Kano

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to suspend the operations of AREWA24 television station in Kano over allegations of misrepresenting Hausa culture and traditions in its film content.

The group also commended the Kano State Film Censorship Board for banning over 20 Hausa films aired on AREWA24 and other stations.

Speaking at a two-day event organized by the Sardauna Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, Alhaji Danjuma Hassan, a member of ACF from Kano, praised the censorship board for its action.

He urged Governor Yusuf to shut down AREWA24’s illegal operations on the premises of Kano’s state-owned television station, ARTV.

Hassan further called on President Tinubu to impose a nationwide ban on AREWA24 for broadcasting without a valid license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

He accused the station of violating NBC regulations, advertising laws (ARCON), tax laws, and Nigeria’s local content policies, which he claimed harm the interests of Kano residents, Northwestern Nigerians, and the nation at large.

He alleged that the station, owned by an American Jew, has profited over $200 million from advertisements in Kano while disregarding Nigerian laws and policies meant to protect local investors and Hausa cultural values.

The Kano State Film Censorship Board recently banned 22 Hausa films, including popular titles like Labarina and Dadin Kowa, citing violations of broadcasting regulations.

The board’s chairman, Abba El-Mustapha, stated that the producers failed to submit their films for mandatory review before public release.

Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, the board’s spokesperson, confirmed the suspension, warning that legal action would follow if the directive was ignored.

He urged NBC and other media regulators to support the board’s efforts in enforcing censorship laws to promote ethical film production in Kannywood.

The banned films include: Dakin Amarya, Mashahuri, Gidan Sarauta, Wasiyya, Tawakkaltu, Mijina, Wani Zamani, Mallaka, Kudin Ruwa, Boka Ko Malam, Wa Yasan Gobe, Rana Dubu, Manyan Mata, Fatake, Gwarwashi, Jamilun Jiddan, Shahadar Nabila, Tabarma, Kishiyata, and Rigar Aro.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to upholding cultural values in Hausa film production and urged broadcasters to comply with censorship guidelines to ensure industry growth.

This move is part of the Kano State government’s broader efforts to sanitize and restructure the Kannywood film industry, promoting discipline and cultural integrity in media content.

The banned films, widely viewed on television and social media, have sparked public debate on the role of censorship in regulating entertainment content.

The board insists on strict adherence to cultural and ethical standards in Hausa filmmaking.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating malaria as it officially flagged off the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) Campaign and Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) distribution in Madobi Local Government Area.

The event, held at Burji Primary Health Centre on Monday, was attended by key government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who represented the Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf, in his address delivered by the Deputy Governor, said the administration remains dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of Kano residents, stressing that malaria elimination is a top priority in its health agenda.

This development was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar, on Tuesday.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.

He noted that several primary health care centres have been renovated under the current administration, with free medical services now available to residents.

Dr. Labaran further stated that the Ministry of Health is committed to closely monitoring healthcare facilities to ensure effective service delivery. He assured that more health centres would benefit from similar interventions in the coming months.

The campaign is aimed at protecting thousands of children and vulnerable groups from malaria, especially during the peak transmission season.

This includes administering preventive medications and distributing insecticide-treated nets across the state.

The programme is part of broader reforms in the health sector, targeting improved outcomes through preventive care and increased access to essential services.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has launched Nigeria’s first Triple Elimination Programme aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis from mothers to their babies.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Kano to commemorate the 2025 World Hepatitis Day with the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break it Down.”

Dr. Yusuf said the state government has released N95 million for the procurement of test kits and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) for pregnant women who test positive for Hepatitis B.

He added that another N135 million is awaiting approval for the purchase of additional materials to support the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).

“This makes Kano the first state to commence and own the process of Triple Elimination of HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis for pregnant women,” he said.

He explained that the pilot programme, titled “HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies” (HepFree Uwadajariri), was launched in February 2025 to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B through early screening and treatment.

The effort is aligned with the global Triple Elimination goal targeting HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis among pregnant women attending antenatal care.

According to Dr. Yusuf, preliminary data shows that Kano State reflects the national trend, with an estimated burden of over 1.2 million people living with Hepatitis B and a prevalence rate of over 6% based on retrospective and current facility data.

He stressed that the infection, though preventable and treatable, often goes undetected, leading to avoidable deaths from liver complications.

The pilot programme is currently implemented in six major facilities: Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Muhammad Wase Teaching Hospital, General Hospital Gaya, General Hospital Bichi, and General Hospital Wudil.

In these hospitals, all eligible pregnant women are screened for Hepatitis B free of charge. Those who test positive are placed on TDF treatment starting from 32 weeks of pregnancy until delivery.

Additionally, immunization officers are posted in labour wards to administer the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns at birth, also free of charge.

