News

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government, under the One Kano Initiative, has unveiled a Unity Games competition aimed at strengthening bonds among its citizens. It was gathered that the event features football and a variety of other sports, with participants drawn from communities across the state.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Kano Pillars Stadium on Sunday, the Director-General of the One Kano Initiative, Edidiong Etefia, said the games aim to foster long-term unity in the state.

“The primary focus of the Unity Games is to bring people together. Kano’s history is rooted in unity, and this initiative is a reflection of that foundation,” he said.

He stated that the sporting activities include a marathon, women’s table tennis, snooker, and football, adding that the games are set to commence on the 19th of this month, starting with the marathon.

Etefia lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s vision of an inclusive Kano, emphasizing the governor’s dedication to unity and development. “His Excellency has made it clear that division has no place in Kano State. Division halts progress and disrupts prosperity. This initiative is a testament to the governor’s passion for uniting Kano’s people,” he stated.

He added that the theme of the event, “Unity for Prosperity,” encapsulates the idea that unity is essential for the state’s advancement.

“We are fully prepared for the games, and the winners will receive well-deserved prizes,” he added.

Etefia also highlighted Kano’s historical legacy of unity, referencing the construction of the Kano City Wall as a symbol of collective effort.

“The City Wall is an architectural masterpiece created by a united people. This same spirit made Kano a center of commerce in West Africa and beyond,” he said.

He addressed the significance of football in the initiative, noting its universal appeal.

“Football is a unique sport that transcends differences and unites people.

“It creates joy and fosters participation without bias, making it an ideal platform for promoting harmony,” Etefia explained.

The Unity Games are sponsored by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with additional support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, KANIVEST, One Geria Services, Mamuda Group, and other partners.

By Anwar Usman

The National Emergency Management Agency on Monday said a total of 49 persons have been rescued and three dead bodies were found from the boat accident that occurred along River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

A statement by NEMA indicated that the accident involved 76 passengers in the boat, as the driver, unaware of a submerged tree in the river accidentally navigated into it, causing the boat to tip off and capsize.

“The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday, December 15th, around 7:00 PM. The passengers were said to be returning home from the Ocholonya Market, a major economic hub that draws traders from several communities in Agatu and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa State.

“Aoart from the rescued passengers, one of the victims managed to swim to safety while 23 persons are still missing. Most of the boat passengers were from Odenyi Magaji and other communities of Nasarawa State,” it stated.

The agency emphasised that it is working with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders including the local authorities and divers to expedite the ongoing search and rescue operations to trace the remaining missing passengers.

“NEMA has also established contacts with the Nigerian Navy to provide more support for the search and rescue,” it added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders in West Africa to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a model of democratic maturity and commitment to national unity.

At the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja, President Tinubu lauded President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for the resounding success of their recent presidential and parliamentary elections, setting a high standard for the region.

“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire Africa continent,” he stated.

“Despite the challenges of interrupted democratic governance in some West African countries, the region has continued to record democratic gains.

Just a week ago, on December 7 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections took place in Ghana, the second-largest democracy in our region.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has instructed all reassigned commissioners to complete their handover and assume their new roles by Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor emphasized that the cabinet changes would take full effect during the state executive council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

He stressed the importance of completing all transition processes ahead of the meeting.

“All commissioners affected by the changes are directed to hand over their responsibilities between Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024,” the statement read.

The Governor further urged members of the state executive council to strengthen their teamwork and commitment to advancing his administration’s goals for the benefit of the people of Kano State.

By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu

Renowned Kannywood actor, Sani Musa Danja, has been appointed Special Adviser on Youth and Sports by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was announced in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The appointment is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of the actor’s loyalty and dedication to Governor Yusuf’s Administration. As a long-time supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Danja actively campaigned for the Governor during the 2023 elections.

Interestingly, he had previously contested for the chairmanship of Tarauni Local Government under the governor’s party, NNPP, but lost the primaries to Amb. Yusuf Imam Ogan Ɓoye.

However, with Ogan Ɓoye’s victory in the chairmanship election, Danja has now taken over his former position as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This appointment marks another significant recognition of Kannywood personalities by the governor, following similar appointments of Abba Al Mustapha, Tijjani Gandu, Sunusi Oscar, and Aina’u Ade (Laila).

Lest you forget, the federal government has also appointed Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to serve in various capacities.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Kano-born historian Dr Abdullahi Hamisu Shehu has been awarded the 2023 African Studies Review/Cambridge University Press Award for Best Africa-Based Doctoral Dissertation at the 67th ASA Annual Meeting held in Chicago, United States of America, from December 12 to 14, 2024.

The recognition celebrates Dr Shehu’s groundbreaking research, titled “Procession, Pilgrimage, and Protest: A Historical Study of the Qadiriyya-Nasiriyya and Islamic Movement in Nigeria Public Religiosity in Northern Nigeria, 1952-2021.”

