By Mario Deepromoter

Over 4,000 Kano civil servants benefiting from tenure elongation granted by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje are expected to retire by December 1, 2024.

The state government has completed an investigation, screening, and data assessment of the affected civil servants who were enjoying the tenure elongation after 35 years of service or reaching 60 years of age.

Ganduje had introduced a civil service tenure extension beyond the standard rule, allowing civil servants to remain in office for an additional five years beyond the statutory retirement age.

Upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Abba Yusuf abolished the pension law that allowed for tenure elongation and directed that service years revert to the standard 35 years or 60 years of age.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the state Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, said that following the abrogation of the pension law, a Senior Civil Servants Committee was established to determine the actual number of affected individuals.

“Our committee, after thorough investigation, found that about 4,000 individuals are affected and are expected to retire by December 1, 2024. This means that by the end of this September, they will need to submit their retirement notices,” he said.

Musa added that the government had made preparations to address the vacancies created by the retirement of these senior officers.

“Don’t forget that at the end of former Governor Ganduje’s administration, he employed 13,000 civil servants. When this government came into power, Governor Yusuf chose not to sack them. Instead, we screened the 13,000 civil servants, fully engaging 10,000 on a permanent and pensionable basis, while the remaining 3,000 were dismissed. Among those dismissed were National Youth Service Corps members, undergraduates still in school, those underage (13 years and below), and those overage,” Musa explained.

He further stated that issues of truancy among civil servants had been addressed, with workers now required to resume office at 8:00 a.m.

Less than a month after its launch, Burna Boy’s football academy has already started bearing fruit. Two young players from the academy have traveled to Europe to trial with top clubs, a testament to the Grammy-winning artist’s vision of providing access to elite coaching and facilities for aspiring footballers in Nigeria.

The academy, which has locations in four cities across Nigeria, aims to identify and nurture talent in children aged 4-16, with the ultimate goal of getting them scouted by top European clubs. Burna Boy’s initiative has been hailed as a game-changer for Nigerian football, providing opportunities for young players who may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

The swift progress of the academy’s players is a testament to Burna Boy’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian footballers. His efforts have earned him widespread acclaim, with many hailing him as the “people’s champ” for his dedication to giving back to his community.

As the two young players embark on their European trials, fans and well-wishers are eagerly awaiting their progress, hopeful that they will make a mark on the global football scene and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Ghana’s dream run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers faces a hurdle as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deems their usual home ground, Baba Yara Stadium, unfit for competition.

Inspectors cited poor drainage, uneven playing surfaces, and inadequate grass cover as reasons for the disapproval.

This rejection extends to other Ghanaian stadiums like Cape Coast and Accra, leaving the Black Stars without a domestic venue for their crucial October qualifiers (Matchday 3 and 4).

CAF has directed Ghana to find an alternative location outside the country.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, appears to be the frontrunner due to its proximity and top-notch facilities.

However, other options like Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Côte d’Ivoire), Stade de la Paix (Côte d’Ivoire), Japoma Stadium (Cameroon), and Berkane Municipal Stadium (Morocco) are also being considered.

Ghana is expected to announce their final choice soon, but the uncertainty surrounding their home venue is a major concern, especially with crucial games against Sudan looming in October.

Securing a suitable location will be paramount if the Black Stars aim to progress in the tournament and maintain their record as four-time AFCON champions.