Tag: Kano

  • NiMet warns of intense heat in Gombe, Abuja, Kano, others

    NiMet warns of intense heat in Gombe, Abuja, Kano, others

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning of severe heat stress in Gombe State and 17 other northern states.

    The other states are Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    This is contained in its weather outlook released on Friday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Saturday by Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State.

    The agency said temperatures were expected to rise up to 40 degrees Celsius from Saturday, causing thermal discomfort in the affected states.

    “After 3 days of rainfall, discomfort levels are set to rise from April 12 due to high temperatures and clear skies.

    “Maximum temperatures in the north are reaching up to 40°C; with clear skies and moisture in the air, heat and discomfort will be more intense.”

    Musa urged Gombe residents to take proactive measures, as extreme heat had significant health implications.

    He warned that the rising temperatures and high humidity levels could cause thermal discomfort.

    He advised residents to, therefore, avoid excessive sun exposure and seek cooler environments while recommending drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

    “I advise residents to stay in well-ventilated areas, wear breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, avoid peak sun hours between 12pm and 3pm, and use sun protection.

    “Also, let’s always check up on vulnerable persons like our children and the elderly persons in our communities,” he said.

    He urged stakeholders to create more awareness about heat stress risks and preventive measures essential for healthy living. (NAN)

  • Kano airport runway closed after Max Air tyre mishap

    Kano airport runway closed after Max Air tyre mishap

    The runway at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport has been temporarily closed for inspection and clearance after a Max Air aircraft suffered a tyre burst while landing on Tuesday night.

    The incident led to flight disruptions though all 53 passengers and crew aboard were safely evacuated without injuries.

    Max Air confirmed the incident on its X account Wednesday morning, stating, “As a result, the Kano runway will remain temporarily closed for inspection and clearance, which may lead to delays in flight operations today, Wednesday, 29/01/2024. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we await further updates on the runway reopening.”

    The airline assured the public that the situation was handled professionally, emphasising that the crew ensured the safe evacuation of all onboard. The aircraft was successfully removed from the runway by 4:28 a.m.

    Max Air commended its engineering team for their swift response and promised to provide updates on flight schedules as soon as possible.

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident on its official X account, identifying the affected flight as VM1605 with registration number 5N-MBD.

    According to the NCAA, “The pilot, cabin crew, and all 53 passengers were safely disembarked with no injuries recorded. The aircraft has been removed from the runway to Taxiway B.”

    The agency further stated that a thorough runway inspection would be conducted before reopening, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has taken charge of the investigation.

    Sources indicated that the incident, which occurred at 10:57 p.m. on Tuesday, may have involved the aircraft’s nose landing gear tyre.

  • Emir Sanusi Appeals for Calm After Appeal Court Ruling in His Favor

    Emir Sanusi Appeals for Calm After Appeal Court Ruling in His Favor

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for calm and urged residents to resist any actions that could provoke unrest in the ancient city.

    The emir appealed in a viral video on Friday, following the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his position in an ongoing legal dispute.

    Sanusi cautioned against attempts to instigate violence in Kano, noting that those who seek to disrupt the state’s peace will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

    “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along,” he said.

    The monarch criticized individuals who influenced earlier judicial decisions and accused them of pursuing selfish interests aimed at destabilizing the state.

    “Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth. However, for the past eight months, they have aimed to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country,” Sanusi said.

    Despite the provocations, he commended the people of Kano for maintaining peace.

    “Our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity,” he said.

    The emir also emphasized the need for prayer and divine intervention in resolving the state’s challenges.

    “This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead,” he added.

    Sanusi appealed to residents not to engage in any retaliatory actions and to uphold the state’s long-standing reputation for peace and harmony.

    “To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their wishes. They may attempt to provoke violence, but let us not respond to their actions. Let us not engage them in any way. Whoever questions God’s judgment will ultimately face the consequences of doing so,” he concluded.

     

  • NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided valuable insights into the student loan registration process across the country.

    Below, we explore the top five states with the highest student loan registrations, offering a detailed overview of the factors contributing to their impressive numbers.

    1. Kano State

    • Number of Registered Students: 20,814
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 17,122
    • Percentage Applied: 82.3%

    Kano State tops the list with the highest number of student loan registrations. With over 20,000 students registered, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to higher education, possibly driven by its large population and robust educational infrastructure. The high percentage of students who followed through with applications (82.3%) indicates effective awareness campaigns and support systems in place to assist students in accessing financial aid.

    2. Borno State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,353
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 13,798
    • Percentage Applied: 84.4%

    Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, Borno State ranks second, with a commendable registration figure. The state’s educational authorities and institutions have clearly worked hard to ensure that students are aware of and utilize the opportunities provided by NELFUND. The fact that 84.4% of registered students proceeded to apply for loans is a testament to the state’s resilience and focus on education as a tool for empowerment.

    3. Benue State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,127
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 11,754
    • Percentage Applied: 72.9%

    Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has also made significant strides in student loan registrations. The state’s education system appears well-organized, as reflected in the high registration numbers. However, the application follow-through rate is slightly lower at 72.9%, indicating a potential area for improvement in helping students complete the loan application process.

    4. Oyo State

    • Number of Registered Students: 14,086
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 8,990
    • Percentage Applied: 63.8%

    Oyo State, with its rich history in education, particularly higher education, secures the fourth position. The state’s capital, Ibadan, is home to Nigeria’s first university, and this legacy of academic excellence continues to influence student participation in programs like NELFUND. However, Oyo State has the lowest application percentage among the top five, at 63.8%, suggesting a need for more targeted efforts to ensure that registered students complete their applications.

    5. Kaduna State

    • Number of Registered Students: 13,873
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 10,380
    • Percentage Applied: 74.8%

    Kaduna State rounds out the top five, with nearly 14,000 students registering for the NELFUND student loan program. The state’s commitment to education is evident in its strong application rate of 74.8%. Kaduna has long been a hub for educational development in Northern Nigeria, and its performance in the NELFUND registration process reflects this tradition.

     

  • Police arrest notorious thug in crackdown on violence in Kano

    Police arrest notorious thug in crackdown on violence in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday made a significant breakthrough in its fight against thuggery, arresting a notorious thug identified as Inuwa Zakari, also known as “Gundura,” alongside 14 others.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest via a press statement released to The Punch in Kano.

    Gundura, 24, who was wanted for terrorising the metropolis, was also identified as the assailant who attacked a Vigilance Group Commander, inflicting life-threatening injuries and damaging a police vehicle.

    The arrests were made during clearance operations conducted between 25 and 27 October 2024, following directives from the State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, to launch aggressive action against thuggery.

    The police sent a clear and strong message that such violent activities would not be tolerated.

    The suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department and, upon completion, will be charged in court to face the full extent of the law.

    The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for the public’s continued support and cooperation.
    He stated, “This isn’t the first time the Kano State Police Command has taken decisive action against criminal activity.”

    The Kano Police Command had previously arrested 269 suspects for looting during a protest in August 2024.

    The Police Commissioner urged everyone to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926 for prompt action.