Kano State

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A New Year’s Day community gathering in Daneji took an unexpected philosophical turn when a sponsor’s closing remarks sparked deep reflection on knowledge stewardship and mortality, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu has revealed.

The January 1st townhall meeting, organized to honor ten outstanding youth from the Kano neighborhood, became memorable not just for the celebrations but for a pointed challenge issued to the honorees, Professor Adamu recounted in a Facebook post that has drawn significant attention.

The young achievers, recognized for accomplishments spanning Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Nursing Sciences, and Qur’anic studies, were urged by event sponsor Alhaji Ahmed Idris to “die empty”—a statement that initially puzzled attendees before its meaning was revealed.

Idris, a prominent community pillar, was invoking Todd Henry’s motivational concept that individuals should pour out their knowledge and talents during their lifetime rather than take untapped potential to the grave. “You enter your grave empty—all the knowledge has been left outside for other people to use,” Professor Adamu explained.

The academic noted that at least three of the honorees hold doctorates or specialized training in Artificial Intelligence, achieved before AI became a consumer phenomenon, while others excelled in diverse fields—showcasing what the community hopes will inspire younger residents.

Writing on his experience, Professor Adamu drew connections between Henry’s secular philosophy and Islamic teachings on amanah—the sacred trust of knowledge. “Discharging your knowledge—sharing it and imparting it on others—is therefore one of the highest acts of Islamic piety,” he wrote, adding that both the Qur’an and Hadith contain warnings against hoarding knowledge.

The professor described the event as a community response to concerns about youth engagement with “consumer communication technology” at the expense of career focus and future planning.

By Mujahid Nasir Hussain

On 14 November 2025, the world marked World Diabetes Day, and a familiar message rang out across hospitals, communities, and workplaces: Africa must “know more and do more” to confront the rising tide of chronic diseases. It is a message that feels especially urgent here in Nigeria, and in cities like Kano, where the realities of modern life have dramatically reshaped how people live, move, work, and stay healthy. For many families, this year’s theme was not merely a global campaign. It reflected what they witness daily—more people living with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke, obesity, and joint disorders than ever before.

The World Health Organisation has warned that Africa will soon face a dramatic shift in its health landscape. By 2030, deaths from non-communicable diseases are projected to surpass those from infectious diseases. This is a striking transformation for a continent historically burdened by malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is at the centre of this shift, with cities such as Kano experiencing a rapid rise in chronic and progressive conditions. The reasons are both complex and straightforward: changing diets, prolonged sitting, stressful work environments, reduced physical activity, environmental pollution, and limited access to preventive healthcare.

Yet amid these alarming trends, one therapeutic tool stands out: exercise. For many years, exercise has been treated merely as a wellness activity or an optional lifestyle choice. But in reality, it is one of the most powerful and scientifically proven therapies for slowing the progression of chronic diseases. When the body moves consistently, it undergoes profound biological changes: insulin works better, blood vessels become healthier, the heart becomes stronger, inflammation decreases, and harmful fat around organs begins to shrink. These benefits are not cosmetic; they are therapeutic.

However, there is a critical truth that the public often misunderstands: exercise is powerful medicine, and like any medicine, it must be prescribed correctly. It is not something people with chronic diseases should “start doing” without guidance. The mode, frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise must be tailored to the individual’s medical condition, age, fitness level, and risk factors. What is safe and effective for one person may be dangerous for another. This is why professional guidance is so essential. For instance, a person living with uncontrolled hypertension should not begin intense aerobic workouts without clearance from a doctor, because sudden spikes in blood pressure could lead to complications.

Someone with diabetic neuropathy may not feel injuries in their feet, making certain activities unsafe without supervision. Individuals with chronic kidney disease need specific exercise prescriptions that do not strain the cardiovascular system or accelerate fatigue. People recovering from stroke require structured rehabilitation overseen by physiotherapists to prevent falls or further damage. Even patients with obesity, osteoarthritis, or long-standing back pain need tailored, gradual programs to avoid joint overload. This is why exercise should not be approached casually, especially in a context like Africa, where many chronic conditions are undiagnosed or poorly monitored. Before starting an exercise program, individuals living with progressive diseases should consult qualified professionals. Doctors provide medical clearance and identify risks. Physiotherapists design safe movements that protect joints and nerves. Exercise physiologists prescribe evidence-based routines that align with the patient’s goals and limitations. Their role is to ensure that exercise becomes therapy, not a trigger for complications.

