earning from the statutory allocation of the local government and also, 2% of all contracts that have been awarded in Kano. We opened a basket where we keep such funds,” the governor stated.

WAEC: Kano Govt To Reopen Schools On August 10

 

Kano State Government has approved the reopening of Senior Secondary Schools in the state on August 10 to enable exit students to sit for their final examinations.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the state Commissioner of Education, Sunusi Kiru.

The Commissioner explained that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje approved the resumption date to enable SS3 students to write their West African Senior School Certificate Examination scheduled to commence on August 17.

According to Kiru, the state government has directed all principals and proprietors of secondary schools to note that they have only a week from August 3 to commence preparation and put adequate measures against COVID 19.

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Following this development, schools have been warned against reopening before the planned date.

Also, principals are expected to ensure that working hours are reduced in the schools while adhering to the social distancing guidelines.

Meanwhile, the resumption dates for other examinations and for the rest of the classes including the SS1, SS2, and JSS 1-3 as well as primary schools will be announced in due course.

While noting that the Ministry of Education is encouraging the e-learning education program and other online platforms until full normalcy is fully returned, Kiru commended the efforts of stakeholders for their continued support.

Kano Govt Approves N490m To Avert Collapse Of Bridge

Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, spoke to reporters on Friday, February 7, 2020.
Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.

 

The Kano State Government has approved N490 million to avert the collapse of a bridge in the state.

Channels Television learned that the money is meant for the extension of Shimar Bridge along Karfi-Rano Road to avoid total cut-off of the road in the face of heavy downpour being recorded during this rainy season.

The State Executive Council also gave approval for the proposed construction and establishment of an ultra-modern and Multi-Purpose Shopping Mall at former Daula Hotel premises, located at Murtala Muhammad Way by Mudatex Mudassir and Brothers Ltd.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting which held at the Government House on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, said N338.9m has also been approved as the counterpart fund for the implementation of the 2020 Health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Work Plan for improving healthcare delivery.

He explained that the council also made other approvals including the release of funds for the award of contract for the revised estimated cost of N724.1m for quantity adjust upward of the Underpass and Flyover at Dangi Roundabout along Zaria Road among others.

Also, the state government released N27m for the production of two million assorted seedlings for venue, departmental and institutional planting, and distribution to farmers.

Kano Govt Lifts COVID-19 Lockdown, Bans Street Hawking

Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, spoke to reporters on Friday, February 7, 2020.
A file photo of Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, at a press briefing.

 

 

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced the suspension of lockdown earlier declared in the state to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Governor Ganduje made the announcement on Thursday while giving an update on the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state.

He also banned street hawking and begging, adding that it was compulsory for residents to wear face masks in public places.

The governor declared that final year students could resume school while all civil servants from Grade Level 12 should resume work from Monday next week.

He explained that the workers would be in the office from 9am to 2pm, noting that it was necessary to ensure the full opening of the state economy following the significant reduction in recorded cases of COVID-19.

Governor Ganduje, however, warned that the government would not hesitate to punish residents who fail to comply with the face mask policy.

He also advised people older than 55 years to stay at home, stressing that they were most vulnerable to the virus.

Kano State has been on lockdown since April 17 after the positive COVID-19 cases witnessed a significant rise.

Ganduje Reopens Viewing Centres, Donates 40, 000 Masks In Kano

 

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has ordered the reopening of viewing centres in the state.

While receiving the leadership of Soccer Viewing Centres Association on Friday, Ganduje asked them to observe all protocol put forward by health workers.

As part of the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state, the governor also donated 40, 000 face masks to the association.

“It is in line with our decision to see that our economy bounces back through reinvigorating commercial and other business activities in the state that I have directed all viewing centres to be re-opened from today,” he said.

The governor also warned that as youth gather in their viewing centres, they must use the platform to create awareness on ways to help tame the pandemic.

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On his part, the Chairman of the association, Sharu Rabi’u Ahlan commended the efforts made by the state government in curtailing the spread of the virus.

“On behalf of all our members, we are appreciative of your unrelenting effort to human development, especially youth, in the state.”

“We are grateful for the face masks His Excellency gave us. And we promise to abide by all the protocols, Sir.

“Our members are always supportive of your policies. And we are in a good working relationship with the state Ministry of Information and the state Censorship Board,” he said.

