Kano

 By Uzair Adam Imam 

“Mu Farka Youth Development Initiative,” in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and UNICEF, orchestrated an event that brought unparalleled joy to the faces of over two hundred children in Kano.  

The grand enrollment ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Kano State Hisbah Board, Kano Municipal, unfolding a new chapter of education and sparking excitement and hope among the children and their families. 

Nura Ahmad Muhammad, the Executive Director of Mu Farka Youth Development Initiative, radiated enthusiasm as he spoke about the collaborative effort with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and UNICEF.  

The foundation’s achievement involved enrolling more than 240 children, a significant number of whom were Almajiri and girls who had discontinued their studies for various reasons. 

As a beacon of educational empowerment, Mu Farka did not merely open the doors to classrooms but generously provided the children with essential reading materials, school bags, uniforms, and books.  

The foundation has placed education at the forefront of its initiatives.

This includes specialised programmes designed to teach the girl child and Almajiri various businesses, all while ensuring their protection from any form of abuse.  

Moreover, the foundation takes on the responsibility of safeguarding the health and well-being of these budding scholars. 

Nura Ahmad Muhammad urged the government to lend its support to such noble initiatives, emphasising the significant role communities play in nurturing the moral upbringing of children. 

The collaborative effort of Mu Farka, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and UNICEF showcased the potential for positive change when organisations and communities unite for a common cause. 

The jubilant voices of the children echoed stories of newfound joy and opportunity 

Fatima Tijjani from Dukawa, overwhelmed with happiness, expressed gratitude for being enrolled in school and fervently prayed for continued assistance from Allah.

She also appealed to the government to promote and support similar programmes. 

Usman Muhammad, another excited beneficiary, pledged to do his best to make the most of the educational opportunity presented to him.  

Zainab Sa`ad Muhammad, who had to pause her education due to financial constraints, now revels in the happiness of returning to the classroom. 

Students have their choices – Hajiya Jamila 

One notable aspect of Mu Farka’s initiative was affording the children the liberty to choose the school they wished to attend.  

Hajiya Jamila Garba Umar, expressing her excitement, affirmed the importance of considering proximity to prevent future challenges associated with transportation. 

Sheikh Nasir Abdullahi, the Imam of the Al-Hamsad Juma`a Mosque, applauded the event and called upon the government and affluent individuals in the community to join hands in supporting such impactful programs. 

He stressed the crucial role parents play in ensuring that the children enrolled in school continue their educational journey.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command outlined its commitment to fostering peace and security as the year 2023 approaches its final hours. 

This was announced in a statement released by the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, via his official Facebook handle. 

According to Kiyawa, a community-based approach is needed to tackle criminal activities, especially violent and associated crimes in the state. 

CP Gumel stated that the new strategy aims to eliminate bottlenecks and encourages residents to provide timely information and intelligence on suspected individuals within their communities.

The command has actively engaged with traditional and religious leaders to mobilise support from residents, urging them to collaborate with the police in the fight against crime. 

“There is no more space for any form of criminality in our area of supervision as competent intelligence officers have been deployed in and out side the metropolis round the clock to build confidence of the people and beep up the desired security relentlessly,” revealed CP Gumel during the press briefing.

Emphasising a zero-tolerance stance on criminality, the CP urged the public to continue volunteering information to the nearest security outfits for prompt action.

Area commanders and Division Police Officers have been briefed on specific security measures to be implemented in their respective areas, ensuring a continued atmosphere of peace, especially during the Yuletide season and the transition into the new year. 

As a final note, CP Gumel extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Kano State, expressing optimism for a new year filled with hope, aspirations, and opportunities.

The CP conveyed a message of joy, peace, and prosperity, echoing the sentiments of the entire Officers and Men of the Kano State Police Command. 

The Kano State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of residents and maintaining peace across the state. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command apprehended nine suspects accused of engaging in inter-state trafficking, abduction, and the illicit buying and selling of minors. 

The arrests were announced by the State Police Commissioner, Usaini Gumel, during a press conference held at the Bompai command’s headquarters on Thursday. 

Gumel revealed that the suspects were captured following a series of intelligence-led operations, successfully dismantling long-standing inter-state trafficking syndicates operating in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states. 

The commissioner highlighted the commendable efforts of the police’s dedicated team in identifying and neutralising these criminal networks that had evaded authorities for over a decade. 

A total of seven victims, predominantly minors, were rescued from the clutches of these criminal activities, shedding light on the dark underworld of child trafficking. 

Gumel disclosed that rescued children, aged between three and eight, were reportedly sold at prices ranging from N300,000 to N600,000, depending on their ages. 