In Kano State, this issue is especially relevant. The city has undergone a rapid transition from physically demanding lifestyles to sedentary routines. Many residents now spend long hours sitting in shops, riding motorcycles, or working in offices. Combined with high consumption of energy-dense foods and limited awareness of disease symptoms, progressive illnesses have become deeply entrenched. Yet awareness of safe, guided exercise therapy remains low. Many people begin rigorous routines abruptly, driven by social pressure or misinformation, only to injure themselves or exacerbate their conditions. Others avoid exercise entirely because they fear doing the wrong thing. Both extremes are harmful.

To confront this, a cultural shift is needed, one that recognises exercise as a vital part of medical care. Hospitals and clinics across Nigeria must integrate exercise counselling into routine visits, especially for patients with diabetes, hypertension, kidney issues, and obesity. Something as simple as a doctor explaining which movements are safe, or a physiotherapist demonstrating gentle routines, could prevent years of complications. Exercise physiologists, though still few in number, should be incorporated into more healthcare teams to design personalised programs grounded in scientific evidence.

At the community level, awareness must grow that exercise therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is a carefully structured health intervention. Encouraging early-morning walking groups, promoting workplace movement breaks, and organising community fitness sessions are valuable, but they must be paired with safety education. Leaders—traditional, religious, and educational—can play a vital role by emphasising the importance of seeking professional guidance before starting any intense routine, especially for those already living with chronic diseases.

It is also worth acknowledging the emotional dimension. People battling progressive diseases often feel overwhelmed, frightened, or uncertain. Exercise offers not just physical healing but a sense of agency. It improves mood, relieves anxiety, supports sleep, and helps people feel that they are actively shaping their health. This psychological benefit is powerful, especially in societies where chronic diseases still carry stigma. But again, confidence grows stronger when people know they are exercising safely and correctly under the guidance of trained professionals.

Nigeria’s future health outcomes depend on coordinated action. Families must embrace a culture of safe movement. Workplaces must reduce prolonged sitting and encourage healthy routines. Schools must restore physical activity as a normal part of the day, not an afterthought. Healthcare institutions must treat exercise as a formal therapy, not a casual suggestion. And individuals must understand that professional guidance is the foundation of safe and effective exercise therapy. The WHO’s projections are indeed alarming, but they are not destiny. Africa still has the opportunity to change its trajectory. But to do so, we must shift how we view health, how we integrate movement into daily life, and how we approach treatment of chronic diseases. Exercise will play a central role in this transformation, but only if it is approached with the same seriousness and medical supervision as any other form of therapy.

In the markets of Kano, the offices of Abuja, the streets of Lagos, and the rural communities of northern and southern Nigeria, the message must be clear: movement heals, but only when guided, intentional, and safe. The global call to “know more and do more” continues beyond 14 November. This is a reminder that Africans must not only embrace exercise as therapy but also do so with professional guidance to protect the body and preserve long-term health. Our path forward lies not just in treating disease, but in transforming lifestyles with knowledge, with care, and with the understanding that the right kind of movement, at the right intensity, prescribed by the right professional, can change the story of health for a generation.

Mujahid Nasir Hussain is an exploratory researcher in biomedicine, deeply passionate about public health, chronic disease prevention, and evidence-based community health interventions.

By Uzair Adam

The leadership crisis rocking the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has intensified following the appointment of Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as Acting State Chairman after the removal of the former chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa.

The Daily Reality reports that the decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the NNPP State Executive Committee held at the party’s secretariat in Kano, where members endorsed Abiya’s appointment in line with the party’s constitution.

Speaking on the development, the party’s Assistant Legal Adviser, Barrister Yusuf Mukhtar, said the emergence of Abiya followed due process and was consistent with the provisions of the NNPP constitution.

He explained that the move came after Dungurawa was rejected and removed at the ward level.

Party sources disclosed that the action was based on a formal resolution submitted by the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Executive Committee, which recommended the sack and expulsion of Dungurawa over alleged anti-party activities.

