Kano State

Dear Government of Kano State, the Kano Emirate, Hisbah Board, and the Kano State Council of Ulamas

Peace be upon you,

An effort is being made to spread LGBTQ advocacy in Kano State in the name of human rights, seeking “freedom” and sustainable livelihoods for our daughters and helping orphans, the needy, and those with special needs.

This advocacy is being spread publicly without shame, disregarding your esteemed positions and influence in Kano State— in schools and neighbourhoods. Shockingly, even government officials were cornered in the name of dialogue or capacity building.

The organization behind this heinous act in our state is the Women Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality. They refer to themselves as “WISE.” From what we have seen on their platforms, they even have an independent office in Yankaba Kawaji, Bompai GRA, Kano.

In a statement we saw on the pages of this organization, we noted that they once organized a workshop for officials from Hisbah, KAROTA, NDLEA, and others!

If this organization has grown strong enough to gather these officials in one place under the guise of a workshop—regardless of the topic—we fear the influence they have already exerted in our state.

To verify all these, please check their Facebook page named “Wise.”

You might recall the recent uproar over the Samoa Agreement signed by the Federal Government, which is alleged to have come with strings attached, one of which is to allow advocates of LGBTQ, like WISE, to pursue their agenda freely.

This has sparked controversy in Nigeria over the past few days. We have seen how the scholars in Kano stood firm on their pulpits, as we expected, to vehemently condemn this attempt, should it prove true.

This controversy has further revealed that there are laws in our country that outright prohibit any attempt to propagate the agenda of LGBTQ. We have also found solace in the unity of Muslims and Christians in rejecting this thing we collectively see as immorality in our culture and religion.

With this, we call upon the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Chairman of Hisbah, Mallam Aminu Daurawa, and the leadership of the Kano State Council of Ulamas, to ensure that this organization, WISE, packs up and leaves our dear state and that its activities are banned by any means possible.

The people of Kano State are your trust! And God will question you about this trust on the Day of Judgment!

We’ve done our part by letting you know about this issue. We have informed you if you were unaware of this organization or its activities.

Misbahu Hamza  

July 7, 2024

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Near East University (NEU), Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano (YUMSUK), and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster academic cooperation and enhance research endeavours.

The MOU, signed recently, focuses on collaborative research projects, conferences, and seminars.

Representatives from the participating institutions affirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation and knowledge exchange during the signing ceremony.

The signatories included Professor Tamer Salidag, Rector of Near East University; Professor Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Director of Operational Research Center in Healthcare; Assoc. Prof. Berna Uzun; Dr. Zubaida Said Ameen; and Dr. Auwalu Saleh Mubarak from NEU. ADUSTECH was represented by Professor Adamu Mustapha, Director of Linkages and Affiliations, and Professor Muktar Atiku Kurawa, Vice-Chancellor of YUMSUK, and Assoc. Prof. Rukayya Hamidu, Director of Advances and Linkages.

The MOU marks a significant milestone in the journey towards collaborative research and academic advancement. The participating universities aim to facilitate interdisciplinary research, promote knowledge dissemination, and nurture the next generation of scholars and researchers.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives expressed optimism about the potential impact of the collaboration on academic and research landscapes.

They reiterated their commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in academia, with the shared goal of advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.

This historic collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits, including advancing research and academic endeavors and promoting knowledge sharing and exchange among participating institutions.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Monday a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, 1446 AH. 

The governor urged citizens to reflect on the past year and engage in activities that benefit the community. He also promised that his administration would continue to empower citizens through policies and programs. 

Additionally, he called on Muslims to intensify prayers for peace and progress in the state.

This move comes after the Sultan declared Sunday the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1446 AH. 

Other states like Jigawa have also declared Monday a public holiday for the same reason.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu, has restrained lawyers from granting reporters interviews in the ongoing Kano Emirates Tussle case.

Justice Aliyu gave the order on Thursday during the court proceedings.

“I am giving an order to lawyers not to grant any interview with journalists before and even after my ruling on the respondent stay of proceedings application pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” the Judge said

The applicants in the case are the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano State, Speaker Kano State House of Assembly, and Kano State House of Assembly, through their counsel Ibrahim Isah-Wangida filed a motion exparte dated May 27.

The applicants are seeking the court to restrain the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and four other dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye from parading themselves as emirs.

The respondents in the suit are Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero Bichi emir, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar ll, Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa, Emir of Rano and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya, Emir of Gaya.

