Local

By Uzair Adam

A 65-year-old woman, Talatu Ali, has been abducted from the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Dawanau in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Daily Reality gathered that the incident happened while she was waiting for a medical consultation at the facility.

Talatu was brought to the hospital on February 19, 2025, by her son, Nasiru Aliyu, and her cousin, Aliyu Garba.

However, while on the queue for consultation, they suddenly realized she was no longer there.

Efforts to locate her within the hospital premises were unsuccessful, leading the family to report the matter at the Dawanau Divisional Police Headquarters.

Two days later, on February 21, at around 7:00 a.m., Aliyu received a phone call from an unknown number informing him that the woman was in their custody.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the incident.

Although Kano has remained relatively peaceful compared to other states in the North West, cases of abductions continue to be recorded in various parts of the country despite ongoing efforts to curb the menace.

By Uzair Adam  

On Sunday, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, distributed 61 cars and 1,137 motorcycles to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.  

The distribution, held at Meena Event Centre on Lugard Road near the Kano State Government House, was attended by key party stakeholders, including the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.  

The vehicles and motorcycles were allocated to party chairmen in the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state as part of efforts to strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure.  

Speaking at the event, the Kano State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, lauded Barau for consistently supporting the party since the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) took over the state in 2023. 

He emphasized that ahead of the 2027 elections, aspirants would be assessed based on their contributions to the party’s development.  

Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, expressed confidence in the APC’s resurgence, predicting that the NNPP would be defeated before 1 p.m. on election day in 2027.  

In his remarks, APC National Chairman Dr Ganduje commended Barau for the initiative, describing it as a step towards consolidating the party and improving the livelihoods of its members. 

He also highlighted the increasing defections from the NNPP to the APC, suggesting that the opposition party’s influence in Kano was waning.  

Senator Barau, while addressing the gathering, described the empowerment initiative as just the beginning of a broader program targeting various sectors, including youths, students, farmers, women, traders, and clerics. 

He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the initiative and urged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.  

He noted that Tinubu’s policies were beginning to yield positive results, citing the gradual reduction in fuel prices, stabilization of the Naira, and improvements in food prices.  

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. We will empower all spheres of society. Let’s continue to support Mr. President for the success of his programs,” Barau said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Four people, including three children, were burnt to death, while 10 others sustained injuries when a commercial Hummer bus caught fire in Gwaram, Jigawa State, on February 22, 2025. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m., near the Government Girls Unity Secondary School.

The bus, a white Hummer with registration number ZAK 382 XA, was driven by 40-year-old Dalha Saleh from Saldigal Village, Bauchi State. The vehicle was carrying 44 passengers—25 adults and 19 children—from Zaki LGA in Bauchi State to Rabadi Village when the fire broke out.

Sources indicate that the fire originated from the bus’s exhaust system after a mattress tied to the back of the vehicle caught fire due to sparks from the exhaust.

The victims, all from Saldigal Village, Bauchi State, have been identified as Ziwaira Hassan, Fatima Hassan, Iyatale Hassan, and Halima Muhammad (10 years old). Ten other passengers were rushed to Gwaram Cottage Hospital with varying degrees of burns. The remaining passengers escaped unharmed.

The charred remains of the victims will be released to their families for burial after medical examination.

In related news, the issue of reckless overloading of commercial vehicles continues to be a serious safety concern in the region. Buses and vans meant for passengers are often stuffed with goods meant for trailers, creating dangerous hazards on the roads. Despite numerous security and road safety checkpoints, many of these vehicles pass unchecked due to bribery, exacerbating the risks of road accidents.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, and other security agencies have been criticized for their failure to effectively enforce regulations. The lack of proper oversight contributes to the deterioration of road infrastructure and increases the likelihood of deadly accidents. It also opens the door for criminal activities, such as terrorists smuggling weapons and fuel under the guise of commercial transport.

There is an urgent need for stronger enforcement of vehicle safety regulations, weight limits, and more thorough inspections at checkpoints to prevent further tragedies. The government must take decisive action to ensure that safety standards are upheld and that security personnel are empowered to carry out their duties without compromise.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Kano State Government has inaugurated a High-Powered Committee to profile and regulate Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and donor organizations operating within the state. The move aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the state’s development priorities.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruk Ibrahim, emphasized the crucial role of NGOs in sectors such as health, education, and governance. However, he noted growing concerns about unregulated activities, necessitating a structured oversight framework.

The committee has been mandated to profile all NGOs and donor organizations, investigate their funding sources, assess their activities, and recommend a regulatory framework. It has also been granted the authority to suspend or shut down any organization found engaging in suspicious or unauthorized activities. Additionally, it can escalate cases to security agencies for further investigation and prosecution if necessary.

The committee is chaired by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, with Mallam Tijjani Auwal, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, serving as Vice Chairman. Other members include key government officials, security agencies, civil society representatives, and religious groups.