It was gathered that the resolution originated from the Gargari Ward Executive Committee in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area and was forwarded to the state leadership by the local government executive, led by Hon. Abdullahi Ali Uban Iya Dawanau.

The ward-level decision was reportedly adopted at the second executive meeting of the Gargari Ward, held about two weeks after the general election, where Dungurawa was accused of actions deemed inimical to the party’s interests.

After reviewing the report, the State Executive Committee ratified the resolution and approved Abiya’s emergence as Acting State Chairman, party officials said.

NNPP officials described the move as part of efforts to restore internal discipline, strengthen party unity and reposition the party for future political engagements in Kano State.

Reacting to his appointment, the Acting Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya, said the party would ensure fairness and justice for all members.

He added that the Kano NNPP would remain loyal to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

By Anas Abbas

The launch of Kano State Security and Neighbourhood Watch Guard on December 23 by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a timely and reassuring response to growing concerns about insecurity across the state.

At a moment when residents were increasingly raising alarm over safety in their communities, the governor chose action over silence.

In recent months, reports of petty crimes and organised disturbances have unsettled many neighbourhoods, threatening Kano’s long-held reputation as one of the more peaceful states in the North.

These concerns were not distant headlines but daily experiences discussed in markets and almost everywhere in Kano state. Acknowledging this reality, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration moved swiftly to confront the challenge.

Central to the initiative is the deployment of 2,000 security personnel, carefully drawn from all local government areas of the state. This structure ensures broad representation, local knowledge, and community trust key elements in effective crime prevention. By embedding security personnel within familiar environments, the government strengthens early detection and rapid response.

The neighbourhood watch guard complements existing security agencies rather than replacing them. It is designed to close the gaps where formal policing alone may struggle, particularly at the grassroots. This layered approach reflects a practical understanding that modern security requires cooperation, intelligence sharing, and community participation.

Beyond physical protection, the initiative delivers psychological reassurance. Visible security presence restores confidence, discourages criminal behaviour, and reassures residents that the government is attentive to their fears. Insecurity thrives where people feel abandoned; decisive leadership reverses that narrative.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deserves commendation for the timing of this intervention. Launched during a period of heightened social and economic activity, it demonstrates foresight and sensitivity to public safety risks. It also reinforces the principle that governance must be proactive, not reactive.

However,as implementation unfolds, sustained training, accountability, and respect for human rights will be essential to long-term success. If properly managed, the neighbourhood watch guard can become a durable pillar of community safety.

In taking immediate steps to safeguard lives and property, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has sent a clear message: the security of Kano’s people is paramount. This initiative stands as a strong example of responsive leadership in challenging times.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday recorded the death of two serving lawmakers who reportedly died within minutes of each other.

One of the deceased is Sarki Aliyu Daneji, a member of the Assembly representing Kano Municipal Local Government Area. His death was announced shortly after confirmation of the passing of Hon. Aminu Sa’adu, who represented Ungoggo Local Government Area.

The deaths were confirmed by the spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, in a post on his official Facebook page.

The development has left members of the Assembly and residents of the state in mourning.More details later.

By Engr. Kabiru Garba

Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most populous states, where security is not an abstract policy but a daily reality.

For every citizen, security is the bedrock of daily life, commerce, and culture. It is undoubtedly a concern that resonates from the crowded city markets to the vast, farm-lined hinterlands.

For Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, confronting this challenge has demanded a strategy that is equally multifaceted. It requires moving beyond a centralised command to embedding safety within the communities themselves. This is not a top-down decree, but rather a ground-up compact.

This conviction now drives a multi-million naira, multi-layered initiative aimed at turning the tide through visibility, mobility, and local intelligence.

The most visible symbol of this compact is the newly inaugurated Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps.

On Tuesday, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, the governor stood before 2,000 recruits, comprising of 1,870 men and 130 women drawn from every one of the state’s 44 Local Government Areas.

Their passing-out parade activated a frontline distinct from the conventional vigilante groups. These corps members have undergone formal training and will be legally equipped. Their primary advantage is intrinsic: they are local. They know the alleyways, the dialects, the rhythms, and the people.

Their mandate is to act as the first line of defence and intelligence, helping to combat crimes like banditry, kidnapping, and rural violence that have tested the region’s peace.

Recognising that even the most knowledgeable personnel need mobility to cover ground, the state has made a substantial investment in logistics.

