Kaduna State

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has appointed Mr. Ben Solomon Dalhatu Kure as the new Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).

He takes over from Mr. Ahmed Maiyaki, who was recently appointed Commissioner for Information.

The governor expressed confidence that Kure would build on Maiyaki’s achievements in transforming KSMC into a strategic platform for effective public communication.

Kure, a seasoned public communication expert and political strategist, brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors.

He previously served as Chairman of Jaba Local Government (2016–2017), Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (2018–2019), and Special Adviser (Political Matters) to the governor (2019–2021).

Before his public service career, Kure held key roles in banking, including Branch Manager at Oceanic Bank/ECOBANK and Team Leader at Zenith Bank and Broad Bank.

He holds a Master’s in Conflict, Peace, and Strategic Studies and a B.Sc. in Geography and Planning.

He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).

Governor Uba Sani congratulated Kure on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.

By Saifullahi Attahir

In his article, titled “Yar’adua: Great Expectation, Disappointing Outcome,” Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i wrote that the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua graduated from ABU in 1975 and did his youth service (NYSC) at Holy Child College in Lagos as a chemistry teacher.

After the service year, Yar’adua took a government job at the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), Zaria, as a chemistry lecturer. He later obtained his MSc in 1978, while continuing his teaching career at the same CAST until 1983, when he joined his brother’s business after the latter resigned from the National Service as second-in-command to General Olusegun Obasanjo during the handover to civilian rule in 1979.

The above narrative can attest to the clear moral right Yar’adua has over Mallam Nasir, despite the latter’s constant attacks. I’m sure that in the years between 1976 and 1983, the late Umaru could have accessed all the privileges a graduate could have as a brother to a senior military officer and son of the establishment. His service year in the grammar school and his continued lecturing job at CAST Zaria can testify to a great deal about the individual Yar’adua, his brother Shehu, and the regime.

As a young and well-connected chemistry graduate, Umaru Yar’adua could have access to serve in the newly established NNPC, top agricultural firms, top Lagos banks, or even become a legislative aide in the green or red chamber.

Securing a job through connections is a common and sometimes effective method. Networking, which involves leveraging personal and professional relationships, can significantly increase your chances of finding a job. Indeed, many talented and industrious individuals can be harnessed through this process, although it may be perceived as nepotistic. Hadiza Bala Usman got her start at BPE by El Rufa’i through a similar path.

Of course, time has changed; it’s now normal that specific places, such as CBN, FIRS, NPA, BPE, top private firms, and Federal MDAs, are not accessible to ordinary corps members. We can still recall a time when a brother of Nigeria’s second-in-command opted to attend a grammar school and later took a teaching job at a college in Zaria. But still, that doesn’t prevent him from becoming Nigeria’s president.

While the 5th May remembrance has been immortalised in the hearts of Nigerians despite Yar’adua’s short stint as president, Mallam El-Rufa’i was still battling and settling past scores and fights.

Saifullahi Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com 

By Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, PhD 

I cannot recall any incident where a vehicle or travellers were targeted simply because they were from Plateau State, in retaliation for the atrocities being committed by these savages.

Please, I challenge anyone to provide a single example—since 1914—where innocent travellers were attacked in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, or Borno simply because they were seen as the “other.” 

Yet, we have countless documented cases from Tinno, Mambilla, Takum, etc., in Taraba; Riyom, Barikin Ladi, Jos, Mangu, etc., in Plateau; Agatu, Makurdi, etc., in Benue; and Gonin Gora, Koi, etc., in Kaduna, where innocent travellers were blocked, maimed, and killed—dismembered and buried or even burned alive—solely because of their identity as “others.”

These are normalised atrocities. The perpetrators are getting away with it because there have been no consequences. Only God knows how many lives have been lost in this manner between 2002 and 2025. 

Many of these crimes are well documented—some even recorded and posted by the criminals themselves, proudly sharing selfies while committing barbaric acts. Remember the Eid day massacre in Jos? Or the genocide in Mambilla? These incidents are documented by security agencies.

