The
Laudable feat in the performance of the incumbent administration in
Kano State was re – commenced last Wednesday (26th June, 2013) during
the 104th Executive Council Sitting at which an expenditure of Fifteen
Billion, Fifty Six Million, One Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand and
Eight Hundred and Seventy Five Naira, Thirty Kobo (15,056,197,875.30)
was approved for the execution of Seventeen (17) Projects.
Two
(2) Sectors prominently stood out in the approvals granted for the
execution of projects during the 104th Executive Council Sitting. These
include;
SN
Sector
Number of Projects
Cost (N)
i.
Education
06
8,617,124,410.34
ii.
Water Resources
03
4,188,670,238.70
Total
02
09
12,805,794,649.04
This was characteristic of the second incumbency of the present
administration. Credence has been relentlessly accorded to the
transformation of the educational, infrastructural development and
maintenance sectors from inception as depicted in the table presented
above. Further analysis of the approvals granted for the execution of
projects during the 104th Kano State Executive Council sitting revealed
that about 52% of the number of projects (i.e. 9 out of 17) were
approved for execution with about 85% of the expenditure granted for the
two (2) sectors (i.e. Education and Infrastructural Development/Water
Supply).
So, today Wednesday 3rd July, 2013 (24th Sha’aban,
1434AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its One Hundred and Fifth
(105th) sitting under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa
Kwankwaso, FNSE. Eleven (11) MDAs submitted forty-nine (49) memoranda
for deliberation by Council among which thirty (30) were approved for
execution with an expenditure of Three Billion, Thirty One Million,
Three Hundred and One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Four Naira,
Twenty Kobo (N3,031,301,834.20) covering twenty- two (22) projects.
Thus:
1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT
Twenty-two (22) memoranda were submitted on behalf of some MDAs for
deliberation by Council from the Office of the Secretary to the State
Government. Eight (8) of them were approved for execution as follows:
a. Request for Funds to Cater for the Sponsorship of Thirty (30) Kano
State Indigenous Students to Study Pharmacy at Krupanidhi College of
Pharmacy and JSS University India as well as the Fifteen (15) MBBS
Students to be Admitted at SSMS Institute of Medical Science and
Research:-
In fact, a large part of the services to be rendered by
any administration must, generally speaking, consist of the development
of human resources through the provision of qualitative education. This
is simply called an investment in human capital, which is very much the
same thing as investing in machines, equipment and other material
capital. This administration is investing in human capital through the
sponsorship of indigenous qualified youths to pursue education and other
career courses within and outside the nation. Such investment is
expected to increase and expand the capacity of the State human capital.
The impact may not be immediate but will be seen in the near future.
The State has sponsored 501 students to study for second degrees
overseas in different academic and professional fields. This is in
addition to the 100 youths selected to study medicine and another 100
studying pilot and aircraft engineering in Jordan.
This brings
us to the basis of this memorandum, which was on the sponsorship of
qualified youths to study pharmacy and medicine in selected Universities
in India. This decision explains the commitment of the State Government
in the improvement of healthcare system in the State. This
administration has since inception resolved to qualitatively provide for
the transformation of the Health Sector in all aspects of healthcare
delivery of which management and dispensation of drugs/medicine is
among. Laudable policies have been successfully implemented towards this
as heralded by the staging of outright war on illegal sales of drugs at
Abubakar Rimi Market and the aggressive conduct of training of youths
under the “Lafiya Jari” program, which empowers relevantly
trained/skilled but unemployed youth. In addition, more than N7 billion
was expended on the provision of medical equipment, renovation and
expansion of the existing health facilities and the establishment of
health institutions for the training of medical personnel.
Thus, this administration has transformed a public health system in
crisis into a modern and responsive one with aggressive employment of
staff, eradication of a number of infectious diseases and free
medication to pregnant women. Reverting back to the request of this
memorandum, Council appraised the recommendations for the sponsorship of
30 students to study pharmacy and 15 students to study medicine at the
sum of $742,100.00 and $990,000.00 respectively for the duration of the
courses. Noting that the request was in agreement with the laudable
policies of providing the required professional calibre of personnel for
the Health Sector and Empowerment for the students concerned Council
approved the sponsorship.
b. Request for Funds to
Enable the Procurement and Allocation of One (1) Unit of Toyota Hilux
Double Cabin Pick Up to the State Secretariat of the NYSC:-
This
administration is always ready to cooperate and assist any Federal
parastatal stationed in the State. Of recent, Council approved the
procurement and allocation of vehicles to the Prison and State Security
Services to enable them carry-on with their official assignments and
ease their transportation problem. The request for a vehicle by the
State NYSC was considered on its own merit and approved by Council at
the sum of N6,950,000.00.
c. Request for Permission and Release
of Funds to Travel to Egypt to Scout for and Interview/Select
Internationally Reputable Principal and Vice Principal for the Newly
Established “First Lady’s College, Kano”:-
It is a welcome fact that
the unused and wasted facilities available at the famous Magwan Water
Restaurant are now converted for use as First Lady’s College by this
administration. Several other unused Government facilities have been
converted for required use as Schools including the Psychiatric Hospital
at Yadakunya, the WRECA Workshop at Tiga, Gidan Ado Bayero, etc.
