Local

By Mansur Hassan, PhD.

The executive governor of Kano state, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, made a triumphant return to Kano in grand style after the Supreme Court affirmed his position as the duly elected governor.

The air in Kano was filled with excitement as millions of residents gathered yesterday to welcome their leader to the commercial city centre.

His Excellency embarked on the journey from Kaduna at 9 am, and despite the approximately 13-hour journey, he arrived at Filin Mahaha Kofar Na’isa in Kano state by 10 pm. The extensive duration was attributed to the massive crowds that lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved governor.

The overwhelming love demonstrated by the people of Kano towards Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf serves as a powerful testament to the justice upheld by the Supreme Court. This judicial affirmation not only solidifies democracy but also underscores the importance of respecting the choices made by the masses.

Notably, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu hailed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as a hero, acknowledging his steadfastness and reaction during the previous judgements of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The governor’s resilience in the face of challenges has earned him widespread admiration.

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf begins his tenure, we express our heartfelt wishes for a successful term and the continued implementation of pro-masses policies that uplift the welfare of the people of Kano state.

In extending our wishes, we also hope for good health and wisdom for Senator Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the grand commander of the Kwankwasiyya movement. May his guidance contribute to the betterment of the state and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Last week marked a historic moment in Kaduna as Athletic Football Academy emerged triumphant in the Under-13 Bundesliga Cup, defeating Kuso Boys in a thrilling final match at the Secret Heart Stadium in Kaduna Police Barracks.
 
The intense competition, which kicked off in August 2023, witnessed the participation of 24 youth teams, captivating the attention of football enthusiasts across Kaduna.
 
Athletic Football Academy’s stellar performance in the final secured them a resounding 3-0 victory, clinching their first Under-13 Youth Cup.
 
The final match saw the presence of former Nigerian Premier League players and those who had showcased their talents abroad.
 
Bakin, among the esteemed guests, presented the awards. Yassir Awwal, a standout player from Athletic, claimed the spotlight by not only leading his team to victory but also securing the coveted title of top scorer with an impressive tally of seven goals.
 
Awwal’s remarkable talents earned him the Golden Ball and a pair of prestigious football shoes.
 
While Athletic Football Academy celebrated their grand triumph with the sizable cup, Kuso Boys Football Academy received a small trophy for their commendable efforts in the competition.
 
The Bundesliga’s influence is evidently growing in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria, as the tournament successfully garnered attention from football fans and inspired the youth.
 
Also, former players, industry professionals, and DW Hausa station representative Mohammed Mohammed, who doubles as the Bundesliga ambassador, expressed delight at the competition’s impact.
 
Mohammed, who dedicated five years to organising the tournament, noted the importance of nurturing young talents. He noted that this was not the first Bundesliga Cup in Kaduna but the first exclusively for youngsters aged 13 and under.
 
The aim is to boost children’s confidence and foster interest in the German Bundesliga, a sentiment echoed by Mohammed.
 
Expressing satisfaction with the young players’ performances, Mohammed highlighted the need for continued support from the Bundesliga, DFL, and the German football organization.
 
He believes that such backing will elevate the competition’s standards, enhance the Bundesliga’s reputation in Kaduna, and extend its influence to major cities like Kano and throughout Northern Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a recent development, the police have apprehended three suspected members of a gunrunning syndicate believed to be connected to the December 24 attack on Plateau communities.

The announcement was made by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, during a media briefing in Abuja.

Following an order from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, strategic measures were put in place to bring the attackers to justice.

The arrested suspects were found with significant weaponry, including an ash-coloured Golf car, an AK-47 rifle, an AK-49 rifle, 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, and five magazines.

Efforts are underway to capture additional individuals involved in the attacks, and the public will be kept informed as events unfold.

In a related incident, police operatives on December 13, 2023, arrested nine suspects over the attack and murder of three Fulanis in the Gaube area of Kuje Area Council in the FCT.

The suspects, identified as six members of the hunters and forest guard in Kuje, confessed to the crime. The victims, three Fulanis in transit from Keffi, Nassarawa State, to Niger/Kwara states, were attacked and killed.

The suspects abandoned the bodies in Kabi forest, taking their Bajaj motorcycle to an unknown location in Takuba village, Kuje.

The recovered corpses were examined and confirmed dead by a medical practitioner before being released to their families for burial.

The deceased Bajaj motorcycle was also recovered, with investigations still ongoing. Additionally, police operatives arrested a suspected armed robbery and kidnap kingpin in Nasarawa State, found in possession of an AK-49 rifle and ammunition.

The suspect admitted to using the rifle and ammunition for criminal activities. During the investigation, the suspect revealed that another accomplice, currently at large, possesses an AK-47 rifle used by the gang to terrorize Nasarawa State.

Intensive efforts, including technical intelligence, are being employed to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a joint operation, the Bauchi State Police Command and local hunters from Ahmed Ali Kwara have neutralized six suspected bandits terrorizing communities in Ningi LGA.

