Kano Community Petitions Censorship Board Over Planned Film House in Residential Area
By Uzair Adam
Residents of Dorayi Karama and surrounding communities in Kano State have formally petitioned the Kano State Censorship Board over plans to establish a Film House within their residential area, expressing concern over security, moral values and the welfare of young people.
The Daily Reality reports that the concerns were raised during a media briefing on Tuesday by Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim, a lecturer at Northwest University Kano, who spoke on behalf of community-based organisations, religious leaders, elders and other stakeholders in the area.
He explained that the petition was jointly submitted under the leadership of the Centre for Community Support and Human Development (CCSHD), alongside the Kano Muslim Women’s Foundation, Community Build and Raise Initiative Hub, Arewa Mu Tashi Mu Farka and Danfodiyo Islamic Center.
Dr. Ibrahim said residents were worried about the possible impact of the proposed facility on security and peaceful coexistence in the community, especially considering previous security challenges experienced in the area.
“We are not opposed to development or investment that benefits our people, but such projects must take into account the nature of the community and the concerns of residents,” he said.
The petitioners argued that existing regulations governing film-related activities in Kano require authorities to ensure that such projects are compatible with environmental standards, cultural values and the interests of host communities before approval is granted.
They called on the Kano State Censorship Board, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough assessment of the proposed project and suspend further work until all legal and regulatory requirements are fully met.
The community leaders stressed that their position was not aimed at obstructing development, but at ensuring that any project within the area aligns with the aspirations, safety and values of residents.
“Our appeal is that due process should be followed, and that the relevant authorities should carefully examine the implications of the project before allowing it to proceed,” Dr. Ibrahim added.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Chairman of Gwale Local Government Area, the Kano State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kano State Hisbah Board, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Kano State Legal Aid Council, the Council of Ulama, the Emir of Kano’s Palace, district and ward heads, as well as mosque and community leaders in the area.
The residents reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law, and continued collaboration with government authorities in promoting sustainable development while preserving the moral and cultural values of the community.
Among those who endorsed the petition were Professor Yahaya Imam of Bayero University Kano, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim of Northwest University Kano, Malam Ilyasu Sulaiman of Riyadul Quran, Dr. Idris Dan Fodiyo, Sheikh Muhammad Bukhari Ibrahim of Anas Bin Malik Academy, Barrister Wada Bashir, Imam Ibrahim Muhammad of Salafussalih Juma’at Mosque, Malam Aliyu Yahaya Dorayi, Malam Abdurrahman Rabiu Bukar Dorayi, Malam Abdurrahman Said Dorayi and Malam Mujahid Ilyasu Sulaiman.