During investigations, it was revealed that a victim named Mohammed Ilya, originally abducted from Bauchi but renamed Chidiebere, was recently sold in Nnewi, Anambra State. 

The police commissioner noted the gravity of the situation and pledged to collaborate with the state government to ensure the safe return and reunification of all abducted children with their families. 

He reassured the public that the Kano State Police Command, under his leadership, had implemented reinforced security measures to eradicate this menace once and for all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ghali Umar Na”Abba, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, passed away early Wednesday in Abuja.

Sources indicate he succumbed to a brief illness at an Abuja hospital. 

Born on September 27, 1958, into the family of businessman Umar Na’Abba in Tudun Wada, Kano City, Na’Abba, a political science graduate from Ahmadu Bello University in 1979, left a notable mark on Nigerian politics. 

His early education at Jakara Primary School, Kano, and later at Rumfa College and the School of Preliminary Studies, Kano, paved the way for admission to Ahmadu Bello University in 1976.

In 2004, he capped his educational journey with a postgraduate programme on leadership and good governance at Harvard University.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended Bahago Afa, a suspected criminal ring leader, along with six associates, on charges of armed robbery. 

This comes after Bahago Afa, who had reportedly repented recently, was rearrested by the police. 

The State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, revealed the development during a Friday parade. 

Gumel noted the successful neutralization of criminal networks that had contributed to thuggery, armed robbery, and various criminal activities in the state. 

Addressing the press, Gumel stated, “Already, there are over 700 repentant criminals on our lists, and anybody among them that dares to go back will be declared an enemy of peace just like Bahago Afa and others.” 

He added, “Today, we have taken care of Daba ‘thuggery,’ but they are today carrying out robbery activities, and conducting an organized crime that is now nothing but robbery.” 

Gumel said the commitment of the police to maintaining peace, urging citizens to assist in the apprehension of the remaining 72 individuals declared as enemies of peace.

“Anywhere police or any other person sees them, they should arrest them and bring them before the police,” he declared.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The atmosphere in the School of Technology at Kano State Polytechnic was engulfed with anticipation as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUP) election unfolded. 

Lecturers from all six branches of the polytechnic gathered to participate in the democratic process that would determine the leadership of the union for the next two years. 

The electoral committee had meticulously planned and organised the election, adhering to the constitutional provisions and code of conduct of the union. 

According to a letter dated December 15, 2023, from Malam Sulaiman Abdurrahman, the election was a mandatory biennial event, ensuring a regular turnover of leadership within the union. 

As the clock struck 8:00 p.m., the election kicked off with the candidates for the chairmanship position taking centre stage. 

Dr. Badamasi Inuwa from the Department of Life Science, SOT; Engineer Shehu Saikay from the Department of Electrical Engineering, SOT; and Bashir Umar Faruq from SGS all vied for the coveted role. 

The voting process proceeded smoothly as lecturers patiently waited in line to cast their votes, exercising their right to choose their representatives. 

Malam Sulaiman Abdurrahman, the secretary of the electoral committee, ensured that the election was conducted transparently and in accordance with the established guidelines. 

The election, scheduled to conclude by 3:00 am, saw lecturers patiently waiting to cast their votes, demonstrating a commitment to the democratic principles upon which the union was founded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Engausa, a prominent digital skills learning centre located in Unit E35/36 Technology Incubation Centre, Farm Centre, Kano, Nigeria, has announced the commencement of registrations for its upcoming ENGAUSA CATCH THEM YOUNG classes.

The classes, tailored for children, will be conducted during school holidays, providing a unique opportunity for young learners to enhance their digital skills in an engaging and educational environment. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to enrol their children, especially those who participated in the previous vacation classes.

This allows them to continue building on the knowledge and skills they acquired during their previous sessions. 

The digital skills learning centre emphasises the urgency of registration, urging interested parents to act promptly to secure a spot for their children in the upcoming classes.

With a commitment to fostering early exposure to digital literacy, Engausa aims to equip young minds with essential skills for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Engausa’s initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting technology education and creating a foundation for future innovators.

As the classes are anticipated to fill up quickly, prospective participants are advised to register promptly to ensure their inclusion in this valuable educational opportunity. 

For further details and registration, interested parties can contact Engausa through the following phone numbers: 07038224643, 0701 513 0683, or 0708 886 1618.

Alternatively, interested persons can visit the official website at EngausaHub.com or EngausaAcademy.com for comprehensive information on the programmes offered.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The people of the Agadasawa community in Kano State were in profound mourning after a fire broke out and destroyed a house, killing a woman and her four children. 

The tragic incident, which has sparked sympathy from thousands of people across the state, was said to have occurred at midnight on Wednesday while the deceased were asleep. 