Nevertheless, the First Lady’s College deserves qualified and competent
hands so that it could yield the envisaged quality of products. As
such, the Honourable Commissioner, Kano State Ministry of Education
requested for permission and release of funds to enable a two (2) member
team undertake a trip to Egypt to interview and select competent
Principal and Vice Principal of international repute for the College.
Details of the financial commitments of the sum of N1,379,750.00 was
requested for release as endorsed by the Office of the Secretary to the
State Government.
Council noted, considered and approved the
release of the requested sum of N1,379,750.00 to enable the Honourable
Commissioner, Ministry of Education and his Permanent Secretary to
undertake the trip to Egypt for the purpose stated.
d.
Presentation of the Need and Request for Funds to Connect Gwarzo and
Madobi LGCAs to Garu 132/33KV Electricity Sub – Station:-
The
present administration in Kano State has resolved to take
infrastructural development/provision to all nooks and crannies of the
State including the rural areas. Such include provision of potable water
supplies, motorable roads and steady supply of electricity for
elevation of the general socio – economic wellbeing of the citizenry no
matter their place of residence.
This fact decided the Kano
State Ministry of Rural and Community Development to endorse a request
submitted, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,
for release of the sum of N7,986,692.00 by Council to enable the Rural
Electrification Board (REB) execute the important project of connecting
Gwarzo and Madobi LGCAs to the Garu Electric Power Supply Sub – Station
dedicated for use by the Water Board. The Sub – Station has two (2)
fully serviceable 30MVA, 132/33KV electricity transformers. Connecting
the two (2) LGCAs to the Sub – Station at Garu will not cause any
problems or be detrimental to its functions as cleared/assured by the
Kano State Water Board.
The request was considered relevant as
approval was granted by Council for the release of the sum of
N7,986,692.00 to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to
enable the REB execute the project stated above in view of its
significance to the Communities in the cited locations.
f.
Presentation of Handing Over Notes Between the Outgoing Coordinator and
Newly Appointed Deputy Director Kano Poultry Institute Tukwui, Makoda
LGCA:-
Main highlights of the presented hand over notes for
consideration by Council comprised eight (8) items as submitted by the
outgoing Coordinator Implementation Committee to the newly appointed
Deputy Director assigned to head the Institute.
Council was
satisfied and endorsed the hand over notes while wishing the outgoing
Coordinator and incoming Deputy Director good tidings in their future
respective endeavours.
g. Presentation of the Need to
Resuscitate Kano State Central Price Reference and Intelligence
Committee and Enforcement of its Functions:-
The Kano State Ministry
of Finance informed Council, through the contents of this memorandum
submitted for consideration from the Office of the Secretary to the
State Government that, the Kano State Central Price Reference and
Intelligence Committee tasked with the responsibility of establishing a
realistic price index and data base for goods and services to be
procured by MDAs and Local Government Authorities in the State is no
longer functioning and, therefore, requires to be resuscitated.
The Committee was established in 2001 and proved its mandate by
producing/distributing eighteen (18) editions of Kano State Central
Price Reference and Intelligence System bulleting from February, 2001 to
December, 2011 which served as reference materials for Auditors,
Accountants, Store – Officers and the general public thereby curtailing
unnecessary cost/expenditure.
As such, the Ministry of Finance
recommended the resuscitation of the Committee as well as expanding its
membership with the following eight (8) Office holders
i. Office of the Auditor General (Local Governments).
ii. Representative from Ministry for Local Governments.
iii. Representative from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
iv. Representative from Ministry of Education.
v. Representative from Project Monitoring Directorate.
vi. Representative from SUBEB.
vii. Representative from Ministry of Finance – Stores Section.
viii. Representative from Ministry of Finance – Treasury.
Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and approved the
resuscitation, expansion and enforcement of functions of the Kano State
Central Price Reference and Intelligence Committee. Office of the
Secretary to the State Government was directed to coordinate the
process.
2. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HON. COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
This Office submitted seven (7) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Four (4) of them were approved for execution as follows:
a. Presentation of the Outcome of Official Representation by the State
Delegation for Support from the National Resources Development Fund at
the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission Abuja (25th
June, 2013):-
In his Official Executive mandate as leader of a
delegated team comprising three (3) Commissioners, two (2) Permanent
Secretaries and other supporting Staff, the Deputy Governor/Hon.
Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments reminded Council that, the
Kano State Government has articulated a submission for financial support
from the Natural Resources Development Fund. The Fund is under the
Presidency while the solicited support was to the tune of the sum of
N272,012,338,600.00 being an intervention fund to be released in trust
by the Federal Government for all tiers of Government towards
diversification of the economic base of the country from oil and gas to
non – oil sectors.