In his remarks, Waiya assured that the committee would carry out its mandate with diligence and fairness to ensure NGOs operate within legal and ethical boundaries while contributing to Kano’s development agenda.

The committee is expected to work closely with stakeholders to enhance transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs and donor organizations in the state.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Popular Kannywood actor Mustapha Badamasi Nabraska has defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Barau Jibril, representing Kano North, announced the defection on social media, revealing that Nabraska visited his residence in Abuja, where he symbolically discarded his red cap—an emblem of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Senator Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto East) and Political Adviser Hon. Yusuf Tumfafi were also present to receive him.

Nabraska, known for his shifting political allegiances, previously worked under the APC-led government of former Kano governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. However, after the NNPP’s victory in the 2023 Kano governorship election, he switched sides, only to return to APC now.

The actor’s latest move has drawn mixed reactions. Many social media users mock his frequent party changes, suggesting they are motivated by personal gain rather than ideology.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A delegation led by Hon. Ibrahim Namadi, the state’s Commissioner of Transportation, recently embarked on a fact-finding mission to Lagos State. This initiative, endorsed by His Excellency Gov. Abba K. Yusuf, aims to learn from Lagos’s notable achievements in transportation.

The delegation comprised several key officials, including Hon. Aliyu Isa (Permanent Secretary), Bashir Ado Gaya (Director of Admin and General Services, Ministry of Transportation), Dr. Nura Ibrahim Hassan (Technical Advisor for Transport Policy and Planning), and Najeeb Mahmoud Abdussalam (Transport Specialist Consultant).

The team toured prominent facilities, including the Ikeja Bus Terminal, the Red Line Ikeja Station, and the Blue Line, to gain insights into their operations and management.

During the visit, Hon. Namadi praised Lagos State for its exemplary transportation system and expressed a strong desire to replicate similar successes in Kano, particularly through the establishment of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Hon. Namadi emphasised the importance of collaboration and pledged to work closely with the Lagos State government and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LAMATA) to achieve this ambitious goal.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment was announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Ibrahim, a seasoned administrator with over three decades of public service experience, will officially assume office on Monday, February 10, 2025. His selection is expected to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and enhance policy implementation.

Throughout his career, Ibrahim has held key leadership positions, including serving as Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs from 2001 to 2015. He also briefly acted as SSG in 2013 and 2014, reflecting the trust placed in him by past administrations.

Ibrahim holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, earned in 1985. He has also obtained several professional certificates that have further enriched his expertise in governance and administration.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to contribute to the state’s development agenda, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in achieving sustainable progress.

By Uzair Adam 

The Kano State Government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the movement of vehicles and the operation of motor parks during environmental sanitation hours, warning that violators will face strict penalties.  

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, issued the warning on Saturday while overseeing the end-of-month sanitation exercise across motor parks, markets, and major roads in the state.  

He announced plans to block key roads to prevent travellers from entering Kano during designated sanitation hours. 

The commissioner also highlighted gaps in waste management, emphasising the need for immediate intervention.  

“The issue of vehicle movement during sanitation hours will not be taken lightly, especially for those coming from outside Kano who continue to violate our regulations. 

In the next exercise, we will deploy adequate security and block some roads leading into the state,” he said.  

Dr Hashim also criticised motor parks that remained operational during the sanitation period, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated. 

“Some motor parks continue their business activities in defiance of the law, which is unacceptable. We will take decisive steps to ensure compliance,” he added.  

He urged residents and travellers to respect the restrictions and adjust their travel plans to avoid disruptions. 

He reiterated that any individual or transport operator caught violating the directive would face strict penalties.  

“I want to express my displeasure over the continuous movement of vehicles during sanitation hours. This is a clear violation of existing regulations, and anyone who fails to comply will face appropriate sanctions,” he warned.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Hashim commended the residents of the Kauyen Alu community in the Tarauni Local Government Area for actively cleaning their environment, including cemeteries, drainage channels, and surrounding areas.  

The Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad, lauded the commissioner’s commitment to environmental cleanliness, assuring him of the local government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate open defecation and enhance sanitation standards.  

During the exercise, the task force arrested 28 offenders and imposed fines totalling N78,000 on those who violated sanitation laws.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

In a significant move to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has unveiled a series of strategic appointments and initiatives. This announcement was made through a press statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.

The governor’s actions are directed toward ensuring that skilled professionals occupy key positions within the state’s administration. He emphasizes the need for improved financial management and the overall efficiency of services provided to Kano’s citizens.

The statement noted several key appointments, including Jamila Magaji Abdullahi, the new Accountant General of Kano State. With over 16 years of experience in financial compliance and risk management, Abdullahi, a Bayero University graduate, is expected to bring integrity and transparency to the state’s financial operations. Previously, she held prominent roles in the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Kano State Ministry of Finance.

