By Aminu Garko, Kano

The Chairman of the Kano Traders Association around Masallacin Idi in Kano metropolis, Yakubu Muhammad, has stated that no fewer than 5,000 traders operating will be sent out of business following the quit notice issued to them by the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

Recall that KNUPDA had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the traders, selling goods around Masallacin Idi by IBB Way in the Kano metropolis to vacate the area or face the wrath of the law.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Chairman of the traders, Yakubu Muhammad said the quit notice sent to the traders last week, will displace more than 5,000 traders at the place and send them out of their businesses.

According to him, the place was allocated to them over 18 years ago by the late Galadima of Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim through the Emirate Council.

“The place was allocated to our members to check the various criminal activities such as phone snatching and other immortal activities being perpetrated at the places.

“The previous administrations later allocated the place to us (traders) in order to continue to use the place as a business premises.

“We are many here, mostly youths, how could you attempt to separate these guys with their businesses, you know this will portend danger for the state if chased out of the state,” he said.

The traders who questioned the rationale behind chasing them out of the place where they run their lawful businesses for years and contribute to the revenue drive of the state, called on the state government to have a rethink over the issue.

“We are still trying to come to terms with the exact offense we committed that prompted KNUPDA to chase us from where we run out lawful businesses to fend for our family.

“We supported this government. We voted for it during the 2023 election. These traders categorically told the governor that their empowerment is to allow them to continue running their businesses at the Masallacin Idi,” he said.

He, however, called on Governor Yusuf to intervene in order to enable them continue with their business

Responding to the protesters, the Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Market, Sa’adu Hamisu Dogonnama, assured to intervene and ensure justice to the traders.

When contacted, a source at the KNUPDA, who pleaded for anonymity confirmed that the agency has ordered the traders to vacate the place because they are illegally occupying the area.

“KNUPDA feels that the traders did not seek permission from it before starting business there, “that is why the Authority issued the quit notice as they are illegally operating at the place,” said the source.

The quit notice came at the time when the hundreds of traders affected by the demolition of shops in the Masallacin Idi at the beginning of the present administration are yet to recover from trauma and devastation.

By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (KD- SURWASH) has met with media organisations in the state on the need to sustain it’s hygiene projects.

This is as the management said media as fourth estate of the realm plays important roles as vehicle to drive messages and deliver them appropriately to the citizenry, especially at the grassroots.

Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna during lunch with Heads of Media Organisations and Directors of Programmes, the state Communication Officer, SURWASH Affiong Edim said that the meeting sought to ensure good working relationships between them and the media in the quest to achieve effective reportage for the benefit of all citizens in the state.

She added that SURWASH, as a developmental programme has the major objective to increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, adding that it also aims to strengthen sector institutions in two result-areas in the seven participating states that include Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina and Plateau.

“The strategy aims to ensure that all Nigerians have access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services by 2030, in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 for water and 6-2 for sanitation.

“This is achievable with the use of two financing instruments: Investment Project Financing (IPF) for capacity improvements and Programme for Result (PforR), which will drive results generation.

”For us in Kaduna State, we have commenced the first phase of construction in health centres and schools. With this development, we need our people to utilize these facilities, not just utilizing but judiciously utilizing, take ownership and ensure they are sustained.“ Edim, said.

Earlier, the State project Coordinator, Mr. Esau Ambinjah while giving an overview of the project, said that SURWASH is a World-Bank supported programme, a transformational step towards achieving Nigeria’s goal to ensure that all Nigerians have access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services.

Esau further disclosed that SURWASH has introduced a result-based approach that simultaneously motivates establishing and operationalizing key policies, regulations and institutional reforms that are required for improved sectoral performance.

He said, “the programme uses two financing instruments namely:  Investment Project Financing (IPF) for capacity improvements and sector strengthening and Programme for Result (PforR) which will drive results generation under various Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) after verification by an independent Verification Agents (IVA).

