Kano

By Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, PhD

My mother and Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu’s wife have been close friends for decades. My earliest memories of the family are rooted in our home at Bayero University Kano New Campus Senior Staff Quarters, Area C, over three and a half decades ago. As a child, I remember I was fondly called “Maigida” by Professor Abdalla’s wife because I share the same name as her husband, an early, personal reminder of the many coincidences and intersections that bind our families. 

In the early 1990s, when only a few households had desktop computers or landlines, he was already digitally acculturated, an early adopter of technology long before it became commonplace. Prof. demonstrated a forward-looking embrace of digital tools, from supporting desktop computers in the early 1990s to launching a dedicated website (https://auadamu.com) and then seamlessly acclimatising with the social media space. Though not a digital native by birth, he exemplified curiosity and was always willing to explore and adopt new technologies.

Back in the classroom, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu was a refined, multidisciplinary scholar who served as Head of Department during my undergraduate years at the Faculty of Education. Interestingly, we both began our academic journeys in Science Education. After establishing an outstanding career in Education, he expanded his intellectual horizons and pursued further studies in Mass Communication, rising to the rank of professor in the field, becoming, in every sense, a dual professor in both Education and Mass Communication.

Along a somewhat similar path, after earning my first degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, my various professional postings inspired me to pursue Mass Communication, from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

Prof. Abdallah’s intellectual brilliance, expertise, and exceptional command of English are qualities widely recognised by anyone who has encountered him. Yet, beyond these obvious attributes lies a man of principle, honour, integrity, humility, and uncommon decency. He deeply values culture, religion, and family ties.

His pursuit of knowledge has taken him across different countries of the world. Many sought to convince him to remain abroad, drawn by the depth of his knowledge and expertise, but his answer was always a firm no. His famous saying remains: “When a man is tired of Kano, he is tired of life.”

Over the years, he served in various capacities across different states and countries. Yet, despite the vast exposure and countless opportunities available to him, he remained committed to his teaching career and chose Kano as home. That decision alone has earned my deepest respect and admiration.

Our professional journeys eventually crossed paths in a remarkable way when I had the privilege of bringing the annual PR Week to my alma mater, Bayero University Kano. As I reflect on the successful delivery of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Workshop 2025, held at Bayero University Kano, I find it both necessary and deeply meaningful to place on record my personal appreciation for the invaluable contribution of Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu, who is now retiring from active service upon attaining the age of 70 years.

From the outset of the workshop themed “Beyond Masters of Ceremonies: The Strategic Role of Public Relations Officers for Institutional Growth and Stakeholders’ Trust,” Prof. Abdalla distinguished himself not only as a scholar of remarkable depth but also as a committed partner in institutional development. His intellectual engagement and presence added significant value to the programme’s overall success.

I recall with appreciation his active participation in the town-and-gown panel session, where he brought to bear his vast experience in media studies, cultural communication, and higher education governance. His contributions were not abstract academic reflections; they were practical, grounded insights that challenged participants to rethink the evolving role of public relations in a rapidly changing communication environment.

Throughout the engagement, Prof. Adamu consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge theory and practice. He helped situate public relations within broader questions of institutional trust, societal perception, and knowledge production. In doing so, he enriched the learning experience of Customs Public Relations Officers who participated in the workshop and broadened the intellectual horizon of the discourse.

On a personal note, I found his interventions particularly instructive in reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strategic communication as a tool for institutional legitimacy and stakeholder engagement. His calm disposition, clarity of thought, and depth of scholarship left a lasting impression on all participants.

As Professor Abdalla steps back from active service, we celebrate not only a distinguished career but a legacy: a legacy of rigorous scholarship, faithful service, and humane leadership. The students he taught and mentored, the colleagues he collaborated with, and the institutions he served bear the imprint of his wisdom. His writings and public engagements have helped to shape national discourses around media, culture, and education; his mentorship has created new generations of scholars and practitioners who will carry his influence forward.

On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit and in my personal capacity, I extend our profound gratitude for his willingness to honour our invitation and for generously sharing his time and expertise. The workshop’s success was unquestionably enhanced by his involvement. As he embarks upon retirement, I wish him robust health, abundant fulfilment, and continued relevance in national and global intellectual conversations.

May his retirement be a season of reflection, continued contribution, and joyous company with family and friends. The lights of classrooms and conference halls may dim for him in one sense, but his ideas, his mentorship, and his example will continue to illuminate minds and institutions for many years to come. 

Thank you, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, for your scholarship, your service, and your steadfast love for knowledge and community.

Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, is the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. He can be reached via abdullmaiwda@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

As part of efforts to ensure an inclusive Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Kano State Government has donated Sallah cows to persons with special needs and vulnerable homes across the state.
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The intervention, coordinated by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, saw six clusters of persons living with disabilities receive one cow each alongside N20,000 transport support.