Additionally, Muhammad Yahaya Liman has been appointed as the Director of the Treasury. Liman is a seasoned banker with extensive experience in financial reporting and regulatory compliance. He holds multiple degrees from Bayero University, including an MBA in Finance and Investment. His leadership is anticipated to significantly strengthen the state’s treasury operations.

In administration, Akibu Isa Murtala has been promoted to Special Adviser on Administration, a role that highlights his effectiveness in ensuring smooth governance processes. 

Furthermore, Governor Yusuf has reassigned Engr. Abubakar Sadiq has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA). This strategic move aims to enhance the quality of life in rural communities by addressing critical infrastructure needs.

A major highlight of the announcement was the revival of the Kano State Transport Authority, colloquially known as Kano Line. Governor Yusuf has established a strategic committee, chaired by Sa’idu Abdullahi Shu’aibu, to oversee the operation of Kano Line over the next six months. This initiative seeks to improve public transportation efficiency and align it with the state’s broader developmental goals.

The committee includes representatives from various ministries and sectors, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing transportation services in the state.

In his message to the newly appointed officials, Governor Yusuf highlighted the importance of innovation, dedication, and accountability in their roles. He urged them to work diligently and stressed that their contributions are vital to achieving the administration’s vision of improved governance and service delivery.

These appointments and initiatives are seen as a clear commitment from Governor Yusuf’s administration to foster development and position Kano State as a model of effective governance. 

By Bashir Uba Ibrahim, Ph.D. 

Onomastics is the study of names and the naming of objects, places, and things. Its two main branches are anthroponymy and toponymy. While the former is concerned with individual proper names, family names, or surnames, the latter is interested in studying the motivations behind the proper names of places. This article is interested in toponymy—changing the names of places. Thus, it aims to synthesise the nexus between onomastics and history in naming places and how some circumstances trigger their penultimate changes. 

One of the impetuses behind this article is a Facebook post by Dr. Abdullahi Dahiru, a physician and public commentator, regarding the renaming of “Kunchi” Local Government to “Ghari.” In his post, he attributes this change to a distortion of history, citing Prof. Tijjani Naniya’s views on the etymology of “Kunchi” as historically linked to the bravery of its people. 

As a fortress town established to shield Kano from the external aggression of Damagaram, which sporadically attacked Kano in ancient times, the people of Kunchi successfully obliterated and defeated Damagaram infinitum. Thus, they were tagged by the Kano people as “Kun ci”, meaning “you have won”. As time passed, the phrase blended and metamorphosed to “Kunchi”. Henceforth, the town is called “Kunchi”, according to Prof. Naniya, cited by Dr. Abdullahi Dahiru. Therefore, the semantic change of the word was purely motivated by an extralinguistic factor, as the hardship and backwardness faced by the people of Kunchi were onomastically attributed to the pejorative nomenclature of the word in Hausa.

This scenario is called semantic and morphological change through blending in linguistics, a situation whereby the structure and meaning of the word change over time. Many types of semantic changes exist, including Broadening, Amelioration, Semantic Reclamation, and Pejoration.

The fourth one, “pejoration”, is where a semantic change of the word “kun ci” to “kunchi” falls. According to John (2000: 55), “pejoration is when the word’s meaning changes from positive to negative”. It usually occurs due to the extralinguistic factor or associating it with the taboo, as the name “kunchi” in Hausa is pejoratively associated with the taboo or something negative. 

Meanwhile, the stigma that the name “kunchi” pejoratively carries in Hausa and the negative stereotype it connotes make the people of the area opt to change the name of their local government. This will be a significant setback to the town’s history because, as time goes on, the upcoming generation from there will not know the history of their forefathers and their bravery in warfare.

On the other hand, semantic anomalies—those who believe there is no relationship between a word and what it stands for—triumph over analogists, who argue that word meaning represents what it stands for. Thus, the historical and semantic imports of the word “kun ci,” which was subsequently transformed to “Kunchi,” were not only changed but also its whole structure and form were replaced, displaced, and dislocated.

Finally, this is not the first time a place or city name has changed. Historically, we have seen how some places or cities’ names change due to varied circumstances. For instance, Mumbai, the capital of India, was formerly known as Bombay. But when the nationalist party Shiv Sena rose to power in 1995, it changed Bombay’s name to Mumbai, citing that the former name carries relics of British colonial legacy. 

Similarly, Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, was formerly known as Constantinople for hundreds of years. It was renamed Istanbul in 1930 after the Republic of Turkey was created. Therefore, changing place names is normal, depending on the circumstances and historical events that motivated them.

NB:

Dr. Raji Bello draws my attention that the case of the historical change of the name of “Kunchi” to “Gari” is similar to Lynchburg, Virginia, Black American people whose nomenclature of their city etymologically derived from the historical event of their racial subjugation and maltreatment and want the name of their town change.

Dr. Bashir Uba Ibrahim wrote from the Department of English and Literary Studies, Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State.