Dr. Yusuf said this effort is part of the state’s strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission, which accounts for about 70 to 80 percent of all Hepatitis B infections.

He also noted that blood transfusion services across both public and private health facilities in Kano are aligned with screening protocols to ensure safety.

The commissioner reaffirmed Kano State’s commitment to advance the HepFree Mothers, Healthy Babies initiative, integrate hepatitis services into existing maternal and child health platforms, strengthen commodity and data systems, and advocate for increased domestic funding to sustain the gains made.

He called on development partners, the private sector, and the media to support the programme through advocacy, funding, and public sensitisation.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged involvement of the State Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Dan Wawu.

The directive came following public outrage after reports surfaced that the Commissioner’s name appeared in official documents that facilitated the suspect’s release.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

To address the matter, Governor Yusuf has constituted a special investigative committee chaired by Barrister Aminu Hussain, his Special Adviser on Justice and Constitutional Matters.

The committee has been tasked with unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommending appropriate actions without delay.

The Daily Reality reports that members of the committee include Barr. Aminu Hussain (Chairman), Barr. Hamza Haladu, Barr. Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmoud Umar, Maj. Gen. Sani Muhammad (Rtd.), Comrade Kabiru Said Dakata, and Hajiya Bilkisu Maimota, who will serve as Secretary.

While announcing the committee’s formation, Governor Yusuf expressed deep concern over the alleged misconduct, reiterating his administration’s commitment to combating drug abuse and other social vices in the state.

By Uzair Adam

Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Barau I Jibrin, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, declared open the North West Zonal Public Hearing of the Committee in Kano.

The two-day public hearing aims to gather input from citizens and stakeholders across the zone on proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

The Daily Reality gathered that this is part of a broader nationwide exercise by the National Assembly to foster inclusive governance and constitutional reform.

Barau explained that the Kano session had been previously postponed out of respect for the late business magnate, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, both of whom passed away earlier this month.

In his opening remarks, Barau reiterated the importance of citizen engagement in the reform process.

He noted that while Nigeria has undergone five constitutional alteration phases since 1999, several key issues remain unresolved.

“Many of these challenges cannot be addressed by regular legislation alone. We must be honest about our commitment not just to the letter of the Constitution, but to its spirit,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President highlighted that the 10th Senate established the Constitution Review Committee to lead a consultative process that reflects national consensus.

He said the Committee received hundreds of memoranda on major national concerns, including electoral and judicial reform, local government autonomy, gender representation, traditional institutions, and security structure.

“These memoranda have been translated into draft Bills which we are now bringing back to the people for further discussion,” he added.

Barau assured participants that the Committee remains impartial and open to all views, encouraging stakeholders to offer their contributions freely and responsibly.

He stressed the need for intergovernmental cooperation in ensuring that any agreed constitutional changes are properly implemented.

“A law that is not put into effect is as good as not passed,” he remarked.

The Senate Committee chairman also acknowledged the support of Kano State authorities, fellow legislators, civil society organisations, and development partners, describing their involvement as a vital step in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The hearing continues on Sunday, July 27.

By Uzair Adam

More than 200 women in Kano have received financial support from Zam-Zam Educational Initiative in partnership with the Light Up Orphans Foundation, as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country.

The empowerment programme, which took place on Thursday at the premises of Zam-Zam College in Kano, saw each beneficiary receive N50,000 in cash to support their livelihood and small-scale businesses.

Speaking during the event, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, proprietor of Zam-Zam and a prominent Islamic scholar, said the initiative was borne out of a desire to support vulnerable women, especially in the face of growing economic challenges.

He was quoted as saying, “We considered giving N20,000 or N30,000 to enable us to reach more people. But we decided on N50,000 to ensure the beneficiaries can do something tangible with the amount, whether in business or home support.”

Sheikh Daurawa explained that the money was given in cash to avoid technical issues and delays often associated with bank transfers.

“Sometimes, people complain that they didn’t receive their share when it’s sent through banks. We wanted to avoid that entirely,” he added.

He also noted that while the team initially preferred a low-key distribution, the event was made public in the interest of transparency and accountability to their donors.

Also speaking at the event, Malam Aisar Fagge, General Manager of Salsabil TV, a media outlet under Sheikh Daurawa, described the gesture as a righteous act that aligns with Islamic values.

“This is one of the most beloved deeds in the sight of Allah — helping those in need, especially women who are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

The beneficiaries, many of whom appeared visibly elated, expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the assistance as timely and life-changing.

The Daily Reality learned that the empowerment programme is part of an ongoing commitment by Zam-Zam Educational Initiative and Light Up Orphans Foundation to improve the lives of the less privileged in society, particularly women and orphans.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has launched a comprehensive training initiative aimed at equipping 600 beneficiaries with business planning skills in the livestock sector, under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Project (L-PRES).