”There are 6,100,000 people to be  provided with basic drinking water services. 1,400,000 people were provided with access to improved sanitation services. Others are 500 an open defecation free- verified communities,  2,000 schools and health care facilities to be provided  with improved WASH services.”

”The programme became effective on 14th January 2022 with an implementation period of six years and the strategy aims to ensure that all Nigerians have access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services by 2030, in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 for water and 6-2 for sanitation.

“The pilot LGAs are Chikun, Igabi,Jaba, Jema’a,Sabon Gari and  Soba.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Hamza, said the programme was all  about ensuring sustainability.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Works and Infrastructure, Ashiru Abdul, the Commissioner assured that, “we are giving 100 percent support to ensure the success of the project in the state as we give attention to health, water, sanitation and hygiene. If the programme is successful, everything will be fine because health is wealth.” he stressed.

By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

Kaduna state government has commissioned 150 Hilux Operational Vehicles and 500 motorcycles to tackle insecurity in the state.

This is as the government stated that the safety and security of citizens remain paramount to them and will do everything humanly possible to rid the state of every security challenges confronting Kaduna state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, the state Governor, Senator Uba Sani stated that it is their duty as government to support the security agencies in carrying out their vital responsibilities.

He noted that the commissioning and distribution of vehicles including motorcycles is not just about providing work tools but about demonstrating their continuous support to security forces, by empowering and showing that the government values their sacrifices, and supporting them in their mission to protect and serve.

He said, “We recognise the challenges confronting our security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swiftly accessing remote areas. Improved mobility means that security operatives can respond faster and more efficiently to distress calls. It means that our security forces can more easily seize the initiative. It also means that citizens can feel safer because of the more visible security presence.

“The safety and security of our citizens remains paramount. It is our duty as a government to support the security agencies in carrying out their vital responsibilities. We recognise the challenges confronting our security personnel, especially in terms of mobility and swiftly accessing remote areas.

“Improved mobility means that security operatives can respond faster and more efficiently to distress calls. It means that our security forces can more easily seize the initiative. It also means that citizens can feel safer because of the more visible security presence.

“Apart from the distribution of operational vehicles and motorcycles, our administration has taken other proactive measures to enhance the security of Kaduna State. I recently signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into Law. This will ensure funding support towards efforts to degrade bandits and terrorists in the state, with the productive engagement of the private sector. The Trust Fund will raise funds for the acquisition and deployment of even more security equipment, personnel and materials as well as training.

“Apart from the distribution of operational vehicles and motorcycles, our administration has taken other proactive measures to enhance the security of Kaduna State. I recently signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into Law. This will ensure funding support towards efforts to degrade bandits and terrorists in the state, with the productive engagement of the private sector.

“The Trust Fund will raise funds for the acquisition and deployment of even more security equipment, personnel and materials as well as training. We are equally leading the calls for legislative reform toward the establishment of State Police. I commend National Assembly Members from Kaduna State for identifying with this cause,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Christopher Musa, said that the operational vehicles will not only facilitate their strategic mobility but will also serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The CDS while commending the efforts of the state Governor, Senator Sani said that the Governor has made Kaduna a friendly state, where everybody is carried along without any form of discrimination, and thus had changed the atmosphere of the state.

“I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, for the invaluable donation of these operational vehicles. This gesture of solidarity and support underscores the strong partnership between the armed forces and the government at both state and federal levels.

“The provision of these vehicles and motorcycles will undoubtedly bolster our operational readiness, enhance our mobility, and further strengthen our capacity to safeguard the security and sovereignty of our beloved country.

“As we commission these operational vehicles today, let us recommit ourselves to the noble cause of defending our nation with honour and integrity. Let us harness the capabilities of these vehicles to further enhance our operational effectiveness, protect our communities, and uphold the values of loyalty, courage, and unity that define our armed forces.

“Together, we stand as guardians of peace, guardians of freedom, and guardians of the Nigerian people,” the CDS remarked.