Tragically, these criminal gangs enjoy the backing of some politicians and community leaders. Take, for instance, the disturbing justification offered by the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area regarding the killing of wedding-bound travellers from Zaria. Is that how a leader is supposed to speak?

Even more worrying is how these barbaric acts are celebrated on social media. Look at the screenshot of Kefas Gyang Pam that went viral yesterday, or the posts from a Facebook group in Bokkos openly celebrating the gruesome attack on the innocent Zaria travellers.

These individuals are not ghosts. They are known. And they can be easily traced.

Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, PhD, wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu 

I read with deep shock and sorrow about the gruesome murder of innocent travellers from Basawa in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. It is heartbreaking and disturbing. 

What is happening to our society? When did we become so heartless that taking a human life no longer moves us? When did we start watching these tragedies unfold without reacting, without speaking, without demanding justice? This is not normal. We are clearly losing our sense of humanity and conscience.

The killing of these travellers is wicked, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms. No matter the excuse, mob action is mob action. Whether it happens in Plateau, Uromi, Kaduna, or anywhere else, it is lawlessness. It is cruel. And it has no place in any society that wants to grow, that wants peace, that wants justice. The moment we begin to justify the unjustifiable, we open the door to more bloodshed and deeper division.

The Federal Government, Plateau and Kaduna State Governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all other concerned stakeholders must rise to the occasion. This crime must not go unpunished. It is not enough to issue statements. Action must follow. Those behind this evil must be arrested, investigated properly, and brought to justice. That is the only way this act can serve as a warning to others. We cannot continue to act as if all is well when innocent lives are being wasted with no consequences.

It is painful to admit, but we have become a society where people record killings with their phones instead of stepping in to stop the madness. Where is our sense of community? Where is our compassion? The silence and indifference from many quarters are just as dangerous as the violence itself. We must speak up, we must act, and we must demand better from those who claim to lead and protect us.

The media, civil society, and the public must not let this incident be buried under the weight of the next trending story. These lives mattered, and these families deserve answers. We must keep the pressure on until justice is served. A society that fails to protect the innocent will one day be a danger to everyone, including those who look away.

May the Almighty Allah forgive the victims, grant them eternal peace, and give their families the strength to bear this painful loss. And may we, as a people, wake up before it is too late.

Muhammad Umar Shehu is a writer and social commentator from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, with the national title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his contributions to democracy and national development.

Governor Sani, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, faced multiple detentions during the fight for democratic governance. His long-standing commitment to justice and civil rights has earned him widespread respect.

Notably, he is the only serving governor named in this year’s national honors list, as announced by President Tinubu during a joint session of the National Assembly.

Congratulatory messages have poured in for Governor Uba Sani on the recognition.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A senior naval officer, Lieutenant Commodore M. Buba, was fatally stabbed by a robber in Kaduna while resisting a phone-snatching attempt near Kawo Bridge.  

Eyewitnesses reported that the officer, undergoing training at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, had stopped to fix a flat tire when the assailant attacked him. After refusing to hand over his phone, the robber stabbed him in the chest.  

A vigilante, Suleiman Dahiru, who intervened, was also injured. The attacker was later lynched by an angry mob.  

The officer was pronounced dead at Manaal Hospital, and his body has been moved to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital mortuary. Security forces have intensified covert operations in the area to curb crime.  

Kaduna Police PRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident and assured increased security measures.

By Sumayyah A. Ishaq

Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani on Monday commissioned the Kagarko Township Road Project in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna, marking his two-year anniversary in office.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, which was attended by top government functionaries, members of the State Executive Council and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and traditional, religious, and political leaders, among others, Governor Uba Sani Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the delivery of the projects will further enhance economic achievements in the Kagarko area of the State.

He further said, “The commissioning of this road project is another fulfilment of our administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable development through the continuous provision of efficient infrastructure”

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Council, Honourable Muhuyideen A. Umar, said the construction and commissioning of the road stands as another milestone in Governor Uba Sani’s administration’s commitment to infrastructure development that enhances the socio-economic well-being of Kagarko residents.