The Kano State delegation presented the
submission of Kano State Government to the Revenue Mobilization
Allocation and Fiscal Commission (FRMAC) on 25th June, 2013. Power Point
E – Presentation was used in showcasing and justifying various
developmental strides and diversification efforts of the present
administration in Kano State under the astute leadership of the second
incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE towards
developing the non – oil sectors of our economy with existing ecological
problems affecting various areas/communities in the State. Such were
presented for remedial actions by intervention from the Natural
Resources Intervention Fund.
Notably, the FRMAC acknowledged
and favourably responded to the well – articulated precise and
comprehensive presentation from Kano State, which was considered best
among all the presentations submitted at the forum. Further, the
Commission applauded the leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa
Kwankwaso, FNSE for;
• Prudent management of Public Funds/Resources.
• Most exemplary translation of transformation agenda in terms of
infrastructural and human development initiative compared to others.
These and more gingered the authorities at the FRMAC to resolve to
visit Kano State soonest for “ground – truth” assessment of issues
raised in the presentation from the State so as to arm themselves with
fully verified information to enable them submit comprehensive and
factual recommendations to the President of Nigeria for consideration.
In any case, some incidental expenses were incurred in discharging the
assignment along with paid usage of external expertise in collation,
analysis, synthesis, production of imageries and aerial mapping of
graded areas with Geo – Investigation results across the 44 LGCAs. The
entire exercise involved an aggregate expenditure to the tune of
N8,200,000.00 which was requested for release by Council according to
the details presented for consideration.
Council appreciated
the presentation and promptly approved the release of the requested sum
of N8,200,000.00 to the Office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner,
Ministry for Local Governments to enable defraying the expenditure
incurred which facilitated brisk and well – articulated presentation of
the request from Kano State for intervention funds to the tune of
N272,012,338,600.00. The good people of Kano State along with the
Government wholeheartedly await the fact – finding visiting team from
the FRMAC.
b. Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of Tricycles Waste Disposal Vehicles for Use at Local Government Council Areas:-
Provision of serene, clean and healthy environment for the citizenry in
Kano State is among the cardinal resolutions of the present
administration. In fact, the monthly executed environmental sanitation
exercise was re – introduced courtesy of the present administration. The
Ministry of Environment as custodian of general environmental
sanitation is continuously provided for qualitatively to rid the State
of unwanted heaps of refuse scattered all over the metropolis.
Establishment of Shelterbelts against desert encroachment and provision
of expertly nursed tree seedlings for planting are among the laudable
preoccupations of the present administration.
As such, Office
of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments
deemed it expedient to recommend to Council to consider urging the
Local Government Councils to own up to their mandated responsibility of
evacuating wastes in their respective domains by providing all necessary
equipment required for the execution of the monthly executed
environmental sanitation exercise.
Specifically, the
desirability to evacuate refuse/waste from the nooks and crannies of
metropolitan Kano for disposal at designated/suitable locations is
paramount. The equipment required for the purpose is conspicuously
unavailable. Such need to be procured urgently for use. So, five (5)
Tricycles Waste Disposal Tippers were recommended to be purchased for
use by each of the eight (8) metropolitan LGCAs at the unit cost of
N1,739,000.00 (i.e. N8,695,000.00 for five). Forty (40) units of the
Tricycles Waste Disposal Tippers are to be purchased by the eight (8)
metropolitan LGCAs at the aggregate cost of N69,560,000.00, which was
requested for release by Council to enable the purchase of the Tricycles
Waste Disposal Tippers as recommended by the eight (8) metropolitan
LGCAs.
The request was considered credible as Council approved
the release of the sum of N69,560,000.00 from the State/Local Government
Joint Account, disaggregated to each of the eight (8) metropolitan
LGCAs for the stated purpose.
c. Presentation of
Negotiation of 2013 Hajj Accommodation Charges on Thirteen (13) Houses
and Request for Kano State Government Subsidy on Six (6) Houses Acquired
for Kano State Pilgrims:-
The period for the Holy Pilgrimage to/at Makkah will soon be with us. So, preparations are underway earnestly.
As such, a six (6) – member team under the leadership of the Deputy
Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments were assigned
to visit Makkah in order to inspect/select and secure befitting
accommodation for Kano State 2013 (1434AH) intending Pilgrims in Makkah,
Saudi Arabia.
The team conducted its assignment diligently in
line with the provisions of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
(NAHCON) bench mark. Thirteen (13) houses were thoroughly assessed
within the clusters of Shara Mansur and Ummul Qura Streets. Details were
presented to Council for consideration. In any case, the prices for
four (4) of the houses were negotiated downwards while the provision of
the Kano State Government subsidy on the prices of six (6) houses was
solicited for.
As such, Council was requested to approve the
release of the sum of N52,706,250.00 instead of the initial
N52,733,250.00 requested earlier for the same purpose.
Council
acknowledged the presentation and approved the release of the sum of
N52,706,250.00 for the settlement of the subsidy rates for six (6)
houses among the thirteen (13) negotiated for accommodation of Kano
State Pilgrims for the year 2013 (1434AH) in Makkah so as to avoid any
increment.
d. Presentation of Report of Year 2012 Hajj Affairs Tribunal:-
The Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments
reminded Council of the Executive directive issued to him at its sitting
of 19th June, 2013 to further appraise the submitted report mentioned
above.
