President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged N5 billion to support victims of the recent Singer Market fire in Kano, while the Progressive Governors’ Forum announced an additional N3 billion donation, bringing total relief support to N8 billion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President during a visit to Kano on Monday, conveyed the federal government’s solidarity with affected traders and clarified that the financial support was intended to provide immediate relief rather than compensation for losses incurred.
He assured victims that the government would continue to work with Kano State authorities to ease their hardship and facilitate recovery.
Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, announced the N3 billion donation on behalf of APC governors.
Shortly after the market visit, Shettima, alongside Uzodinma and other APC governors — Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa) and Dikko Radda (Katsina) — attended a political event at the Sani Abacha Stadium where Governor Abba Yusuf was formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Welcoming Yusuf into the party, Shettima described Kano as a politically strategic and influential state that cannot be sidelined in national affairs.
“Wherever Kano moves, the nation moves with it,” he said. “We gather here today to welcome one of the sons of Kano into our party.”
After receiving the APC flag as leader of the party in Kano State, Yusuf expressed appreciation for the reception and pledged inclusive leadership.
“It is what gives Kano progress that matters, not my convenience,” he said. “Kano is too strategic to be disconnected from the federal government. My decision was driven by responsibility, not personal interest.”
He also commended President Tinubu’s reform policies, stating that Kano must align with national development priorities focused on jobs, security and infrastructure.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, formally handed over the party flag to Yusuf, describing his defection as a major political boost. He noted that consultations with various groups in Kano reflected growing support for the ruling party.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also welcomed Yusuf, pledging full party support for what he described as the governor’s “Kano First Agenda.”
Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said Yusuf’s entry had strengthened party unity in the state.
Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit, the APC leadership and Governor Yusuf agreed on a 60–40 leadership-sharing formula between new entrants and existing APC members in Kano State. Party officials said the arrangement was designed to foster inclusiveness, unity and effective participation in party affairs.
Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with party leaders to ensure Kano remains united and aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
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