The deceased, Zainab, and her four children, Amatullahi, Amaturrahman, Safiyya, and Muhammad, were family members of a Kano businessman, Ado Muhammad Uba. 

A relative, Jazuli Jibril Aminu, reported that the tragic incident occurred when electricity was restored and the woman forgot to turn off the refrigerator she had plugged in, which caused the gas cylinder to explode. 

According to Aminu, Zainab frantically tried to save her children from the fire, but her efforts were sadly in vain. 

“Upon realising the fire outbreak, the mother, in her attempt to rescue her four children, couldn’t see the way. 

“So, being a mother, she decided to put all the children beneath her so that the fire could burn only her. 

“Sadly, all the clothes she was wearing burned in her body, and the children also got burned,” Aminu disclosed. 

Attempts to save the victims were in vain 

Aminu, who described the incident as a terrible tragedy, said the victims were rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital. 

However, one of the children sadly passed away on the way to the hospital.

Two days later, two more children followed, leaving only their mother and one child. 

While receiving treatment, Zainab, the mother, also passed away on Friday, and the last child died the following day. 

My cousin is in a state of complete family loss 

“This family belongs to my cousin, who, Allah the WISEST, tested with a complete family loss. The husband, Baba Ado, had gone to work in another state when he tragically lost his entire family. 

“Baba Ado is now left with neither family nor wealth, for everything in the house has burned to ashes. Ya Rabb, Ya Rahman, and Ya Razzaq, come to the rescue of Baba Ado. This is a very serious test. Please, brothers and sisters, pray for them and Baba Ado.” 

Pray for me and my family—husband 

Ado Muhammad, the husband, found it difficult to speak in detail about the incident when he was contacted by the Daily Reality. 

Muhammad rather pleaded with people to include him in their prayers so that he could cope with the loss and to also pray for his family members. 

He said, “I take this as a test of faith. So, I ask my fellow Muslims to pray for me so that I can cope with this loss and pray for my family.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. 

The tribunal had declared Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the March 18th, 2023 election, deducting over 165,000 votes from Yusuf’s tally due to alleged lack of proper endorsements on the ballot papers. 

In a notice of appeal filed by his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Yusuf argues that the tribunal made a significant error in its analysis of the evidence presented by the APC. 

According to the appeal, the analysis conducted by the APC’s own witness only identified 1,886 ballots without proper endorsements, a stark contrast to the 165,616 deducted by the tribunal. 

The appeal argues that the tribunal erroneously deducted over 165,000 votes from Yusuf’s tally due to a misunderstanding of the evidence presented. 

It claims that the analysis conducted by the APC’s witness identified only 1,886 ballots lacking proper endorsements, significantly less than the number deducted. 

The appeal further clarifies that even among the ballots flagged, many had partial endorsements like signatures or stamps, not justifying their complete removal. 

The appeal emphasizes that all the disputed ballots carried official markings like the INEC logo, coat of arms, and serial numbers, confirming their legitimacy. 

Governor Yusuf’s legal team is confident that the Supreme Court will recognize the errors in the tribunal’s decision and restore his rightful victory.

The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for the political landscape of Kano state and could set a precedent for future election disputes. 

The Supreme Court is yet to schedule a hearing for the appeal.

Both parties will present their arguments to the justices, who will then issue a final ruling on the matter.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In what appears to be what the Hausa people describe as “nakasa ba kasawa ba ce” (roughly translated into English as “a disability doesn’t make one disabled”) Engausa Global Tech Hub, a leading institution dedicated to imparting digital skills mainly in Hausa, recently recognised the extraordinary achievements of Halima, a graduate described as a “person living with unique abilities.” 

This was made known in a Facebook post by the digital skills institution today.

During the Engausa Startup Friday programme held at the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) conference centre, Halima’s brilliance stood out among her peers. 

The guest of honour, Mal. Kabiru Umar, the Technology Incubation Centre Manager, presented her with an award—a set of smartphone repair tool kits. 

Halima’s recognition was not just a testament to her academic accomplishments but also highlighted the inclusive and empowering initiatives fostered by the ENGAUSA Global Tech Hub. 

In an emotionally charged moment, Mal. Kabiru Umar praised Halima’s dedication and aptitude, noting the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive tech community. 

The award for the smartphone repair tool kit symbolises not only Halima’s academic prowess but also her potential to significantly contribute to the technology landscape. 

As the news of Halima’s recognition spreads, it serves as an inspiration for others, reaffirming the commitment of the ENGAUSA Global Tech Hub to empower individuals from all walks of life. 

Halima’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of digital skills education and the possibilities that open up when technology is made accessible to everyone.