From Aliyu Askira, Kano

The Kano State Government has approved a reduction in official working hours for civil servants in observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Under the new arrangement, official working hours from Monday to Thursday will run from 8:00 a.

m. to 3:00 p.m., representing a one-hour reduction from the usual schedule, while Fridays will remain unchanged, from 8:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m.

The approval was conveyed in a circular backdated to February 18, 2026, issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service and signed by the Director of Administration and General Services, Safiyya Suleiman, on behalf of the Head of Civil Service.

According to the circular, referenced HCS/LEV/2/V.

II/177 and titled “Circular No. 2/2026,” civil servants will observe a one-hour reduction in their daily working period throughout the fasting month.

“The Kano State Government has approved a one-hour reduction in official working hours for civil servants during the 1447AH Ramadan fasting period,” the circular read.

The directive was addressed to key government officials and institutions, including the Chief of Staff, Government House; the Secretary to the State Government; commissioners; permanent secretaries; heads of extra-ministerial departments; chief registrars of the High Court and Sharia Court of Appeal; as well as executive chairman and chief executives of boards, commissions and government-owned companies.

The circular stated that the adjustment was in line with the established tradition of granting special recognition to the holy month.

“This gesture is in line with the tradition of granting special recognition to the Holy Month of Ramadan and to enable civil servants to fully participate in the spiritual activities associated with the period,” it added.

The Head of Civil Service also expressed hope that the period would be used to pray for sustained peace and stability in Kano State and the country at large.

The directive takes effect from immediately the end of the end of Ramadan fasting period.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs and Osun Central Senatorial Hopeful, Aare Ganiyu Ayobami Olaoluwa Asejere, has expressed deep appreciation to all dignitaries, political leaders, religious figures, royal fathers, and community stakeholders who graced his Annual Ramadan Lecture and empowerment programme held at the Blue and White Hotel, Oke Onitea.

Aare Asejere specially acknowledged the presence and support of Hon.

George Alabi, Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning; Hon. Maruff Ayofe, Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Digital Economy; Hon. Sulaiman Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on RARA; Hon. Afolabi Lukman, Chairman, Ede South Local Government; Hon. Obafemi Kolade, Chairman, Olorunda Local Government; Hon. Samuel Oyedotun, Chairman, Osun State Water Corporation; Hon. Olaide Ajibola, Member of the Osun State House of Assembly (Olorunda State Constituency); Hon. Kunle Olaniyan, Commissioner II, Civil Service Commission; Alhaji Mustapha Sikiru; Alhaji Rasaq Oyetunji Oluomo; Hon. Nurudeen Hamzat; Hon. Sangariwa; Hon. Dunsin Abimbola; Alhaja Taibat; and Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ajibola Falode.

He also extended profound gratitude to the revered monarch, Oba Operinmade Adejumo Amos, the Onikoka of Koka, for honouring the occasion with royal dignity, as well as to the guest lecturer, Alhaji Imam Ajisope Ayinde, for delivering a spiritually enriching Ramadan message.

Aare Asejere further appreciated all Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs), Local Party Executives, Ward Chairmen, Councilors, Babaloja and Iyaloja Anaye Market leaders, and other critical stakeholders whose presence and support contributed immensely to the success of the programme. He also acknowledged the support of his wives, Alhaja Yidiat and Taibat Olaoluwa Akogun Adebimpe.

While thanking the over 500 beneficiaries for their prayers and goodwill, Aare Asejere called for sustained prayers for peace, unity, and continued development of Osun State under the leadership of Ademola Adeleke.

He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to grassroots empowerment, humanitarian service, and people-oriented governance.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

A member representing Birinin Magaji/Kaura Namoda federal Constituency, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji has lamented that the committee sent from national headquarters of APC allegedly conspired with some members and other elements, abusing the dignity of APC members in my constituency and Zamfara State at large.

Addressing newsmen in Gusau, the State capital, the federal lawmaker said that some members were denied equal opportunity to participate in the party congresses at ward and local government levels, despite paying for nomination and expression forms via party-designated accounts.

“Members approached the State Organizing Secretary to obtain the forms, but were denied.

The State Organizing Secretary pursued their complaints, but the National Financial Secretary and National Chairman haven’t responded”, he added.

“We’re concerned about the reported kangaroo congress held without APC members’ participation, contradicting our party constitution. Some reports suggest ty participants were from PDP and other opposition parties, undermining our party’s guidelines”

“We call on the National Chairman to address and cancel the kangaroo congress. We also urge the National Working Committee to dissolve the State working committee for inclusivity and fairness, set a new date for a fair congress”

“We appeal to His Excellency, Minister of State for Defence and immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, as party leader in the State (as per party tradition and rules), to intervene and save the party.”

“We also urge the committee constituted by the President to reconcile APC members to intervene and resolve the Lingering Crisis in the state to avert the repeat of 2019 incidents”

“Party members contesting should remain calm and wait for updates. We hope for a timely, precise, and fair response”.