Others are the Inspector General of Police, Director of State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Nigeria Army.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 149 suspected criminals in a major operation to fight thuggery and other crimes in the state. 

In a press conference at Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano on Thursday, the spokesperson of the police in the state, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the arrest is part of the command’s achievements over the past ten days under the leadership of the Kano State Commissioner of Police Salman Garba.

Garba, who assumed office on June 24, 2024, has led targeted operations resulting in the arrest of 149 suspects, including 106 thugs. The operation has also led to the recovery of numerous arms, dangerous weapons, and large quantities of illicit drugs.

He added, “The re-emergence of these criminal activities is a matter of great concern for the Kano State Police Command, which we are fully committed to combating head-on.”

The crackdown is part of a broader strategy to address thuggery and other violent crimes in the state, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

“We have employed strong security measures to address the root causes of this violence and promote peace and harmony in the affected areas and the state at large,” the PPRO added.

The operations from June 24 to July 4 resulted in the following arrests: 106 suspected thugs, 25 armed robbery suspects, two suspected kidnappers, three suspected drug dealers, three suspected motor vehicle thieves, two suspected motorcycle thieves, and eight suspected thieves.

The police also recovered a range of items, including a pump-action rifle, motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, knives, cutlasses, and significant quantities of illicit drugs.

Among the outstanding part of the arrests, Kiyawa highlighted the capture of two armed robbery suspects on June 26.

“These suspects attacked victims in their houses with dangerous weapons, inflicted injuries, and robbed them of valuable items,” he said.

In another operation, a notorious car theft cartel was dismantled, leading to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Carina II and the arrest of three suspects.

“The suspects confessed to a series of car snatchings in Kano State and localities,” SP Kiyawa revealed.

The police also intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs and weapons during joint patrols with local vigilantes. On July 1, 87 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from a suspect in Yankaba Quarters.

According to the police, Garba’s administration has intensified patrols, deployed additional personnel, and increased collaboration with community leaders and other security agencies.

In his address, the police commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police.

He added, “We must appreciate the law-abiding people of the state for their continuous support, prayers, understanding, and cooperation.

He also encouraged community involvement in reporting suspicious activities and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS) held its convention yesterday, where new leaders were elected.

The association’s convention was held at the Murtala Muhammed Library under the auspices of the Convention Planning Committee (CPC) constituted by the association’s stakeholders.

The mother union of all students of Kano has 136 registered local chapters in different universities and colleges, and 42 of them appeared at the convention and cast their votes. The president and secretary of each chapter are the delegates and are mandated to vote at the convention.

Announcing the results of the election, the chairman of the election committee, Yaseen Sulaiman Saye, said that the seats of Secretary General and Sports Director were the only seats that were duly contested by two aspirants each, while the remaining seats had single contestants.

The new leaders of the NAKSS national body are: Isyaku Ali Kanwa from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, who emerged as the association’s president, and Rabi’u Muhammad Sa’ad, Zainab Musa Isma’il, Sabi’u Rabilu Kabo, and Muhammad Ghali Muhammad as Vice President 1, Vice President 2, Secretary General, and Assistant Secretary, respectively.

Others are: Abdulyasar Muhammad Dabo, Treasurer; Abdulkarim Idris Namadina, Financial Secretary; Mustapha Abdu Saye, Welfare 1; Maryam Bala Isa, Welfare 2; Fiddausi Abdulkarim Salihu, Women Mobilizer; Abubakar Abdullahi Tabuke, Social Director; Abdullahi Ali Gambo, Auditor General; Ahmad Khamis Umar, Sports Director; Mustapha Mustapha Bashir, PRO 1; and Shehu Amiru, PRO 2.

The newly elected administration of the NAKSS National Body has a tenure of one year.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Tragedy struck Kano on Friday when a trailer with registration number MKA 537XN lost control and ploughed into worshippers, leaving a mosque after Friday prayers, killing 14 people and injuring dozens. 

The accident occurred in Imawa town, Kura local government area, shortly after the Friday prayer, when the driver of the trailer coming from the Kaduna axis lost control and ran into the worshippers.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, stating that nine of the deceased were buried on the same day, while those injured are receiving treatment at a hospital. The driver of the trailer is currently at large.

The FRSC Kano Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said, “Upon receiving the distress call, FRSC Kano State Command promptly dispatched personnel to the scene, alongside other security agencies, to initiate rescue operations and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured victims.”