Reappraisal of the said report along with the Edict that
established the Hajj Affairs Tribunal in the State in 1995 yielded the
following observations:
i. That the contents of the report
indicated that the Chairperson of the Tribunal did not carry members
along in conducting the assignment of the Tribunal, which was adduced as
reason for refusal of the members to endorse the report.
ii. That
item 4 (i.) of part II of the Edict indicated that the appointment of
the Tribunal Members was vested in the interest of the incumbent
Governor then.
iii. That item 6 of part II of the Edict stated that
any sitting with the Chairman and any two (2) members form a quorum.
This was not observed in the presided cases by the Tribunal.
So, in
view of the need to have a Tribunal that ensures participation of its
members in conformity with its enabling Law, Council accepted the
recommendation and approved the replacement of the incumbent Chairperson
with a new Chairman in the person of Abubakar Haruna Khalil in order to
provide the Tribunal with a new leadership capable of leading the
Tribunal in line with its enabling/enshrined Law. Details on the
qualifications and suitability of Abubakar Haruna Khalil were presented
for consideration by Council.
3. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Two
(2) memoranda were directly submitted for deliberation by Council from
the Ministry of Education. Both were approved for execution. Thus;
a. Presentation of the Need to Install Solar – Powered and Energy
Efficient Led Fluorescent Light Fittings in Classroom Blocks in Boarding
Schools Across the State:-
Contents of this memorandum applauded
efforts of the present administration in Kano State towards
improvement/transformation of education at all levels and ramifications
in the State.
Progressively, the Ministry of Education came up
with a proposal for a completely new approach for the supply/provision
of illumination in Boarding Schools by use of Solar – Powered fittings.
Re – introduction of evening “prep” in schools is to enhance academic
activities and improve performance of students in examinations
generally. Two (2) Schools were selected as “Pilot” for the essentially
required project which are:
• GSS Kwankwaso
• GGC Kano
Such provision will further upgrade the standards of the recently
repaired/renovated two (2) Schools through ETF intervention. Details on
the requirements and the aggregate financial cost of the two (2)
projects to the tune of the sum of N11,994,042.40, viz;
i. GSS KwankwasoN4,445,332.00
ii. GGC KanoN7,348,710.40
TotalN11,994,042.40
Credibility of the request prompted Council to approve the release of
the requested sum of N11,994,042.40 to the Ministry of Education to
enable provision/installation of Solar – Powered energy efficient Led
fluorescent light fittings as pilot projects at GSS Kwankwaso and GGC
Kano according to the details presented.
b.
Presentation of Request/Suggestion on Direct Recruitment/Absorption of
Voluntary/Casual Teachers Serving in Public and Community Schools in
Kano State:-
The laudable decongestion policy embarked upon by the
present administration has resulted in the commendable
creation/construction of more classrooms in our Primary and Secondary
Schools compelling the need for teachers to man them.
Many such
Schools are known to have been sourcing for the services of such
teachers on voluntary/casual arrangement in order to augment Government
effort. The services delivered are paid for from the collected payment
of School maintenance fees from students.
Presently, authentic
records reveal that a total of 1906 Casual/Voluntary teachers serve in
our Schools with the following qualifications:
i. Degree holders236
ii. NCE holders1067
iii. ND holders603
Total1906
On the other hand, Council was notified of the disturbing fact that
Public and Community Schools in Kano State require the Services of 1928
degree, NCE and ND holders as Voluntary/Casual teachers to man all
available Classes with adequate number of teaching Staff.
With
concern, the Ministry of Education requested Council to consider
approving the absorption/recruiting into the State Service the existing
1906 Voluntary/Casual teachers serving in our Schools as well as
employing 1928 more of such teachers for deployment to serve in the
generally decongested Public and Community Schools across the State.
Council approved as requested but directed the Honourable Commissioner,
Kano State Ministry of Education to liaise with Principals/Head
Teachers of Schools concerned and make a submission on the issue for
consideration by Council at its next sitting.
4. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT
This Ministry submitted three (3) memoranda directly for consideration by Council. All were approved for execution as follows:
a. Request for Funds for the Construction of Three (3) New Shari’a Courts:-
The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport
professionally submitted a case on behalf of the State Shari’a Court of
Appeal originally submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the State
Government, through the Office of the Attorney General/Hon.
Commissioner, Ministry of Justice.
The issue involved a request
for the release of the aggregate sum of N41,647,432.86 to enable the
construction of three (3) new Shari’a Courts previously regretfully
omitted from an earlier request for the release of funds for the
construction of twenty-seven (27) new Shari’a Courts. The omitted Courts
are:
• Upper Shari’a Court Gyadi – Gyadi.
• Giginyu Shari’a Court.
• Bunkure Shari’a Court.
So, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of
N13,882,447.62 to facilitate the construction of each Court totaling to
the aggregate sum of N41,647,432.86 for the three (3).