Ganduje Calls On FG To Ban Entry Of Herdsmen From Other African Countries

Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje at the commissioning of 25 housing units of RUGA settlement on Saturday.

 

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has called on the Federal Government to put a stop to the movement of herdsmen from other African countries into Nigeria.

This, according to him would help to curb the rate of crime attached to the Fulani-herders conflicts across the country.

He made the call on Saturday during the commissioning of 25 housing units of RUGA settlement project at Dansoshiya forest, in Kiru local government of the state.

“This is the first batch of the housing units of 25 out of 200 units earmarked for construction,” the governor said.

According to him, the call was necessary in order to “successfully and effectively prevent the coming of herdsmen from other African countries, because they come to this country with guns and other weapons. Which flame the clash between herders and farmers.”

Dansoshiya RUGA, according to the governor would serve as a nucleus of RUGA settlement project in the state.

“We engaged in this project for three fundamental reasons, first and foremost is to avoid clashes between farmers and herders, secondly to avoid movement of herders which is the source of conflict and to avoid cattle rustling.

“It is absolutely necessary to improve and modernise breeding system for Fulani cattle. As it is clear that a gallon of milk is more expensive than one gallon of petrol, it is, therefore, necessary for us to utilize this great opportunity,” he said.

He also promised to construct a school and hospital in the settlement, so that the people settling there could get access to good health care.

Ganduje Directs House-To-House Sample Collection For COVID-19 Test

Kano state Governor Abdullahi Ganduje
A file photo of Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

 

 

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has directed the commencement of house-to-house sample collection exercise in the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The emergency exercise is expected to take place within the metropolitan LGAs such as Taurani, Nasarawa, and Kano municipal, where most of the confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 are concentrated.

Governor Ganduje disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing organised by the State Task Force on COVID-19.

He said, “We are putting our emphasis within the eight metropolitan Local Government Areas. We are engaging in house-to-house sample collection.

“I think during the political campaign, some politicians engaged in a house-to-house campaign. Right now, for COVID-19, we are engaging in a house-to-house sample collection campaign.”

According to the governor, the state has always improved on its successes in the fight against COVID-19 which is a result of the commitment of the Task Force and the frontline health workers.

He noted that the people were aware of the easiest ways to contract and avoid getting infected with the disease.

“We know the three commandments of COVID-19 which are social distancing, washing and sanitising our hands and wearing our face mask. These three commandments should become our way of life. They should become part of our everyday life,” Ganduje urged the people.

He added, “Relaxation of lockdown is now from 6am to 6pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. We also decided to open our markets in order to improve business activities in the state.

“We are producing face masks in large quantities and the market leaders have promised to produce face masks and distribute them free of charge. They will also provide water and soap for visitors and customers to make use of them.”

The governors hinted that officials have been directed to fumigate all the markets to ensure that they were devoid of diseases, saying the ratio of collection of samples has increased.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19 and the state deputy governor, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, said their objective was to contain the spread of the disease in the state.

He noted that since Kano recorded its index case of COVID-19, the task force has continued to work hard in ensuring that the spread of the virus was controlled.

“This we have done through a coordinated mechanism for preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Task Force has been working hand-in-hand with the Committee on Palliatives to ensure donations from corporate organisations and good spirited individuals,” he said.

The deputy governor added, “We are also working with traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations, and other opinion leaders to ensure effective enlightenment of members of the public.”

COVID-19: FG Delegation Arrives Kano To Probe Mass Deaths

 

The Presidential Task Force delegation on COVID-19  has arrived Kano State to assist the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje administration probe the mass deaths in the state.

Leader of the delegation, Dr Nasir Gwarzo told Governor Ganduje that the increasing number of death in the state is becoming a source of concern to President Muhammadu Buhari who expressed his willingness to support the state in finding a lasting solution.

Gwarzo who is also the Special Adviser to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said the delegation’s mission is to liaise with all development partners and the state government.

He also stated that they will identify both the remote and immediate courses of the mass death as well as to re-enforce response on the coronavirus in the state.

According to him, a provision has been made for the isolation of mild cases and all necessary facilities have been provided at the site.

The delegation is expected to provide its findings as regards to the state mysterious death in the coming days.