Abdullahi emphasised the FRSC’s commitment to road safety and urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such avoidable tragedies. 

He also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

By Sani Surajo Abubakar

Some days ago, Kano Government House was agog with guests from within and outside the country, primarily stakeholders in the education sector who thronged the state to witness the historic declaration of a state of emergency on education by the state government under the stewardship of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The declaration was necessitated by an alarming proliferation of out-of-school children, with its figure currently at 989,234 for both genders. This situation threatens to rob the entire generation of their education rights and a brighter future.

Dilapidated school structures, lack of instructional materials, a severe shortage of qualified teachers, and inadequate teacher training programs coupled with the socio-economic challenges in basic and post-basic schools across the state made learning and teaching challenging, if not impossible.

Statistics at government disposal indicate that out of the 42516 total classrooms available, a mere 22% meet the basic standard of habitability as nearly four out of every five classrooms in Kano’s primary and secondary schools are marred by dilapidation and disrepair, rendering them unsuitable for the noble pursuit of knowledge.

At the secondary school level, less than 30% of classrooms can be deemed habitable, leaving significant students of such schools grappling with inadequate facilities that impede their intellectual growth and development.

Looking at the science and technical schools, the pathetic story is the same, with less than 20% of classes meeting the essential criteria for habitability, making it difficult to nurture the next generation of scientists, IT experts and engineers when the very environments in which they are meant to learn are ripe with inadequacies and deficiencies.

Passionate and committed to rescuing the education sector from total collapse, on Saturday, 8th of June, 2024, the Kano State Government declared a state of emergency on education to address the critical challenges facing the sector with a clarion call to all the stakeholders to unite and prioritize the revitalization of the education system for the overall benefit of the society.

The cardinal aim of declaring a state of emergency on education was encapsulated in the overall vision for the education delivery in the state as articulated in a statement viz:

Every school, a good school; every child, enrolled in school; every student, an engaged learner; every teacher, a caring educator; every parent, a supportive partner; and your government, a committed investor in human capital development.

The declaration, as envisaged, will enable the government to mobilize resources, implement urgent reforms, and focus on strategic interventions that will rebuild educational infrastructure, provide necessary materials, and reclaim schools from encroachment.  


To ensure effective revitalization of the education sector, restore its lost glory and take Kano State to greater heights educationally, eleven robust commitments are put in place that include;

In the 2024 fiscal year, Kano State has made an unprecedented budgetary allocation of 29.95% to education. This was made based on the fact that significant financial resource allocation will address underfunding problems bedevilling the sector.

Two, for the smooth operation of basic and post-basic schools, restoration has been made for the payment of upkeep and overhead funds for all secondary schools in the state.  The timely release of the funds will allow schools to maintain their infrastructure, procure essential teaching and learning materials, and aid in conducive teaching and learning processes.

Third, plans have been made to build an additional 300 state-of-the-art laboratories across 100 schools in the state. The provision of such needed facilities will go a long way in providing students with hands-on experience in scientific inquiry, fostering a culture of experimentation and discovery needed for their future and success in their chosen endeavours. The provision of laboratories is another 300 earmarked for overhauling 100 secondary schools.

Four boarding secondary schools that were hitherto closed by the immediate past administration are to be reopened and re-boarded within the next academic year. Such schools provide a supportive environment for students, particularly those from remote areas or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Five, to consolidate the drive to improve the education sector, approval has been granted for a comprehensive renovation of all primary and secondary schools in the nooks and crannies of the state in the subsequent two academic sessions. In this regard, the Community Re-orientation Committee (CRC), Kwankwasiyya, Lafiya Jari, and Kano Pro-PA will handle minor repairs, while the Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will shoulder all major repairs through competitive bidding.

Six, to achieve the commitment of clearing out of school children roaming the streets, 28,264 additional classrooms will be built across the state within the next three years to accommodate such children through the supervision of the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, and to be monitored by the Ministry of Project Monitoring.

Seven, to make pupils engage learners with utmost attention in their classrooms, arrangements are made to distribute free one-meal per pupil per day in all primary schools. The CRC, assiduously working as preparations, has hired cooks for the home-grown feeding program. This is in addition to the plan to re-introduce the distribution of free uniforms to all primary I pupils in all primary schools in the state.