The operation was carried out in response to complaints from local residents about increased bandit activity in the area.

The police and local hunters are continuing to work together to keep the community safe and bring peace to the region.

The Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Muhammad, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Ningi.

He said the operation was also a response to the brutal killing of eight people, including the traditional ruler of Kada and Gamji village in the LGA in July.

CP Muhammad explained that following the brutal killing of the eight people, the command raised a team of detectives in conjunction with the quasi-security outfits of Ahmed Ali Kwara.

He reported that a joint team of police officers and local hunters engaged suspected bandits in a gunfight on December 26 at 4:03 AM, resulting in the deaths of six of the suspected bandits.

CP Muhammad noted that two AK47 rifles, 55 live ammunition, four empty magazines, the sum of N4.5 million, one Golf 3 vehicle, seven new SIM cards, and six keypad phones were recovered from the bandits.

The commissioner further revealed that stolen items recovered from them included 11 Android phones, four keypad phones, 24 pieces of mobile batteries and 190 pieces of recharge cards.

He added that, “preliminary investigation revealed that the bandits, within two weeks, invaded four villages around Ningi, including Bukutumbe, Iyayi, Kayadda and Gamji, where they shot four people and killed one member of the vigilante at Bukutumbe.

“They proceeded to Kiyawa Local Government Area in Jigawa State where they kidnapped two wives of the Chairman Kiyawa LGA, Jigawa State,” He added.

The joint team is continuing its efforts to secure the community and apprehend any remaining suspects.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a spectacular event held at Tahir Guest Palace on Friday, PR Nigeria, in collaboration with Daily Nigeria and Arewa Agenda, recognized and awarded thirty exceptional youths under the age of thirty for their outstanding achievements in various fields.

The ceremony aimed to showcase the remarkable talents of young individuals from northern Nigeria who are actively contributing to the development of their states and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Musa Sufi, one of the organizers, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it serves as a testament to the innovative minds thriving in northern Nigeria.

He emphasized the need to present these accomplishments to the world, inspiring and motivating other young people to strive for excellence in their endeavours.

Addressing a prevalent issue, Dr. Sufi pointed out the communication gap between the older and younger generations, emphasizing the lack of mentorship for the youth.

He urged both the government and non-governmental organizations to innovate and develop initiatives that align with exploring the immense potential and strength of young people.

Among the esteemed awardees was Aliyu Idris, a final year student at Bayero University. Expressing his joy, Idris acknowledged the challenges of being selected among over seven hundred nominees and considered his education award as a prestigious recognition.

He attributed his success to determination and unwavering commitment to achieving his goals.

Abdulhafiz Abdullahi Aliyu, another awardee from Jos, expressed his excitement about being recognized for his organization, Sunna Techlap, which he established within a year.

He shared his gratitude for the acknowledgement and the opportunity to receive the award, emphasizing the pride of being invited from Jos.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including notable academics such as Dr. Bala Muhammad, and Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Dr. Kabiru Sufi Said, and prominent figures from the Kannywood industry, including actresses like Mommy Gombe and producers.

The diverse attendance underscored the broad support for celebrating and encouraging the accomplishments of young individuals in the northern region.

As northern Nigeria takes a step to bridge the generational gap and provide recognition to its talented youth, the hope is that these initiatives will continue to inspire and foster a culture of excellence and innovation among the younger generation.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has exhibited profound compassion by sponsoring the lesser Hajj (Umrah) pilgrimage for the parents of Asma’u Sani, a young girl he had initially sponsored for a surgical operation in India.

Tragically, Asma’u passed away before the scheduled departure to the Indian hospital, prompting the governor’s empathetic response.

In a poignant gesture of condolence, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, accompanied by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, visited the grieving family at Alkalawa Quarters in Gwarzo local government area.

During the visit, the governor directed that the funds earmarked for Asma’u’s surgery be redirected to sponsor her parents for the Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing a compassionate response to the family’s loss.

Moreover, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf pledged to immortalize the memory of the late Asma’u. He instructed the local Imam to secure a plot of land for the construction of either a hospital or an Islamiyya school, to be named in honor of the departed soul.

This commitment underscores the governor’s dedication to preserving the legacy of individuals who have made a positive impact on their communities.

Expressing his deep sorrow over the untimely death of young Asma’u, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the event as shocking and deeply pathetic.

The governor’s words reflected the genuine empathy he holds for the family in their moment of grief.

Malam Sani, the father of the deceased, moved by the governor’s honorable gesture, offered prayers for the success of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s electoral affirmation at the Supreme Court.

This acknowledgment highlights the reciprocal respect and admiration between the governor and the bereaved family during this challenging time.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s compassionate response to the tragedy exemplifies leadership that extends beyond governance, embracing a heartfelt connection with the people.