Kano Govt To Extend Lockdown By Another Seven Days

 

The Kano State Government has said that it would extend the lockdown in the state for another seven days.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje revealed the plan during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

The state had initially imposed a seven-day lockdown which took effect from April 16 and was to expire on April 23, but with the rise of COVID-19 cases in the state, the governor said it had become necessary to extend the lockdown so as to curb the spread of the disease.

He, however, noted that tomorrow, April 23, will be declared a free day to allow residents to make preparations for the Ramadan period.

“The lockdown was initially for one week, which is expiring tomorrow but we’ve declared that (from 6:00 am) tomorrow (to 12 midnight), will be a free day so that people will make preparations for the fasting period but by midnight, the lockdown will continue for another seven days,” Ganduje said.

Addressing the issue of the number of deaths recorded in the state, the governor noted that contrary to news reports that scores of persons have died from the COVID-19, there has only been one death so far in the state.

He said a lot of the news making the rounds are false and the government is making efforts to arrest peddlers of such fake news.

“That information is not correct because we undertook some survey and investigation (about the initial report of 70 deaths). We found out that it was only 13 deaths in that place and we will soon get a complete report but I assure you that that information is not correct,” the governor said, adding, “looking at previous reviews, there is nothing to show that there is a usual frequency of deaths.

“The death recorded from coronavirus is only one and the NCDC is aware of that,”.

His comments come hours after the newly established testing centre for COVID-19 in the State suspended its operation.

The Director of the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Isah Abubakar who confirmed this to Channels Television said the centre had run out of test kits.

Abubakar added that the centre would remain closed until new test kits are supplied from Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Beyond the issue of lack of sufficient testing kits, the governor, while addressing the matter, disclosed that there might have also been cases of infections among the staff at the centre.

He, however, gave the assurance that the Federal Government is handling the matter.

“The laboratory has been closed down for today and we understand that there is an infection within the laboratory. Probably some of the technicians have tested positive but I think the Federal Government is taking care of the urgently.

“Also there is the issue of scarcity of reagents and scarcity of the bottles that convey the samples. That too has been discussed with the DG who has assured us that they are taking action,” Ganduje said.

Only One COVID-19 Death Has Been Recorded In Kano – Ganduje

 

The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has reacted to the controversy over the number of deaths recorded in the state from the COVID-19.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Ganduje said contrary to some reports that there have been several deaths from the COVID-19, only one death has actually been recorded since the disease hit the state.

“That information is not correct because we undertook some survey and investigation (about the initial report of 70 deaths). We found out that it was only 13 deaths in that place and we will soon get a complete report but I assure you that that information is not correct,” the governor said.

READ ALSO: Oyo Confirms First COVID-19 Death

He added that “looking at previous reviews, there is nothing to show that there is an unusual frequency of deaths”.

According to him, there has been a rise in the spread of fake news but the government has started making efforts to arrest peddlers.

“You know that there is a lot of fake news going around and we have already started arresting all those who are peddling such rumours.

“The death recorded from coronavirus is only one and the NCDC is aware of that,” the governor stressed.

His comments come hours after the newly established testing centre for COVID-19 in the State suspended its operation.

The Director of the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Isah Abubakar who confirmed this to Channels Television said the centre had run out of test kits.

Abubakar added that the centre would remain closed until new test kits are supplied from Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Beyond the issue of lack of sufficient testing kits, the governor, while addressing the matter, disclosed that there might have also been cases of infections among the staff at the centre.

He, however, gave the assurance that the Federal Government is handling the matter.

“The laboratory has been closed down for today and we understand that there is an infection within the laboratory. Probably some of the technicians have tested positive but I think the Federal Government is urgently taking care of it.

“Also, there is the issue of scarcity of reagents and scarcity of the bottles that convey the samples. That too has been discussed with the DG who has assured us that they are taking action,” Ganduje said.

On the issue of the one-week total lockdown in the state which took effect from April 16, and is expected to expire by tomorrow, April 23, the governor explained that because of the increase in the number of cases, there has to be an extension of the lockdown.

He, however, said April 23, would be declared a free day to allow residents to prepare for the Ramadan.

“The lockdown was initially for one week, which is expiring tomorrow but we’ve declared that (from 6:00 am) tomorrow (to 12 midnight) will be a free day so that people will make preparations for the fasting period. By midnight, the lockdown will continue for another seven days”.