Eight, to show a solid commitment to tackling teacher shortage and positively adjusting the students/teacher ratio, 5632 BESDA (Better Education Service Delivery for All) teachers were fully employed. Also, the governor has approved hiring an additional 10,000 teachers to go ahead with SUBEB to chart a training roaster for all teachers in the state government’s employment.

Nine arrangements are going on to commence the renovation of schools affected by fire outbreaks in the last eight years in Madobi, Gaya, Ajingi, Kiru, Dawakin Tofa, Kano Municipal, Gezawa, Kabo, Gwarzo, Dambatta and Bichi local governments respectively.

Similarly, in his second tenure, 44 schools for Islamic Studies and 44 Technical Colleges initiated by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso would be completed and put to use in earnest.

Ten, to boost the morale of teachers and prioritize their welfare for quality service delivery, approval has been granted for the disbursement of the sum of three hundred million naira as a revolving soft loan to primary school teachers in the state.

Eleven, as a government with a resolve to project Girl-Child-Education and reduce pressure on parents to transport their girls’ children to schools daily, 70 high-capacity buses are shuttling in the Kano metropolis for such purpose.

All the commitments stated above are in addition to other feats achieved that range from sponsoring 1001 first-class degree graduates for foreign post-graduate studies; settlement of registration fees for Kano indigenes studying in various higher institutions of learning across the nation; payment of NECO and NBAIS fess; renovation and upgrade of two bilingual academies of French and Chinese located at Kwankwaso town and Niamey, capital of Niger Republic to mention but a few.

With the above-stated commitments and concerted efforts of all the relevant stakeholders, one can optimistically conclude that Kano State has begun a journey of education transformations.

Sani is an Assistant Chief Information Officer at Government House, Kano

By Jamilu Uba Adamu

It’s impossible to start this column without some reflection, especially with my interest in Kano football history.

After holding its AGM meeting last week, the Kano State Football Association (KSFA) organised an award night to honour the achievement of some truly deserving individuals. 

For some reason, I have not been able to attend the event, but from the videos and the pictures I saw, the award night was a resounding success and full of important guests. 

The venue was beautifully decorated, and a giant screen was mounted on the stage with a background picture of each recipient of the award playing, just like we usually see at international events. 

It was top-notch, from the meeting to the plaque award presentation to the awardees. The awards themselves were a fitting tribute to the outstanding contributions of the honorees. 

It was a night to remember, and the Kano State Football Association, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, has set a high standard. It deserves a standing ovation for organising an outstanding event. The efforts have made a significant impact.

Aside from all that, after going through the list of the award categories that include NLO Kano State Football Association Best Player, NPFL Best Player and SWAN Kano Chapter Award, a reflection that comes to my mind, especially considering my interest in the history aspect of sports, I observed that there is no inclusion of posthumous award category among the list. 

This means that as laudable as the award event is, there is no recognition for a posthumous award to those who deserved to be honoured for planting the seeds of the game of football in Kano long ago. It continues growing as we have it today. 

Those individuals are worth mentioning for special recognition for their contributions to nurturing the game and setting the pace we are following today. 

On such award occasions, the KSFA ought to create a posthumous award category for people like the Late Muhammadu Ɗanwawu Fagge, the man who led the legendary Kano XI to win the 1953 Challenge Cup and the sponsor of the defunct Ɗanwawu cup.

Pioneer Kano Pillars FC Chairman late Alh Isiyaku Muhammad (whom his blossom friend, Alh. Isiyaku Umar Tofa, on so many occasions, used to say it was him that convinced him to be sponsoring the Tofa Cup back then). 

Also, former Kano Pillars FC Chairman’s Late Alhaji Hassan Na-Abba, late ACP Sabo Abdullahi, Late Hon. Ɗanlami Hamza, Late Sani Muhammed Usman, and late Alh Kabiru Waya or even the famous legendary Kano XI squad, that consists of the Late Sidi Coach, Maxwell, and Okoh brothers, that won the first Kano state football trophy in far away Lagos in 1953, the list goes on.

Each of those mentioned above-listed individuals deserves to be posthumously awarded. I am sure honouring them this way can be an opportunity to celebrate a legacy, inspire others, and preserve history because omitting posthumous recognition can lead to forgotten legacies and leave a legacy uncelebrated.

With this, I urge the Kano State Football Association to, in the future event, seriously consider bestowing posthumous awards to these deserving historical individuals who put not only   Kano State but the whole of Northern Nigeria on a football map. 

Let me close by extending my wholehearted congratulations to Kano State Football Association and the awardees.