Council
noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of
N41,647,432.86 to the relevant authorities to enable construction of the
respective Shari’a Courts at the three (3) locations presented above.
b. Request for Funds to Facilitate the General Renovation and Provision
of Furniture at Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Located at
NO.5 Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road, Kano:-
Contents of this memorandum
concertedly notified Council of the deplorable condition of the Office
of the Kano State Electoral Commission located at NO.5 Sabo Bakin Zuwo
Road. This prompted the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to
propose for the execution of general renovation of the office in order
to provide an enabling and befitting environment as well conducive
atmosphere for work for the Staff. Such will enable them perform their
duties properly for the smooth running of routine affairs of the
Commission. As such, Council was requested to, and approved the release
of the aggregate sum of N18,713,892,14 to enable execution of the
project.
c. Request for the Release of Funds for the Execution of 2013 Constituency Projects in Kano State:-
The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport
alerted Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the need to
embark upon implementation of the 2013 Constituency Projects. The
program was provided the sum of N2,200,000,000.00 in the 2013 approved
budget.
Traditionally, the two Ministries implement the
projects as forwarded by the Honourable Members of the Kano State House
of Assembly from their respective Constituencies. The Ministries are:
• Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport
• Ministry of Rural and Community Development
So, considering success of the program, the Ministry of Works, Housing
and Transport urgently requested Council to consider and approve the
following:
i. Commencement of the implementation of 2013 Constituency Projects.
ii. Ratification of the list of Contractors that abided by the due
process and qualified for the award including those to be submitted in
due course (second batch).
iii. Provision of N2,200,000,000.00 as approved in the 2013 budget under the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.
Council approved as requested based on the genuine need to commence implementation of the 2013 Constituency Projects.
5. MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The Ministry of Health submitted four (4) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Three (3) were approved for execution. Thus:
a. Request for Funding of Activities of the State Task Force Committee on Immunization and Polio Eradication:-
Council was applauded on its continued favourable response in providing
for the requirements of Immunization and Polio Eradication Exercise in
the State through the State Task Force Committee. This shows great
prospects/promise that Kano State is on track towards the total
eradication of polio transmission by the year 2013.
Nevertheless, to continue with the laudable achievements, the Task Force
requires provision of additional resources for the next four (4) rounds
of Polio Immunization exercises for the third and fourth quarter of the
year 2013. Accordingly, the sum of N10,318,500.00 is required and was
requested for release by Council to facilitate the following:
• Secretariat Services
• Coordination of Meetings
• Provision of logistics for high level intensive supervision of Polio Immunization exercises.
Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum
of N10,318,500.00 to the State Ministry of Health as funds for the
activities of the State Task Force Committee on Immunization.
b. Request for Funds for the General Renovation Works Required at Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital (Phase II):-
Council approved the release of the sum of N65,088,012.00 to facilitate
the execution of the phase II of the already approved project stated
above. First phase of the project was granted approval for the release
of the sum of N50,096,704.89. Works (phase I) have reached advanced
stages nearing completion at male wards 2 and 3 LCT block. This is
typical of the present administration, which relentlessly provides for
the qualitative transformation of the entire health sector from its
inception to date. Examples are ubiquitous across the State.
c. Request for Funding of Activities of the State Immunization Plus Days on Polio Eradication:-
Cognizant of the fact that Nigeria adopted the conduct of Polio
Supplemental Immunization as a strategy to eradicate the disease from
the Country, special campaigns are periodically organized during which
health workers move from house to house to vaccinate eligible children
with Polio Vaccine. A total of five (5) rounds of the campaign have so
far taken place in the year 2013 alone.
Essentially, each round
of the campaign is provided for by all stakeholders; Federal, State,
Local Governments and Development partners. Each plays a role with the
State Government providing support for supervision, training, logistics
and public enlightenment activities.
As such, the Kano State
Ministry of Health needs resources to undertake these activities costed
at the sum of N18,162,500.00, which was requested for release by
Council.
The project was considered relevant by Council as
approval was granted for the release of the requested sum to the
Ministry of Health to undertake activities of State Immunization Plus
Days on Polio Eradication in view of the International and domestic
relevance of the project.
6. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
The two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the
Ministry of Environment were approved for execution as follows:
a. Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of Additional Two (2) Brand New Pay – Loaders:-
The incumbent administration in Kano State resolved to rid Kano of
heaps of refuse scattered all over the metropolitan area. Adequate
management of solid waste within the metropolis as well as management
and enforcement of use of officially approved dumping sites has been
embarked upon. Council approved the procurement of two (2) brand new Pay
– Loader for use by REMASAB to facilitate for timely evacuation of
heaps of refuse scattered across the metropolitan area of Kano.
These two (2) procured and allocated Pay – Loaders are judiciously put
to earnest use by REMASAB to cover the eight (8) metropolitan LGCAs,
which were divided into four (4) zones in two (2) shifts (day and
night).
As such, the Ministry of Environment requested Council
to approve the release of the sum of N54,284,347.00 to enable the
procurement of two (2) brand new Pay – Loaders for use by REMASAB to
supplement the services of the two (2) already in use.