At the inauguration, Governor Yusuf commissioned 88 new Hilux patrol vehicles and 440 motorcycles for the corps. This fleet is a force multiplier, designed to make security presence constant. The practical goal is to shrink emergency response times, enable patrols across difficult terrain, and ensure a visible, reassuring presence that deters crime before it begins.

This deployment is part of a sustained financial commitment. Just before the launch, the governor approved N484 million to procure 300 Boxer motorcycles to further amplify the corps’ reach at the community level.

This sequential investment reveals a strategy of layered reinforcement, building capacity piece by critical piece.

The neighbourhood watch initiative is the Kano’s newest layer in a security architecture that has been under construction.

Months earlier, in November, the governor targeted areas under acute pressure. He provided 10 vehicles and 50 motorcycles to the federal-state Joint Task Force (JTF). This aimed at boosting their operational efficiency in seven frontline local government areas: Kiru, Tsanyawa, Kunchi, Gwarzo, Shanono, Tudun Wada, and Doguwa.

This support was a direct response to immediate threats, enhancing rapid response and inter-agency coordination in the state’s most vulnerable regions.

Perhaps the most forward-thinking layer of Governor Abba’s strategy focuses on protection beyond immediate conflict.

In May this year, he approved the immediate recruitment of 17,600 security guards for public schools across Kano.

This move, while distinct from law enforcement, addresses a deep societal anxiety. By hardening these soft targets, the government seeks to safeguard not only buildings but the state’s future, its children, and to restore a fundamental sense of normalcy and security to education.

Taken together, these actions sketch a comprehensive philosophy that simply says security is interconnected. It requires empowering formal task forces, establishing legitimate community-based forces, and proactively protecting critical social infrastructure.

Analysts observe that the governor’s approach tackles Kano’s complex security situation on three fronts: strengthening formal joint operations with the JTF, establishing a dedicated, locally-rooted armed corps, and hardening soft targets like schools.

Meanwhile, the substantial allocation of resources, from hundreds of millions for motorcycles to over a hundred patrol vehicles signals a clear prioritization of security expenditure in our dear state, Kano.

Therefore, it is the hope of every citizen that the true measure of this security compact will determine the state’s trajectory of peace and prosperity for years to come.

By Uzair Adam

Journalists have been urged to treat emergency reporting as a life-saving public service, given the powerful role of the media in shaping public understanding and behaviour during health crises.

The call was made at a two-day Emergency Risk Communication workshop for journalists organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) with support from the FCDO–Lafiya Programme, aimed at strengthening ethical and responsible health reporting during public health emergencies.

Delivering a session on Emergency Reporting and Ethical Guidelines for Public Safety during Health Crises, media expert and editor with The Daily Reality Newspaper, Malam Aisar Salihu Musa, said information often spreads faster than disease during outbreaks, stressing that the way journalists report emergencies can either reduce harm or fuel fear and panic.

“Where trust is strong, public health succeeds. Where trust is weak, fear becomes the real outbreak,” he said, noting that trust remains the most valuable currency during health emergencies.

He explained that journalists serve as information gatekeepers, with a responsibility to verify reports that could affect public health outcomes and to collaborate closely with health authorities in sharing credible information.

According to him, emergency reporting presents ethical challenges, including balancing urgency with accuracy, avoiding sensational headlines, and protecting the dignity and privacy of patients and their families.

Musa urged journalists to communicate risk clearly and proportionately, translate medical terms into simple language, and always include practical steps the public can take to protect themselves.

“Words can either save lives or cause harm,” he said, adding that responsible, transparent and empathetic journalism strengthens public trust and supports effective public health response.

He concluded by calling on journalists to see themselves as partners in public health, committed to countering misinformation, promoting preventive behaviours and reporting emergencies in ways that protect lives and strengthen society.

By Uzair Adam

The Director General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, has urged journalists to prioritise responsible and ethical reporting during public health emergencies to prevent the spread of misinformation and public panic.

Prof. Abbas made the call during a two-day Emergency Risk Communication workshop organised to strengthen media engagement and information management during disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

He stated that the workshop followed the identification of critical gaps in Risk Communication and Community Engagement during recent Joint External Evaluation and multi-hazard preparedness assessments conducted in the state.