It would be recalled that prior to the intervention of the Gov Uba Sani administration, the dilapidated Kagarko township road had remained in a state of disrepair for over two decades while motorists and residents navigated in high-risk conditions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Mallam Umar Maikuɗi (popularly known as Cashman), a lecturer at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, and President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), has passed away after a prolonged illness. He died this evening at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).

Colleagues, associates, and the entertainment industry mourn his passing, praying for Allah’s forgiveness and for him to be granted Al-Jannah al-Firdaws.

Until his death, Maikuɗi was an active academic and a key figure in Nigeria’s motion picture industry.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.

By Sumayyah A. Usman

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani,  has appointed Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo as the Commissioner of Education. Until his appointment, Prof. Sambo served as Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. 

From 2005 to 2012, he served as the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. He was later appointed Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Sani has also redeployed the outgoing Education Commissioner, Prof. Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau), to the newly created Ministry of Information.

The Governor has also appointed Barrister Gloria Ibrahim as the Commissioner of Youth Development. The appointments and redeployments take effect immediately.

by Salim Yunusa

In Zaria, the name Danraka means different things to different people. To students of Ahmadu Bello University, it reminds them of a well-known student housing area off campus. To businesspeople, it represents a strong legacy in commerce. For many in Zazzau, it speaks of a house of nobility and respect. But to countless others, it brings to mind one person—Isyaku Danraka, a town planner, businessman, and a man known for his kindness and generosity.

The iDANRAKA Care Foundation is changing how we think about giving. It is not just about donations or handouts – the usual long queues and few kobos to get the town talking. It is about creating real and lasting change in people’s lives. Whether through helping young people learn new skills, supporting sports, or providing training for the future, the foundation is giving hope to those who need it most. Danraka has quietly been given to students, widows, young people, and others in need for years. Today, his good work has grown into a full foundation that has helped more than 5,000 people.

One of the foundation’s early efforts was the ZYA Phone Repair Project. It trained 150 young people from Zaria and nearby towns in just two months. These young people now have a way to earn a living and help their families. It gave them confidence and a new sense of purpose.

In another inspiring program, 50 young people were chosen from over 800 applicants for a special digital training. They learned to use digital tools, create content, understand artificial intelligence, and find remote jobs. These are life-changing skills that open new doors and build a better future.

The foundation also focuses on those who are often forgotten. People with disabilities are frequently left out of opportunities, but not here. Through the Zaria Para Sports Competition, more than 100 athletes living with disabilities got the chance to play, compete, and be celebrated. These events bring smiles, joy, and a deep sense of belonging. They remind us that everyone matters and deserves a chance to shine.

At the iDANRAKA Football Academy, young boys who dream of playing football professionally are given a real shot. With help from an American agency, scouts from the United States and Dubai came to watch talented players from places like Kano, Maiduguri, and Zaria. For many of these boys, it was their first real chance to be seen and noticed. You could feel the excitement in the air. Dreams suddenly felt possible. I was personally there and witnessed the signing of the MoU. The foundation means business.

Young people are at the heart of everything the foundation does. One of its most powerful programs is the Youth Empowerment Lab. Open to people between 17 and 30 years old, it offers more than just training. It offers hope. It teaches digital skills and shows how to find work online. The foundation even covers transport, meals, internet access, and gives out certificates. I was lucky to speak on a panel during one of the sessions, where we talked about what truly matters in the workplace today. We spoke about creativity, problem-solving, and how real-life experience can be just as important as a university degree. The room was filled with energy and emotion. You could see young people beginning to believe in themselves.

The Zaria Para Sports Competition is now more than a sports event. It is a celebration. Winners receive cash and gifts, but what they take home most is pride. They are seen, respected, and encouraged. These moments lift not just the athletes but their families and communities, too.

In a world where help sometimes feels far away, the iDANRAKA Care Foundation is different. It listens. It understands what people need. It works closely with local communities and offers support that genuinely changes lives. Whether it is a skill to start a small business, a way to earn money online, or a chance to play football, the foundation is lighting the way forward.

The iDANRAKA Care Foundation is not just making a difference. It is spreading hope. From the streets of Zaria to towns across Nigeria, it shows us that when people are given the tools, support, and love they need, there is no limit to what they can achieve.