The benefiting groups include persons with spinal cord injuries, persons living with albinism, persons affected by leprosy, the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, and persons with physical disabilities.

Speaking during the distribution ceremony at the Nassarawa Children’s Home, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, said the gesture reflects Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable residents in the state.

She noted that the administration considered it important for persons with special needs and other disadvantaged groups to celebrate the Sallah festivities with joy and dignity alongside their families.

According to her, the donation is part of the government’s broader humanitarian and inclusive governance agenda aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society.

The Director of Persons with Special Needs, Dr. Binta Bala, commended the ministry for sustaining initiatives targeted at improving the lives of vulnerable persons in Kano State.

In a similar gesture, the state government also presented one cow each to Nassarawa Children’s Home, Remand Home Goron Dutse, Kwalli VVF Centre, and Tudun Maliki Torrey Home to enable residents celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.


Representatives of the benefiting associations expressed appreciation to the governor and the ministry for the support, describing the intervention as timely. They also offered prayers for continued guidance and protection for the governor.

By Uzair Adam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has won the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries held in Kano State.

Announcing the outcome, chairman of the electoral committee, Dr. John Ayuba, said the exercise was successfully conducted across the 44 local government areas and 484 wards of the state.

The collated results showed that Atiku polled 155,595 votes to emerge ahead of other contenders. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen secured 15,914 votes, while Rotimi Amaechi received 9,994 votes.

Dr. Ayuba explained that the results would be forwarded to the party’s National Coalition Centre in Abuja for ratification and official confirmation of the party’s presidential candidate.

He urged party members to remain united and committed ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure the ADC produces Nigeria’s next president.

Meanwhile, the party has delayed the announcement of results for the Kano governorship primaries pending further directives from the national leadership.

The governorship race is being contested by Ibrahim Ali Amin Little and Malam Ibrahim Khalil, with the party reportedly considering a consensus arrangement to choose its candidate.

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed grief over a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 12 persons along the Kano–Katsina highway.

The fatal crash occurred on Monday night at Gidan Mutum Daya and involved a head-on collision between a trailer and a vehicle operating under a Public–Private Partnership arrangement with the Katsina State Transport Authority.

According to reports, six victims, including the driver, died instantly at the scene, while another six later lost their lives while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Two injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment at Katsina General Hospital, while five others who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged.

Governor Radda described the incident as heartbreaking, saying the state had lost valuable citizens in a painful and unfortunate circumstance.

He noted that the tragedy happened during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, a sacred period in Islam, which has further deepened the sorrow among grieving families and the Muslim community.

“We have lost precious lives in a heartbreaking and unfortunate circumstance. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and has plunged our state into mourning,” the governor said.

Radda prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also asking God to give their families the strength and patience to bear the loss.

He further urged motorists to obey traffic regulations and exercise caution on highways to prevent similar incidents.

The governor also extended condolences to the families of the victims, the management and staff of the Katsina State Transport Authority, and all those affected by the tragedy.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Governor of Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved a special Eid-el-Kabir goodwill package of N20,000 for civil servants in the state and across the 44 local government areas.

The gesture, announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary to the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, is intended to support workers ahead of the Sallah celebration. Beneficiaries include civil servants on Grade Levels 01 to 14 in state ministries and local government councils.

According to the statement, the intervention comes shortly after the payment of May 2026 salaries and reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare amid current economic challenges. The governor said the package is intended to ease financial pressure during the festive period and enable workers to celebrate with their families in comfort.

Governor Yusuf also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare and maintaining a productive public service, while extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to the people of Kano State.

By Anas Abbas

As Muslims prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, popularly known as Sallah, cattle dealers are expressing deep concern over poor patronage in major livestock markets despite the festive season drawing near.

Traditionally, the period before Sallah witnesses massive sales of rams, cows and camels as Muslim faithful purchase animals for sacrifice, which referred to as “Layya.” However, this year’s market atmosphere appears unusually quiet as many residents struggle with the harsh economic realities facing the country.

The Daily Reality (TDR) gathered that  several livestock markets revealed that while buyers troop to inspect animals and negotiate prices, only a few eventually make purchases. Traders say the situation is affecting their businesses seriously, leaving many uncertain about recovering the huge capital invested in the animals.

According to some sellers, the high cost of transportation, feeding and insecurity along supply routes has forced prices upward, making it difficult for average Nigerians to afford livestock for the religious exercise.

A cattle dealer, Musa Ibrahim, lamented that sales this season are far below expectations compared to previous years.

“In the past, people would buy animals weeks before Sallah, but now many only come to ask for prices and leave because they cannot afford them,” he said.

