Kano

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Rabi’u, a Senior Special Reporter attached to the Ministry of Transportation, over what the government described as unguarded and inflammatory remarks.

The suspension followed a recent statement issued by Rabi’u, in which he allegedly spoke on the rumoured defection of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement, which surfaced on Saturday, was widely circulated and attributed to Kwankwaso — a claim both the former governor and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have since disowned.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, announced the suspension on Saturday, stating that a query has also been issued to the aide.

In a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Yusuf, the government firmly distanced itself from the claim, noting that the controversial statement was made solely by Rabi’u and not on behalf of the state government.

The government reiterated that only the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Waiya, is authorised to speak for the government, while the Director General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, speaks for the Governor.

“All political appointees are hereby cautioned against making unauthorised public statements, especially those outside their official jurisdiction,” the statement said.

It added that clearance must be obtained before issuing any comment on matters of public concern or politically sensitive issues.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has kicked off a major healthcare initiative in Kano State, offering free emergency medical services to indigent patients—beginning with the accreditation of Dala Orthopaedic Hospital under the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

At the official unveiling on Friday, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Nurudeen Isa, described the move as a significant milestone in the administration’s health agenda.

He noted that the facility would now offer 48 hours of free emergency care to underprivileged patients brought in from any part of the state.

“Today marks a new chapter in emergency healthcare delivery—one where the poor no longer have to suffer or die in silence due to lack of funds,” Dr. Isa said.

Funded through the Federation Account, NEMSAS was established to ensure that Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable, receive timely and life-saving emergency treatment.

The program targets cases such as road traffic accidents, obstetric complications, snake bites, gunshot wounds, and other urgent conditions.

Dr. Isa revealed that Dala Orthopaedic is the first accredited facility in Kano under this scheme, with more public and private hospitals expected to follow soon.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health at the event, Dr. Emuren Doubra, Head of Operations at NEMSAS, said the initiative is sustained through a statutory allocation—5% of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund—as mandated by the National Health Act.

“Our goal is to eliminate financial barriers during emergencies. We’re partnering with both private and public hospitals to ensure that poor Nigerians aren’t left stranded when minutes matter most,” he said.

The program is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and falls under the broader National Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative, led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

To facilitate prompt response, the initiative includes a fleet of ambulances equipped with medical gear and staffed by professionals, working in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to transport emergency patients from any location in the state.

“These ambulances are mobile emergency units. They begin treatment at the scene and alert hospitals in advance so preparations can start immediately,” said Dr. Doubra.

One of the program’s early beneficiaries, Aliyu Andul, shared his story. After a severe accident, he was advised in hospitals across Enugu and Lagos to undergo leg amputation. But receiving care at Dala Hospital changed everything.

“I was told my leg should be amputated. But when I came here, I got better treatment. I am now recovering—you can see I am standing,” he said, expressing gratitude for the free treatment.

The initiative is expected to scale up across Kano State, setting a new standard for emergency healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) has announced the closure of two female hostels in Kano State due to security and disciplinary issues.

In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Hamza Garba, the institution’s Vice President of Campus Life, disclosed that the university had withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female hostels situated along UDB Road and Hotoro in the Kano metropolis.

“I am directed by the management to write, inform, and bring to the attention of our esteemed parents and students that the university has withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female students hostels located at UDB Road and Hotoro,” the statement read.

According to Dr. Garba, the hostels had failed to meet the university’s standards regarding the operation of private accommodations for students.

He stated that several infractions had been observed, including immoral conduct, insufficient access to water and electricity, incidents of student violence, movement of students during late hours, and cohabitation with unidentified individuals.

“These issues pose a serious threat to the well-being of our students,” he added.

The university reiterateed that the decision was part of its broader efforts to ensure students live in a safe and morally sound environment.

All students residing in the affected hostels have been directed to move out immediately after the ongoing semester examinations.

The university cautioned them against returning to or having any connection with the hostels for their own protection.

“Management is working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure total compliance with the directive,” the statement added.