“This workshop was designed to address the gaps identified during the Joint External Evaluation and multi-hazard preparedness assessment,” Prof. Abbas said, adding that the media remains a key partner in managing public health emergencies.

The Daily Reality reports that the workshop, with support from the FCDO–Lafiya Programme, revolved around improving media engagement during outbreaks, ethical emergency reporting, managing misinformation, strengthening collaboration between journalists and health authorities, and developing a media-focused Emergency Risk Communication plan for Kano State.

The DG further stated that journalists have a responsibility to prevent the spread of false information, correct myths and harmful practices, and promote evidence-based decision-making that strengthens public trust in official health guidance.

He added that responsible media engagement should also encourage preventive behaviours such as hand hygiene, vaccination, safe food practices and environmental sanitation, while reinforcing official public health advisories.

The workshop was attended by journalists from print, broadcast and online media organisations, alongside public health officials and communication experts.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered an immediate investigation into an alleged assault case involving Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi, following widespread public concern generated by a social media video in which the victim appealed for the governor’s intervention.

The development was confirmed in a press release issued on Sunday by Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim, the Special Assistant on Media to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State.

The statement outlined the circumstances surrounding the case and the government’s response.

According to the release, Rabi Hamza Danladi Nasidi was allegedly attacked at her residence by one Kabiru Aminu, resulting in injuries that left her in a fragile condition.

Although the suspect was initially remanded by Magistrate Court No. 36 until January 20, 2026, the victim later discovered that he had been released—an action that triggered significant public outrage and questions about possible irregularities in the handling of the case.

The viral video, in which the victim appealed directly to Governor Yusuf for justice, brought renewed attention to the matter.

The governor, described as deeply concerned by both the severity of the allegations and the circumstances of the suspect’s release, immediately directed the Attorney General, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, to conduct a thorough investigation.

The Attorney General has since assured the governor that all necessary legal steps will be taken and that anyone found complicit—whether in the alleged assault or in any procedural lapses—will be held accountable in line with the law.

The statement reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening public trust in the justice system, and ensuring that cases of this nature are handled transparently and without prejudice.

By Uzair Adam

After several twists and turns, the Kano State government and landowners in the Dangoro community, Kumbotso Local Government Area, have reached an understanding over the use of disputed farmlands.

The development follows a session with the Commissioner of Land, Abduljabbar Umar Garko, on 27 November.

The dispute began when the government announced plans to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to Dangoro, sparking fears among residents that their lands could be seized.

Earlier appeals to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had not yielded immediate intervention, heightening tension in the community, especially among the landowners.

On Saturday, the leadership of the landowners held a meeting to brief members on their meeting with the commissioner ahead of the expected commencement of government work scheduled for next Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the Landowners Association for the Struggle, Alhaji Gambo Saminu Adamu, said the gathering was meant to reassure landowners that the agreement reached with the government would be implemented fairly.

“We convened this meeting to inform landowners that, God willing, government officials will begin work on Monday. We have met with the Commissioner of Land, and both sides have reached a mutual understanding,” he said.

He added that arrangements were made to ensure representation for landowners who were absent or living abroad, guaranteeing that everyone’s interests would be protected.

“We have agreed on a fair 50-50 plan. The Commissioner gave us his assurance, and we trust that Governor Yusuf, known for his fairness, will ensure no injustice. We also urge members to exercise patience,” Adamu said.

Another landowner, Sunusi Haruna, an Esco, explained that the agreement was communicated to the wider community. “We informed our people about the reasons behind the decision and the government’s plan. We also made it clear that any actions contrary to this agreement will not be accepted,” he said.

Resident Jami’u Akilu emphasised the need for fairness in implementing the plan. “The Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market will be relocated to the area. The market should benefit the community as agreed, not outsiders. We call for strict adherence to the 50-50 arrangement and transparency in its execution,” he said.

Residents expressed cautious optimism, welcoming the government’s development plan while insisting on justice and protection of their lands.

Earlier, the Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, unveiled a plan for the use of the disputed Dangoro farmlands.

Under the arrangement, landowners are to retain 50 percent of their lands, while the government takes the remaining 50 percent for development purposes.

For instance, if a landowner has space to build 10 shops, five would be allocated to the government and the other five would remain with the landowner.

The plan aims to balance development with the protection of landowners’ rights.