Mallam Ibrahim Indabo, a cattle dealer at Wudil Market, told TDR that most buyers now prefer medium-sized cows priced between N500,000 and N700,000, rather than the bigger ones valued at about N2.5 million.
He explained that the economic hardship has forced many customers to settle for affordable options.

“I sold more than 10 medium-sized cows during the last Wudil market day, leaving me mainly with the bigger ones,” he said.

At Maigatari Market, TDR observed that livestock prices remain relatively stable and affordable contrary to public expectations.
Speaking with TDR, Mallam Inuwa Yahaya of Maigatari said many people wrongly believe the prices are beyond reach.

“Some people think the prices are too high and unaffordable, but the slow sales and lack of money in the hands of the people have actually helped stabilize prices,” he stated.

Similarly, at Ungogo Market in Kano, Alhaji Chika confirmed to TDR that business activities have been moving slowly.

According to him, traders are still optimistic that patronage will improve significantly as Sallah draws closer.
“The market is moving slowly for now, but we expect better sales and more customers when Sallah is just two days away,” he said.

Some prospective buyers who spoke also admitted that they are finding it difficult to balance household expenses with the desire to fulfill the religious obligation.
A civil servant, Abdullahi Sani, noted that many families are now considering contributing money jointly to buy a single animal due to the high prices.

Experts say the increasing cost of commodities, fuel prices and general inflation continue to reduce disposable income among citizens, forcing many households to prioritize basic needs over festive spending.

Despite the slow sales, traders remain hopeful that patronage may improve as Sallah draws closer, as many buyers traditionally wait until the final days before making purchases.

Nevertheless, the mood across several livestock markets remains mixed, with sellers anxiously watching and hoping for better turnout in the days ahead.

By Uzair Adam

Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje, son of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency in Kano State under the New Democratic Coalition (NDC).

The Daily Reality reports that Abdulaziz’s decision to obtain the NDC nomination form marks a significant political shift from the Ganduje family’s long-standing ties with the APC and signals his alignment with the political movement of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

A video circulating on social media showed Abdulaziz speaking about his political ambition and his engagement with Kwankwaso, further fueling speculations about his growing involvement in the Kwankwasiyya political camp.

The NDC, which was recently adopted by Kwankwaso following his reported exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to gain momentum across Kano State with increasing support from political actors and grassroots mobilisers.

Political observers believe Abdulaziz’s entry into the race could intensify competition in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially with expectations of a keen contest between the NDC and the ruling APC.

Analysts also say the development may further reshape political alliances in Kano and deepen the rivalry between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the APC structure in the state.

By Uzair Adam

Frontline health workers in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have been trained on how to respond to rising cases of heat-related illnesses, with particular focus on protecting pregnant women and other vulnerable groups from the effects of extreme heat.

The intervention comes amid growing concern over rising temperatures across Kano State and northern Nigeria, with health experts warning that extreme heat is becoming a serious public health challenge.

They note that pregnant women, children, the elderly and people living with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications.

The training, organised by the Climate Resilience Action Group (CRAG) with support from the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT), was held at Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre.

Speaking during the programme, the team lead of CRAG, Dr. Bashir Isa Waziri, said the initiative was designed to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to climate-sensitive diseases, especially during periods of extreme heat.

He explained that primary healthcare workers were targeted because they serve as the first point of contact for patients, particularly in rural communities.

“We are trying to empower them with knowledge and skills to recognise climate health risks and climate-sensitive diseases, especially during extreme heat season, and how they can respond appropriately to such conditions,” he said.

Dr. Waziri added that CRAG is also implementing climate awareness programmes in schools, alongside environmental interventions such as tree planting and innovative waste management, to strengthen long-term community resilience.

One of the facilitators, Dr. Maryam Ahmad Said, a Physician Specialist with the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust and member of CRAG, said pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups affected by extreme heat.

She explained that rising temperatures could lead to serious maternal health complications, including preterm labour, miscarriages, stillbirths and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

“We talked about the effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women, children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases such as sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

Dr. Maryam stressed that awareness and health education remain key to preventing heat-related illnesses.

“The most important thing is awareness. People need to know the symptoms of extreme heat on the body, such as excessive sweating, dry mouth and palpitations,” she added.

She advised residents to drink water regularly, wear light and loose clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, particularly between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Another facilitator, Dr. Aisha Adam Abdullahi, also sensitised participants on climate-related diseases and preventive measures during extreme weather conditions.

One of the participants, Muhammad Naziru Adamu, described the training as timely, saying health workers had long needed capacity building on climate-health issues.

He added that participants would share the knowledge gained with colleagues and members of the community to improve awareness of heat-related health risks.