Council
noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N27,142,171.85
to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to process
procurement and allocation of one (1) brand new Pay – Loader to the
Ministry of Environment for use by REMASAB as required to supplement the
activities of the two (2) already in use.
b. Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of Ten (10) Brand New
Skid Loader Vehicles and One hundred (100) Units of Waste Collection
Buckets:-
Cognizant of the laudable policy of the present
administration to rid Kano of heaps of refuse scattered all over the
metropolitan area of the State, REMASAB proposed to replace most of its
existing open refuse collection points with one hundred (100) units of 8
Cubic metres additional waste collection buckets to add to already
existing ones. Provision of these one hundred (100) units of waste
collection buckets necessitates use of additional ten (10) Skid Loaders.
Cost for each was presented to Council for consideration as follows:
i. 100 units of waste collection buckets N127,867,130.00
ii. 10 units of Skid LoadersN170,369,265.00
Total N298,236,395.00
As such, the Ministry of Environment requested Council to consider and
approve the release of the sum of N298,236,395.00 to enable the
procurement of 100 units of waste collection buckets and ten (10) units
of Skid Loader Vehicles.
50% of the request was approved by Council. Thus:
• 50 units of waste collection buckets at N895,000.00 x 50 = N44,750,000.00
• 5 units of Skid Loader Vehicles at N15,950,000.00 x 5 = N79,750,000.00
Total N124,500,000.00
7. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
The Ministry of Water Resources submitted two (2) memoranda for
deliberation by Council. Only one of them was approved for execution as
follows:
Request for Funds to Enable the Procurement of
Workshop/Laboratory Equipment and Beds/Beddings for the Assistant Works
Superintendent (AWS) Training School Challawa:-
Specialization
and use of professionally required skills in the provision of services
is a basic ingredient for sustainable development in areas that border
on the provision of basic infrastructure. Middle Cadre Technicians with
applicable skills are required in all professions. This fact fuels and
energizes the thrust of the present administration in its drive and
general effort to provide skill and empowerment opportunities by
establishing specific skill acquisition Institutes.
The
Assistant Works Superintendent Training School (AWS) at Challawa is one
such vitally required skills acquisition Institute that has been
training middle cadre technicians from time immemorial in techniques
related to the provision of water for domestic, agricultural,
industrial, etc. usage.
As such, this administration intervened
to salvage the pathetic dilapidated condition due to old age in order
to revamp/revitalize performance of AWS Challawa. In the year 2012
approval was granted for the execution of projects at the School
including the completion of an abandoned hostel and the construction of
completely new workshop and laboratory. This was to further expand the
capacity of the AWS Challawa to cater for the training of
manpower/technicians in the areas of water resources engineering,
construction and other related sectors. In fact, the School trains
students within the State and beyond reaching Katsina, Kogi, Bauchi, Oyo
and Lagos States. Meanwhile, the completed hostel, workshop and
laboratory need to be furnished and provided with materials, reagents,
beds/beddings etc. at the estimated cost of N26,921,643.00, which was
requested for release by Council to enable provision of the
requirements.
Council approved as requested based on relevance
of the project to the policy of the present administration in the area
of provision of skill acquisition opportunities.
8. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING
Two (2) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the
Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Both were approved for execution
as follows:
a. Request for Funds to Enable Payment of
Compensation for Structures to be Removed Along Water Pipeline Route on
Challawa to Gwaron Dutse (Sheikh Ja’afar Road):-
Contents of this
memorandum presented Sheikh Ja’afar Road project as an important
endeavour to ease commuting within the municipality. Work is in
satisfactory progress except for the right of way required/needed for
laying the giant water pipeline simultaneously with the road.
Consequently, KNUPDA, Water Board and the Ministry of Land and Physical
Planning collectively identified a total of thirty-six (36) structures
that need to be removed in order to make laying the giant water pipeline
possible. The structures comprise different items with estimated
aggregate value to the tune of N20,105,140.00, which was requested for
release by Council to be disbursed as payment of compensation for the 36
structures to be removed.
Council noted, considered and
approved release of the requested sum of N20,105,140.00 to the Ministry
of Land and Physical Planning to enable paying for the stated
compensation so as to accelerate the pace of construction work on Sheikh
Ja’afar Road towards completion as targeted.
b.
Presentation of Request for the Implementation and Provision of
Infrastructural Facilities at Kwankwasiyya City (Phase I) and Request
for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Land, Economic Trees and
Structures:-
The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Land and
Physical Planning politely reminded Council of its approval to provide
infrastructural facilities to the 190 hectares piece of land acquired
purposefully for the establishment of low density housing layout at
Kwankwasiyya city via Council Extract NO.SSCA/CA/EX/7/1/21 dated 7th
October, 2011.
Essentially, the city was designed to have low
density housing units, shopping malls, asphalt road network, effective
drainage system, bridges, efficient water and electricity supply
network, street lights, etc. as required in a befitting modern city.
It was maintained that for the city to have good planning, security and
other developmental considerations, it is imperative to expand the size
of the city such that its periphery reaches up to Zaria Road.