Dr Shehu, a faculty member at the Department of History, Bayero University, Kano, earned his PhD from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His dissertation examines the dynamic interplay between public religiosity and identity formation in northern Nigeria, focusing on two key movements: the Qadiriyya-Nasiriyya, a reformed Sufi order, and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a Shia revivalist group.

His research explores the historical, social, and religious aspects of public demonstrations, such as the Maukibi (Sufi processions) and the Muzahara and Tattaki (Shia protests and symbolic journeys). According to Dr Shehu, these practices represent a unique contest for public space and visibility between competing religious identities in the post-colonial northern Nigerian landscape.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Shehu is also a Fellow of the Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa (Social Science Research Council, New York) and a Lisa Maskell Fellow (Gerda Henkel Foundation, Germany). Over his career, he has participated in numerous academic conferences and workshops worldwide.

His work sheds new light on the role of public space in shaping religious identity and offers fresh perspectives on the sociopolitical complexities of northern Nigeria. Dr. Shehu’s achievement highlights his academic excellence and underscores the growing impact of African scholarship on global discourse.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a warning to the general public regarding fake pictures and scandalous narratives circulating online, and announced a purported auction of vehicles.

According to the NCS in a statement on Saturday, these claims are entirely false, and the public should be cautious not to fall victim to scams.

The NCS noted that electronic auctions of vehicles and other items are conducted solely through their official website.

To stay informed and avoid false information, the NCS advises the public to rely on their verified social media and other communication channels for genuine updates.

By Anwar Usman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will slam a fine of N150m per branch on Deposit Money Banks found guilty of facilitating the illegal flow of mint naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous agents.

The apex bank disclosed this in a circular issued on Friday, December 13, 2024, signed by the Acting Director of the Currency Operations Department, Mohammed Olayemi.

The circular revealed the CBN’s concern about the increasing prevalence of mint naira notes being traded by hawkers, a practice the bank described as impeding efficient and effective cash distribution to customers and the general public.

The circular, which referred to an earlier directive dated November 13, 2024, highlighted the apex bank’s determination to address the commodification of the naira.

Under the directive, any financial institution found guilty of this act will face a penalty of N150m for the first violation.

Subsequent infractions, the CBN warned, would attract stricter sanctions under the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

To ensure compliance, the apex bank stated that it would increase periodic spot checks in banking halls and ATMs while deploying mystery shoppers to uncover illicit cash hawking spots across the country.

The CBN further called on the DMBs to strengthen controls, processes, and procedures around their Cash Management Centres, branches, and teller operations to prevent their systems from being exploited for illegal transactions.

Reports has it that the CBN issued a serious warning to Deposit Money Banks over cash hoarding and diversion, stating that such actions will attract stiff penalties.

The CBN also warned against cash hoarding, diversion, and other practices that hinder cash flow, stressing that such actions violate the Clean Note Policy.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Important dignitaries attended the wedding fatiha of the children of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajuddeen Abbas; governors, senators, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; and nephew of the former president Muhammadu Buhari, Mamman Daura; were among the dignitaries who attended.

The wedding fatiha of Senator Barau’s children, Jibrin Barau I Jibrin (Abba), and Maryam Nasir Ado Bayero, the daughter of the Emir of Bichi; and Aisha Barau I. Jibrin and Engineer Abubakar, the son of Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, President of the Azman Group of Companies, was held at the National Mosque, Abuja, after the two raka’at Juma’at prayers.

President Tinubu served as both Wakil and Waliy to the two children of the Deputy President of the Senate through the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

While Ganduje served as Waliy to the daughter of the Emir of Bichi, former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Almakura served as Wakil of Abubakar, the son of Dr. Abdulmunaf Sarina.

The Imam of the National Mosque, Professor Ibrahim Maqari, conducted the wedding.

Top politicians from across the country graced the occasion, cutting across major political parties, including governors, senators, ministers, business tycoons, and traditional and religious leaders.

Governors in attendance included the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda,Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, among others.

Many senators, including former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Ali Ndume; Sani Musa; Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai; Aminu Iya Abbas; Buhari Abdulfatai; Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Ikira Aliyu Bilbis; Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo; Salihu Mustapha; Shehu Buba; Abdul Ningi; Abdullahi Yahaya; Ahmed Lawan; Sahabi Ya’u; Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu; Danjuma Goje; Lawal Usman; and Kawu Sumaila, attended the wedding.

Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, including the Fourth Deputy Speaker, Billay G. Tunkara, were also in attendance.

By Uzair Adam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling N80 billion.

The charges were read before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Bello pleaded not guilty to all counts.

According to the EFCC, the allegations against the former governor center on the misappropriation of public funds during his tenure.

Counsel for the commission, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court of the decision to withdraw an earlier application seeking to abridge the arraignment date.

He noted that the application had been overtaken by events. Joseph Daudu (SAN), representing the former governor, did not object to the withdrawal, and Justice Nwite subsequently struck out the application.

The case has drawn significant public interest, with observers closely monitoring developments in the trial.