Organized through the State Ministry of Agriculture, the training commenced on Wednesday with a focus on beef and dairy production, targeting mainly youth and women.

The objective is to help participants develop viable and bankable business plans that can attract financial support.

Speaking, Dr. Sunusi Abubakar, the L-PRES National Project Coordinator, described the training as essential in preparing beneficiaries to expand their livestock ventures through structured planning and access to funding.

Dr. Abubakar, who was represented by Madam Heathron Akanni, the Value Chain Consultant for L-PRES, stated that, “This initiative is about helping them navigate the business side of livestock farming—developing investment strategies in beef, dairy, and small ruminants.

“It opens pathways to single-digit loans and even export opportunities through proper branding and value addition,” he added.

He noted that the sessions are being held across the state’s three senatorial zones, using local dialects to enhance understanding.

Also speaking, Dr. Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, the Kano State Coordinator for L-PRES, said the training responds to the widespread practice of livestock rearing in both urban and rural areas.

However, he noted that many people engage in the activity without treating it as a business.

“You will find goats, sheep, or poultry in many homes, but most people don’t track costs or profits. This program bridges that gap,” he explained.

He added that one-third of the participants are women, while a majority are young people, adding that “They have been grouped and will receive tools such as grain processing machines to improve feed production.”

Dr. Bashir Sunusi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, who represented the State Commissioner for Agriculture, praised the program for aligning with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s broader vision to revitalize the agricultural sector and tackle unemployment.

“This initiative supports our wider plans, including the recruitment of over 1,000 youths for rural agricultural support and the construction of 11 dams, one of which holds up to 3.1 billion litres,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Sule Sale, L-PRES Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer, stressed that livestock farming, when treated as a business, can yield significant returns.

Sale stated that, “There are countless opportunities in meat and dairy production. With proper planning, participants can access loans and expand their enterprises.”

The training marks a major step toward improving productivity, resilience, and market access in Kano’s livestock industry under the L-PRES program.

By Anas Abbas

Nigerian political satirist and social media influencer, Bello Habib Galadanchi, widely known as Dan Bello, was briefly detained on Saturday afternoon upon his arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, according to multiple sources.

His comedic sketches often highlight pressing issues such as the deterioration of public education, the collapse of healthcare facilities, and the increasing economic hardships faced by citizens.

While the exact reasons for his arrest remain unclear, it quickly attracted public attention given his reputation as a staunch critic of the political elite.

Fortunately, he was released shortly after being taken into custody, as confirmed by an associate.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Immigration Service or any other security agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent release.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has paid a courtesy visit to Professor S.A.S. Galadanci in Kano, describing the meeting as both inspirational and encouraging.

Ribadu, who was in the city to offer condolences to the Dantata family, took the opportunity to visit Prof. Galadanci, the second Nigerian ever appointed as Adviser on National Security—then known by that title.

In a post shared on his social media handle, Ribadu referred to Prof. Galadanci as a “pacesetter” in the field of national security and a father figure with longstanding ties to his family.

“I was humbled by his confidence in our modest efforts and his profuse prayers for me and our country,” Ribadu wrote.

The visit, he said, provided valuable lessons and motivation as he continues in his current role.

By Anas Abbas

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has officially reopened the Digital Industrial Park in Kano State, just 11 months after it was looted during a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.

The park was initially set to be commissioned a week before the attack.

During the reopening ceremony on Wednesday, Tijani expressed his satisfaction with the park’s revival, stating, “Instead of discouraging us, last year’s unfortunate event motivated us to complete this project in less than a year. I am proud to announce that it is even better than it was before the looting.”

Tijani urged the local community to safeguard the center to ensure that it serves its intended purpose for the benefit of the people in the northwest region.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized that the park aligns with the NCC’s vision to foster innovation and digital entrepreneurship within the ICT sector.

He highlighted the importance of supporting research and development by transforming innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

“The Digital Industrial Park is equipped with state-of-the-art computers, advanced networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and hands-on training facilities designed to nurture the next generation of digital innovators,” Maida explained.

He added that skilled technical and managerial personnel would oversee the park’s operations, collaborating with students involved in industrial training and skills development programs.

“Our objective is to create a vibrant ecosystem where cutting-edge ICT infrastructure supports the Federal Government’s initiatives to make digital services accessible and inclusive throughout Nigeria,” he noted.

The park features reliable broadband connectivity and a stable power supply, with similar facilities also established in Ogun, Borno, and Enugu States.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Deputy Aminu Abdussalam, expressed gratitude to the NCC for the park. He described it as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and collective ambition.

The Governor assured attendees that the state would prioritize the security of the facility and revealed plans for the creation of the Kano State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) to further institutionalize ICT initiatives in the region.