The sponsorship of the Umrah pilgrimage and the commitment to immortalize Asma’u Sani through community development initiatives stand as enduring symbols of empathy and solidarity in the face of loss.
 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Nigeria Custom Service, NCS, has raked in the sum of N6.9 billion for the month of November in Kano State.

The Comptroller of the NCS in the State, Dauda Ibrahim Chana, made the disclosure to the press on Monday.

The Kano Area Command of the NCS covers both Jigawa and Kano State respectively.

Mr Chana also disclosed that the NCS had seized goods that were being smuggled into the country.

“We have also seized 2,817 bags of foreign rice, 1,428 pieces of used tyres, 250 Jerry cans of 25-litre vegetables oil and 690 cartoons of foreign soap.

“Other seized items are, 429 bales of second-hand cloths, 1,226 packages of royal tramadol, 470 blocks of compressed Indian hemp and 1,530 cartons of foreign spaghetti.” He said

The comptroller added that the command had introduced more sensitive security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.

“We have already positioned our officers at strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in illegal materials,” he told newsmen

He said that the area command had ordered the deployment of officers to border posts in Maigatari in Gumel Local Government area of Jigawa to intensify efforts at mitigating activities of smugglers.

The comptroller enjoined residents in the state to embrace local goods and shun all forms of illegality.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The people of the Agadasawa community in Kano State were in profound mourning after a fire broke out and destroyed a house, killing a woman and her four children. 

The tragic incident, which has sparked sympathy from thousands of people across the state, was said to have occurred at midnight on Wednesday while the deceased were asleep. 

The deceased, Zainab, and her four children, Amatullahi, Amaturrahman, Safiyya, and Muhammad, were family members of a Kano businessman, Ado Muhammad Uba. 

A relative, Jazuli Jibril Aminu, reported that the tragic incident occurred when electricity was restored and the woman forgot to turn off the refrigerator she had plugged in, which caused the gas cylinder to explode. 

According to Aminu, Zainab frantically tried to save her children from the fire, but her efforts were sadly in vain. 

“Upon realising the fire outbreak, the mother, in her attempt to rescue her four children, couldn’t see the way. 

“So, being a mother, she decided to put all the children beneath her so that the fire could burn only her. 

“Sadly, all the clothes she was wearing burned in her body, and the children also got burned,” Aminu disclosed. 

Attempts to save the victims were in vain 

Aminu, who described the incident as a terrible tragedy, said the victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital. 

However, one of the children sadly passed away on the way to the hospital.

Two days later, two more children followed, leaving only their mother and one child. 

While receiving treatment, Zainab, the mother, also passed away on Friday, and the last child died the following day. 

My cousin is in a state of complete family loss 

“This family belongs to my cousin, who, Allah the WISEST, tested with a complete family loss. The husband, Baba Ado, had gone to work in another state when he tragically lost his entire family. 

“Baba Ado is now left with neither family nor wealth, for everything in the house has burned to ashes. Ya Rabb, Ya Rahman, and Ya Razzaq, come to the rescue of Baba Ado. This is a very serious test. Please, brothers and sisters, pray for them and Baba Ado.” 

Pray for me and my family—husband 

Ado Muhammad, the husband, found it difficult to speak in detail about the incident when he was contacted by the Daily Reality. 

Muhammad rather pleaded with people to include him in their prayers so that he could cope with the loss and to also pray for his family members. 

He said, “I take this as a test of faith. So, I ask my fellow Muslims to pray for me so that I can cope with this loss and pray for my family.”

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

A pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church, Abiodun Sunday, has been apprehended by the police in Ekiti State for the alleged murder of his wife.  

The Ekiti State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the murder of the pastor’s wife, Tosin Oluwadere, in Ido-Ile in Ekiti West LGA of Ekiti State on Thursday.  

The police spokesperson further disclosed that the suspect is in the custody of the police and that an investigation into the murder is ongoing. 

It was gathered that the suspect is both a pastor and a herbalist. 

A brother of the deceased, Mr. Samuel Ibironke, alleged that, “After killing my sister, he called my wife who is a health worker to come and assist him, only for my wife to get there and discover that he strangled my sister to death.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Sani Yakubu Noma, the Member of the House of Representatives for Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency in Kebbi State, has announced plans to give out 100 female orphans in marriage as part of his efforts to contribute to the welfare of orphans in his constituency.

 Addressing journalists in his hometown of Argungu, Noma revealed that the marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, on Saturday. 

He explained that a committee has been established to oversee the event, and the selected individuals for marriage were chosen from the two local government areas he represents at the National Assembly. 

According to Noma, “Already, I have procured beds, mattresses, essential furniture, and other matrimonial commodities for the beneficiaries.” 

However, this initiative has sparked a wave of controversy, with varying opinions on the appropriateness of such a move. 

While the lawmaker frames it as a benevolent gesture toward orphans, critics argue that it raises ethical questions about the right to choose a life partner.