Jamilu Uba Adamu is a freelance sports writer and can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

Company: Jammaje Productions

Director: Ali Nuhu

Producer: Abubakar Bashir Maishadda

Language: English

Cast: Nancy Isime, Sani Muazu, Sola Sabowale, Ali Nuhu, Enyinna Nwigwe, Rabi’u Rikadawa, Segun Arinze, Abba el-Mustapha, Asabe Madaki, Abba Zaki, etc.

Release date (Nigeria): 16-6-2024

After successful screenings in Turkey and the United States, the reportedly most expensive Kannywood movie, Nanjala, has finally hit our domestic screens. The movie is a groundbreaking attempt to bridge the gap between Northern Nigeria’s Kannywood and “mainstream” Nollywood by bringing actors from both industries together in a neutral setting and on an equal footing.

The film narrates the story of Nanjala (Nancy Isime), whose father, Captain Sembene (Sani Muazu), harbors a deep-seated disdain for female children. He, therefore, neglects his three daughters, focusing his care only on his son, Dititi (Abba Zaki). Nanjala has been a voracious reader with dreams of becoming a journalist since her childhood. However, her father’s constant discouragement makes his friend, Captain Jammoh Jummoh (Rabi’u Rikadawa), adopt her to help her realize her dreams.

Years later, Captain Sembene’s family falls apart. His favorite son, Dititi, becomes a drug addict, and his daughter, Jarry, leaves home, fed up with his mistreatment. Meanwhile, Nanjala achieves her dream of becoming a journalist but encounters problems with people in authority who want her to stop exposing their corrupt government.

How does the story unfold from there? Find out for yourself at Platinum Cinema.

The film addresses themes of women’s empowerment, the endurance of the human spirit, corruption, and moral decadence. It debunks the chauvinistic belief that female children are mere burdens to their parents and incapable of achieving greatness. We see how Nanjala suffers, initially at the hands of her chauvinistic father and later as a journalist hunted by a corrupt government. Despite these challenges, she overcomes her fears and insecurities to eventually emerge triumphant.

Nanjala is indeed a compelling film that has enough to hold viewers’ attention throughout its runtime. However, while it may lack attention-grabbing twists and turns, the wonderfully constructed screenplay and perfect use of flashbacks make it an enjoyable experience that you wish would never end. The cinematography is also spectacular, fully doing justice to the film’s scale. I haven’t enjoyed any Kannywood movie as much as this one recently. One must applaud the makers for their courage and financial strength in bringing such a big project to life.

The eponymous character seems to be inspired by Kenyan political analyst and activist Nanjala Nyabola. She also shares similarities with a character played by actress Miriam Osimbo in the Kenyan comedy series Hullaballoo Estate. Therefore, the film is likely to resonate with a broad African audience for that reason, and for its setting (a fictitious East African country), casting, character names, and universally relevant thematic preoccupations.

The film also deserves distinction marks for its English dialogue. The diction and flow of words are exceptional. What is even more interesting is how the Kannywood actors deliver their lines as flawlessly as their Nollywood counterparts in the cast. Thanks to Mallam Kabiru Musa Jammaje, the executive producer who pioneered the trend of “Kannywood films in English.”

In terms of performances, Nancy Isime fully immerses herself in the character of Nanjala and plays it exceptionally well. Sani Mu’azu is excellent as her chauvinistic father, delivering his dialogue with expressions that prove his acting skills. Rabi’u Rikadawa will win your heart as Nanjala’s foster father, who stands by her through thick and thin.

Asabe Madaki (Majuma), the character of Jarry, and Abba Zaki (Dititi) are first-rate as Nanjala’s siblings, but their mother, played by Sola Sobowale, does not live up to expectations. However, Enyinna Nwigwe is admirable as an accomplished author who later becomes Nanjala’s love interest. Segun Arinze, Ali Nuhu, and Abba el-Mustapha all shine in their brief roles. But it’s Hajara Haidar (Falmata) who will impress you with her adorable looks and fluent English, giving her small role a huge impact.

In conclusion, Nanjala has opened a new page in Nigerian cinema. It is a “Pan-Nigerian” film that will resonate across the country and beyond. I strongly recommend this insightful and inspiring film to every parent, young ladies, and, of course, anyone who enjoys seeing Africans speaking English on screen.

Habibu Maaruf

Kano, Nigeria abduhabibumaaruf11@gmail.com.