As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning assessed the
periphery of the city and its surroundings especially Dotsa Village
under Phase I of the entire project. The following were presented for
consideration by Council as the assessed compensation requirements:
• Land valued at N1,000,000.00/ha= N40,384,100.00
• Economic trees= N17,401,250.00
• Structures= N89,050,550.00
Total = N146,835,900.00
So, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of
N146,835,900.00 to enable payment of compensation as presented. Approval
was granted as requested for the release of the sum of N146,835,900.00
to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable the payment of
compensation for land, economic trees and structures (site) acquired for
the expansion of Kwankwasiyya city (phase I) up to Zaria Road.
9. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
The two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the
Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources were approved for
execution as follows:
a. Presentation of Request for Permission
and Release of Funds to Establish Monitoring and Evaluation Teams to
Ensure Successful Implementation of the 2013 Wet Season Growth
Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) Programme in Kano State:-
The
Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development visited Kano
State. He advised that Kano State Government should establish a
formidable Monitoring and Evaluation Team between the State Ministry of
Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Kano Office. This is to ensure
successful implementation of the 2013 Wet Season Growth Enhancement
Support Scheme (GESS) program across the 44 LGCAs in the State. The team
is to comprise the Honourable Commissioner, Permanent Secretary,
Directors; (from the State Ministry of Agriculture), Kano State House of
Assembly Committee Members on Agriculture, State Director FMARD. Other
members to represent the Kano State Office of the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Supply Chain representatives and the
ADP (KNARDA) need to be included as is operated at the Federal Level.
Consequent to this development, the State Ministry of Agriculture
proposed for the setting up of four (4) local Monitoring and Evaluation
Teams to cover the existing four (4) KNARDA zones in the State with each
expected to visit designated redemption centers in each of the 44 LGCAs
respectively assigned to each team. Details on the composition of each
of the four (4) teams along with request for release of funds for the
commencement of their activities were presented for consideration by
Council.
Council acknowledged the presentation and approved the
release of the sum of N5,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Agriculture and
Natural Resources for the purposes stated in connection with the
successful implementation of the GESS program for the year 2013 Wet
Season.
b. Presentation of the Need and Request for Funds to Establish Local Poultry Extension Service:-
Sequel to a report received from the Deputy Director, Poultry Institute
Tukwui on the need to establish a Poultry Extension Service to the
beneficiaries of Poultry Institute, the Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted the following
recommendations for consideration and approval by Council:
i. Setting up of Poultry Extension Committee to comprise of
• Area Veterinary Service Officer
• Agricultural Programme Coordinator
• Sectional Head Veterinary
• CRC Chairman/Representative(s)
ii. Functions of the Committee
• Supervision of administration of routine medication/vaccination.
• Continuation with extension training up to 17 weeks.
iii. Expected Outcome
• After 17 weeks the beneficiaries can stand independently.
• Mortality of the birds currently encountered will be reduced.
• Huge savings to Government on replacement cost.
iv. Total cost of routine medication/vaccinations/allowances = N37,320,000.00
Relatedly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources requested
Council to consider the presentation and approve release of the sum of
N37,320,000.00 for the stated purpose.
Council noted,
considered and approved the release of the requested sum of
N37,320,000.00 to the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural
Resources to handle item (iv.) presented above.
10. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE
The Head of Civil Service submitted two (2) memoranda for deliberation by Council. Both were approved for execution. Thus:
a. Presentation of Report from the Executive Council Committee on the
Directorate of Societal Re–orientation (Adaidaita Sahu) Repeal Law
2013:-
Contents of this memorandum adequately presented the stand of
the Committee mentioned above on the issue concerned as submitted by
its Chairman (the Head of Civil Service) for consideration and approval
by Council.
The Committee’s stand after in depth deliberation
based on careful appraisal of contents of the Draft Bill yielded the
following observations:
i. That the Draft Bill is premised upon
the desire by the then Government to determine obsolete Laws whose
instrumentality lacks bearing on the responsiveness of Government Policy
direction.
ii. That the Directorate (Adaidaita Sahu) lacks
functional qualified manpower to run its affairs, hence the need to
deploy its Staff to the mainstream Civil Service. Its perceived mandate
is apparently adjudged a duplicity in content as it relates to other
Institutional Official engagements.
iii. The Directorate is as
moribund Institution as its Law both of which lack value for continued
existence and therefore un-called for.
So, the Committee recommended to Council to consider approving repeal of the Law establishing the “Adaidaita Sahu” Directorate.
Council noted, considered the presentation and approved the repeal of
the Law establishing the “Adaidaita Sahu” Directorate in line with the
proposed Draft Bill as presented by the Ministry of Justice, Kano State.