Parents and students seeking information on authorized and safe hostel alternatives have been advised to contact the Office of the Vice President, Campus Life, via the official email address — vp-campuslife@maaun.edu.ng.

MAAUN also made it clear that it would not be liable for any consequences that may arise from ignoring this directive.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Sale Bala and Abdullahi Tahir Hamisu for failing to declare $86,500, 305,150 Saudi Riyal, 560,000 CFA, and 200 Euros at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The duo were arraigned before Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Kano, on three counts of money laundering under Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecution counsel Musa Isah urged the court to convict them accordingly. Justice Shuaibu found them guilty and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds to the Federal Government.

The first defendant, Bala, was arrested by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on April 27, 2025, while attempting to clear an unaccompanied baggage labeled as “bedsheets,” which concealed the currencies.

Investigations revealed he was to deliver the consignment to Hamisu, who was also arrested upon arrival.

Both were handed over to the EFCC for prosecution.

The third suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar Saeed, remains at large.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has approved the sum of ₦3 billion for the payment of National Examinations Council (NECO) examination fees for students in public secondary schools across the state.

This initiative, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aims to support thousands of students by removing financial barriers to completing their secondary education. 

Stakeholders and social media commentators have praised the decision, describing it as a significant step towards promoting educational equity and youth development in the state.

More details later…

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government says it inherited multimillion-naira water facilities in a state of disrepair and vandalism from the previous administration led by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje—an issue it blames for the persistent water shortages across the state.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Haruna Doguwa, made this known while leading journalists on a tour of major water works.

He cited the Kano water works built in 1930 and the Challawa water works established in 2016 by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso among the affected facilities, alleging they were abandoned and vandalized during Ganduje’s tenure.

Doguwa revealed that over 12 kilometers of water pipelines connecting the Kano River to these facilities were uprooted, while critical equipment such as control room devices and raw pumps were stolen.

He estimated the total cost of restoring the facilities at around \$10 million.

“The first water works had a 20-million-litre daily capacity before it was vandalized in 2016, resulting in severe water scarcity in the state. The damage there alone is worth about \$3.5 million,” he said.

He also noted that the Intel 6 water facility, with a 350-million-litre daily capacity and responsible for half of Kano’s water supply, was similarly vandalized, with pumps worth about N500 million each allegedly sold off.

Currently, the state only manages to produce 300 million cubic meters of water daily, far short of the 700 million required.

To address the shortfall, the government is working to rehabilitate the affected facilities and expand the Wudil and Joda water works.

Once completed, Doguwa said water production would increase to 500 million cubic meters per day.

The Managing Director of the Kano State Water Board, Garba Ahmed, also highlighted that key areas such as Dorayi, Kofar Pompo, Kabuga Rijiyar Zaki, Janguza, BUK, and Goron Dutse are among the worst hit by the ongoing crisis.

In a related move to control exploitation, Doguwa met with leaders of tanker drivers and water vendors to propose fixed rates for water sales.

He gave a seven-day deadline to reach an agreement on fair pricing for tank and jerrycan water supplies.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old woman, Saudat Jibril, for allegedly killing her 30-year-old husband, Salisu Idris, by slitting his throat with a sharp knife.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, at their residence in Farawa Quarters.

Upon receiving a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, immediately dispatched detectives to the scene.

The victim was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Saudat Jibril is currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and will be charged with culpable homicide.

CP Bakori warned that the police will not tolerate violent crimes in the state, assuring the public of a thorough investigation and swift justice.

By Ummi Muhammad Hassan

Following the ban by Hisbah on a new song titled “Amana Ta” by Hamisu Breaker, social media went into an uproar, capturing the attention of the public.

In the early hours of April 24, 2025, social media was filled with reactions following a press statement issued by the Deputy Commander of the Hisbah Board, Kano State chapter, Dr. Khadija Sagir, announcing the ban of Breaker’s new song. The reason cited was that the song allegedly contains obscene language.

This announcement, however, triggered a counterreaction from the public. Many became curious to know more about the song and the so-called obscene content, with some taking to their social media handles to express their opinions.