The programme also featured a tree-planting campaign at Government Girls Arabic Senior Secondary School, Tofa, where selected students were introduced as “climate ambassadors” responsible for nurturing and protecting the trees.

The Vice Principal Administration of the school, Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad, commended CRAG for selecting the school for the intervention, saying it would improve the learning environment.

He pledged the school’s commitment to ensuring proper care of the trees planted during the campaign.

By Uzair Adam

Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kano were on Wednesday trained on plastic waste recycling and empowered with tools and cash support as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and improve livelihoods among vulnerable groups.

The training, organised by SFC Training Academy in partnership with the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative, and Dube Charity Foundation, focused on turning plastic waste into economic opportunities for women, widows and persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of SFC Training Academy, Dr. Sani Hussaini, said the initiative was designed to integrate persons with disabilities into the circular economy through practical recycling skills.

According to him, many people living with disabilities are often excluded from empowerment programmes despite their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

“We are here today to train participants on waste-to-wealth initiatives. These participants are largely drawn from persons with disabilities because they have often been left behind in many programmes,” he said.

Dr. Hussaini explained that the organisers secured support from partners and sponsors, including the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, who sponsored participants with working tools and financial support.

“He provided weighing scales, hand gloves, face masks, reflective vests and also donated N20,000 cash support to each participant. This gesture is highly commendable and the participants are very happy,” he added.

He noted that although the organisers initially planned for about 70 beneficiaries, over 135 people turned up for the training, describing the response as encouraging.

The coordinator further revealed that the academy plans to establish a database of participants and support the best-performing beneficiaries by enrolling their children back in school.

He added that the organisers also intend to connect participants with companies such as Coca-Cola to enable them combine recycling with small-scale beverage businesses for sustainable income generation.

Dr. Hussaini said the initiative was also aimed at addressing economic hardship by providing vulnerable persons with alternative means of livelihood.

“If someone can sell just a few packs of water daily and retain the plastic bottles for recycling, they can earn a sustainable income monthly. This can significantly improve their standard of living,” he said.

He added that the academy was established to equip youths and vulnerable persons with practical skills in cleaning, recycling, pest control and waste management.

“We want to take youths off the streets by providing this kind of training. We are calling on meaningful individuals and organisations to partner with us so that we can scale up these interventions,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the founder of the Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim Foundation, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Muhammad Nazir Zakari described the initiative as timely and impactful.

He said the training was particularly important because it targeted persons with special needs drawn from different communities and equipped them with skills and empowerment support to start small businesses and sustain themselves.

“The training and empowerment will help them to start businesses and become self-reliant. This is not the first time the foundation has supported initiatives like this,” he said.

Zakari expressed excitement over the turnout of participants, noting that the gathering reflected growing awareness among persons with disabilities about opportunities for self-development and economic empowerment.

He commended Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim for his commitment to environmental sustainability, social inclusion and improving the lives of vulnerable people through consistent support for empowerment programmes.

Also speaking, the Director of Persons with Special Needs at the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Binta Bala, described the programme as a laudable initiative capable of reducing hardship and promoting inclusion.

“To be sincere, this is a very good initiative. If properly utilised, it will reduce hardship, create jobs and strengthen inclusion of persons with disabilities in society,” she said.

Dr. Bala stated that economic empowerment helps reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities by enabling them to participate actively in community life.

“When your economy is balanced, you can freely mingle with anyone. Nobody will stigmatise or discriminate against you,” she added.

She noted that the Kano State Government had introduced several laws and policies to support the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, including empowerment and advocacy programmes.

The director recalled that the ministry recently collaborated with a development partner to train 169 women on recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives, including 26 women with disabilities who were supported with starter packs and financial inclusion services.

In his remarks, Mustapha Usman, a coordinator with the Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative and member of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, expressed appreciation to the organisers.

“This is something very tangible that we have rarely seen in our community. It is an empowerment that can make people with special needs self-reliant and successful,” he said.

He prayed for continued support for organisations and individuals working to uplift vulnerable persons in society.

By Uzair Adam

The chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, Tijjani Amiru Bilyaminu, has directed the closure of Al-Hadeed Private School following allegations involving one of the school’s teachers.

The action followed the arraignment of a teacher, popularly known as Uncle Kamal, before a magistrate’s court over allegations of sexually abusing four pupils.

Speaking on the development, the council chairman said the closure would remain in effect pending further investigations and legal proceedings.

He stated that the measure was aimed at ensuring justice and protecting the rights of children.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding children against all forms of abuse, warning that anyone found violating such rights would face legal consequences.

During the court session on Monday, the prosecution counsel, Badamasi Gandu, told the court that medical examinations conducted on the children confirmed evidence of assault.

The court subsequently ordered that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until June 6 for further hearing.