The proposed repeal was to be submitted to the House of Assembly for
assent.
b. Presentation of the Proposed Draft Bill on the Prohibition of Street Begging in Kano:-
The Executive Council Committee on the proposed Draft Bill on the
Prohibition of Street begging in Kano State submitted highlights of its
report/recommendation for consideration of Council as endorsed by its
Chairman (the Head of Civil Service). Main observations were presented
as follows:
i. The Bill is intended to provide the Legal
Instrument that will allow the realization of part of Government Social
Policy reform program aimed at eliminating the menace of street begging.
ii. The Draft Bill is auspicious and timely as the hitherto trends
being grappled with by Government on matters of development in human
Capital for productive and constructive engagement by active youth in
addition to rural – urban drift by young and the aged population would
be checked.
iii. The Law will also provide safeguard against migrant
beggars from across the borders that overstretched usage of facilities
meant to curtain the menace, in addition to providing legally subsisting
measures for deportation and/or deployment.
iv. As part of the safeguards, appropriate penalties were also provided in the Draft Bill.
Specifically, the Committee recommended to Council to consider the
observations submitted and approve for forwarding the Draft Bill to the
Honourable Kano State House of Assembly for passage into Law.
Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and approved the
transmission of the Draft Bill on the Prohibition of Street Begging in
Kano State to the Kano State House of Assembly for passage into Law.
11. MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Presentation of Draft Bill to Repeal High Court (Civil Procedure) Edict 1988:-
Council was professionally notified by the State Attorney General/Hon.
Commissioner, Ministry of Justice, through contents of this memorandum
that:
i. The High Court (Civil Procedure) Edict 1988 is the current legislation governing Civil Proceedings in the High Court.
ii. The Edict also makes provisions on the various fees payable in High Court for commencement of action and other processes.
iii. The fees payable are however too scanty and do not conform to the realities of the present situation.
iv. There is, therefore, the need to review the fees upwards.
As such, it was recommended to Council to consider and approve the
Draft Bill as amended for transmission on to the Honourable State House
of Assembly for passage into Law.
The presentation was
appreciatively acknowledged as Council approved the passage of the Draft
Bill onto the Honourable State House of Assembly for passage into Law.
UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 105th EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING
1. COURTESY VISIT BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, BANK OF INDUSTRIES
Council acknowledged the official visit to Kano by the Managing
Director, Bank of Industries (BOI) and her entourage and the signing of
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State Government and the
BOI.
2. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE
Council witnessed the presentation of various awards to the Governor
Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the Igbo Community residing in Kano
for his commendable execution of developmental projects and ensuring
peaceful co-existence among different tribes in the State. Similarly,
Council witnessed the presentation of the following awards to His
Excellency the Governor:
• Award of excellence by the Association of Nigerian Writers
• Award of Leadership, Excellence and recognition by Baseline Global Ventures
• “Excellence award for the uplift of Sports in Kano State by the ‘Swimming Association of Nigeria’.
• Award by the Association of Northwest Youths for improving the
welfare of citizens, job creation, youth empowerment, etc. in Kano
State, and
• Award of Excellence by the Justice & Fairness Organization.
3. SWEARING-IN OF 6 NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES
Council witnessed the swearing-in of six (6) newly appointed Permanent
Secretaries and implored them to be honest, dedicated and prudent in the
discharge of their official responsibilities toward attaining overall
objectives of the State Government.
4. INAUGURATION OF CITY WALL COMMITTEE
Council witnessed the inauguration of the State Committee on the
protection & revival of Kano city Wall headed by Dr. Sule Bello with
representatives from the History and Culture Bureau, Tourism Board,
Emirate Council, Senior Special Assistant (Emirate Council) and National
Museum and Monuments.
5. LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE AT LOKOGOMA HOUSING ESTATE, ABUJA
Council acknowledged the successful foundation stone laying ceremony at
Lokogoma Housing Estate in Abuja by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa
Kwankwaso, FNSE.
6. CONDUCT OF SANITATION EXERCISE ACROSS THE STATE
Council acknowledged the successful conduct of sanitation exercise on
the last Saturday of every month across the State and called on the
citizenry to ensure future compliance for a healthy and clean
surrounding.
7. NATIONAL COUNCIL ON EDUCATION (NEC) MEETING
Council acknowledged the conduct of the National Council on Education
(NEC) meeting held in Abuja where Kano State was commended for its
stride in the transformation of Education in the country.
8. NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGRICULTURE MEETING
Council acknowledged the conduct of the meeting of National Council on
Agriculture held in Abeokuta where various issues toward the improvement
and enhancement of the Agriculture were discussed. Council also upheld
that Kano State will host the next meeting.
9. PROGRESS REPORT ON REPAIRS OF DAMS IN THE STATE
Council acknowledged the progress report of the ongoing repairs of Dams
across the State with a view to improving the provision of adequate
water supply to the teeming population in the State.
10. CIVIL SERVICE DAY CELEBRATION/FLAG-OFF OF PRE- RETIREMENT WORKSHOP
Council acknowledged the conduct of the Civil Service Day Celebration
during which five (5) Senior Officers and five (5) Junior Officers were
meritoriously awarded for their honesty, dedication and selfless service
to the State. During the occasion three (3) Organizations were also
awarded. Further, Council noted the flag off of pre-retirement workshop
for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and other Officers due for
retirement from the Civil Service.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY
Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security
agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan
roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily contact Kano Road
Traffic Agency (KAROTA) for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic
Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747.
Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754,
08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted
on – 07051246833, 08191778888.
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