The irony of the situation is that Hisbah unintentionally gave the song more prominence, causing it to go viral. Many people who were previously unaware of the song searched for and listened to it, just to understand the controversy.

In my opinion, after listening to the song, it contains no obscene language. Rather, the issue seems to lie with some young women who mimed the song in a suggestive manner after hearing that Hisbah had labelled it as indecent—as though to dramatize or reinforce the claim. Some even appeared as if they were intoxicated.

To me, this is both devastating and concerning, as it reflects the erosion of the strong moral standards once upheld by Hausa women. Many young people are now making videos lip-synching the song in indecent ways. It made me pause and ask myself: where has our shyness gone? I believe this question deserves a deeper conversation on another day.

In Breaker’s case, thanks to the Hisbah ban, he became the most trending Kannywood artist in April, and his song went viral—and continues to trend.

A similar incident occurred earlier this year when the federal government banned Idris Abdulkareem’s song “Tell Your Papa.” That action unexpectedly brought the artist back into the spotlight, causing the song to trend widely.

Social media has made censorship increasingly difficult. Once a movie, text, or song reaches the internet, it becomes almost impossible to control—even by the creators themselves.

While social media censorship remains a challenge, this recent incident highlights the need for the government to intensify efforts against the spread of indecent content—through Hisbah and agencies like the Kano State Film Censorship Board.

Clear guidelines should be put in place, requiring artists and filmmakers to submit their content for review and approval before public release. This, among other strategies, could help reduce the spread of inappropriate material.

Additionally, Hisbah should be more mindful of how such announcements are made, as they may inadvertently promote the very content they seek to suppress.

Ummi Muhammad Hassan, Ph.D., is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano. She can be reached via email at: ummeemuhammadhassan@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

The Kano State Executive Council has approved an over N51 billion for critical infrastructure and public service delivery projects across the state, as part of the administration’s efforts to enhance socio-economic development.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa following the 27th Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, 28th April 2025.

According to the statement, the Council gave the green light for multiple key projects, including major road rehabilitations, installation of traffic systems, expansion of public buildings, and electrification upgrades.

Part of the approvals is the release of N5.4 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of roads stretching from Mumbayya House to Tal’udu Junction, Gadon Kaya, Yahaya Gusau Road, and Sharada Road.

Another N3.4 billion was set aside for the provision of wireless solar traffic lights across Kano metropolitan under the Urban Renewal Program.

Additional funds were approved for the construction of Miller Road to Mission Road and the renovation of key public facilities, including the Kano Educational Resources Department and the Governor’s Lodge in Kaduna.

The Council also approved N1.46 billion for the upgrading and modernization of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy located in Sharada Phase I Industrial Layout.

“These approvals highlighted the administration’s commitment to sustainable urban development and improved public service delivery,” the statement revealed.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Nigerian scholar Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu has officially announced the publication of his new book, Hausa Cinema of Northern Nigeria: Cultural Imperialism and Censorship, a landmark work that explores the development, politics, and aesthetics of Hausa-language film across West Africa.

Published by Bloomsbury, the book is the product of over twenty years of research spanning multiple countries and academic disciplines. Rather than focusing solely on the popular commercial industry known as “Kannywood,” Adamu takes a broader approach, examining Hausa cinema in its many forms—including diaspora productions, documentaries, art films, and digital series.

“This is not just about Kannywood,” Adamu explained. “It’s about Hausa cultural expression wherever it exists, rooted in Islamicate values and media flows across the Global South.”

Completed in 2010, the manuscript faced delays and was almost shelved. However, a 2023 conference presentation and a meal hosted by Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, where Adamu jokingly called the large waina “one terabyte,” in Cologne, Germany, reignited interest, leading to its acceptance and revision. 

The final version, praised by scholars such as Graham Furniss and Brian Larkin, will be released in July 2025.

Though priced at $130, Adamu plans to publish a locally accessible companion book titled Kannywood: A Brief Introduction later this year in Kano. It will be tailored for readers interested in a concise, less theoretical overview.

With this announcement, Hausa cinema gains its most comprehensive and scholarly treatment, firmly placing it in the global conversation about media and culture.