Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A lecturer at the Kano State Polytechnic, Aisar Salihu Musa, has publicly praised the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, for what he described as a massive improvement in security presence in areas previously known for phone snatching and violent gang activities.

In a Facebook post published on Friday, Musa expressed his appreciation. He said, “Honestly, we must thank the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori. May Allah reward him with goodness.”

He noted that several locations in Kano where residents had long complained about phone thefts and gang fights—especially during the evening hours—are now witnessing visible deployment of security personnel.

“Most places that were once hotspots for phone snatching or gang clashes in the evening now have two police patrol vehicles stationed there. You will also see the anti-thuggery squad supporting them,” the lecturer wrote.

He recalled that in just the last two days, he personally visited at least four neighborhoods and saw the new security arrangement in action.

These included Dorayi (both ‘Karshen Waya’ and the burnt fuel station area), Kabuga, Sharada, Kofar Mata, and Kofar Fanfo.

While expressing hope that other areas like Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo, Hotoro, and Gadan Kaya would also benefit from similar interventions, Musa urged that the initiative be sustained and that suspected miscreants continue to be arrested and hidden away from public harm.

Recounting a personal experience, he described how he once had to pick up a package at night in a location known for gang violence.

“As I approached, I remembered the stories about gang fights in that area. I felt very uneasy. I’ve made a vow never to go to any place at night if there’s no adequate security,” he wrote.“But then I saw two police vehicles at the location. I felt a huge sense of relief. It was at that moment that I truly understood the importance of security officers in our communities.”

He concluded with a moral reflection that says “Anyone who cannot appreciate people when they do good will find it difficult to thank God.”

Musa commended Commissioner Bakori once more and prayed for continued peace and protection in Kano and beyond.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An incident was reported to have occurred at the premises of Mamuda Agro Company located in Challawa, Kano State, where a worker was allegedly stabbed to death by a supervisor.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was described by Comrade Mukhtar Yunusa Lambu—who claims to be a relative of the deceased—as “a younger brother and a close family member.”

In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, Comrade Mukhtar wrote: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. This servant of Allah was my younger brother and relative. He was killed at Mamuda Agro Company in Challawa where a supervisor stabbed him, which led to his death.”

According to Mukhtar, the company later transported the deceased’s body home using one of its vehicles. He also made an appeal to relevant authorities for justice.

“We are calling on the leadership, especially the Governor of Kano State, the Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government, and the Councillor of Panshekara Ward, to intervene and ensure justice is served,” he wrote.

He concluded with prayers for the deceased, asking God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in paradise.

Efforts to reach the management of Mamuda Agro Company for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

By Uzair Adam 

The Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State has withdrawn the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya from Alhaji Usman Alhaji, a former Secretary to the State Government during the administration of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The Daily Reality gathered that, although the council did not give detailed reasons, the decision may be linked to Alhaji’s recent public criticism of the Abba Kabir Yusuf-led government over alleged excessive borrowing, claims the government has since refuted.

In an official letter addressed to the former titleholder, the Secretary of the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, stated that the title was withdrawn due to “certain unavoidable circumstances,” adding that the decision takes immediate effect.

“The Council deeply appreciates the contributions and commitment of Alhaji Usman Alhaji during his period of service as Wazirin Gaya,” the letter read in part.

It further acknowledged his support for the traditional institution and his role in promoting the Emirate’s cultural heritage, stressing the council’s resolve to uphold the sanctity and integrity of traditional titles.

The public was urged to take note of the development.

Alhaji, who also serves as the National President of APC Patriotic Volunteers, had recently challenged the Kano State government to account for a $6.6 million external loan allegedly obtained between June and December 2023, according to figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

He also accused the administration of mismanaging N5 billion in ecological funds and rated the government’s performance poorly over the past two years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Command has issued a firm warning to residents against the use of traditional performances, particularly Kidan Gangi, as a cover for displaying weapons in public.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, cautioned that while Kidan Gangi remains a cultural heritage, some individuals have turned it into an excuse to openly exhibit dangerous weapons and intimidate members of the public.

He said the Command would no longer tolerate such behaviour, as it poses a serious threat to peace and public safety in the state.

The police boss also condemned the increasing trend where youths upload videos to TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), showcasing weapons and engaging in acts associated with gangs.

“Such acts not only glamorise violence but also encourage criminal behaviour among impressionable young people,” CP Bakori said.

He added that anyone caught brandishing weapons in public, inciting violence, or hiding arms at home would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“Parents and guardians must monitor their children’s activities closely and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities,” he warned.

The police also cautioned local blacksmiths against fabricating weapons for cultural displays or gang use.

CP Bakori noted that anyone aiding or abetting such acts would be investigated and brought to justice.

This development comes after the police conducted a three-day raid between June 13 and 15, during which 51 suspects were arrested.

Officers also recovered dangerous weapons and illegal drugs from various locations across the state.

The Command vowed to be committed to maintaining law and order.

By Uzair Adam 

Former Chairman of Wudil Local Government Council, Abubakar Abdullahi Likita, on Monday slumped and died during the funeral prayer of his close associate, former Dala Local Government Chairman, Mahmoud Sani Madakin Gini, in Kano.

Likita collapsed while the Janazah prayer was ongoing, causing panic among mourners. Efforts to revive him failed, and he was confirmed dead shortly afterwards.

A close associate, Abubakar Musa, told journalists that Likita’s funeral prayer will take place on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at his residence in Bompai, Kano.

It was gathered that Likita was in the same vehicle with the 2023 Kano State governorship candidate, Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, on their way to the funeral.

It was earlier reported that Madakin Gini died in a car crash along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday.

The deaths of the two prominent political figures have thrown Kano’s political scene into mourning, especially among those who served under the Shekarau-led administration.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a technical committee to probe the recent fire incident at the GSM Market, Farm Centre, and oversee reconstruction efforts.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday, said the committee was inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, who represented the State Governor.

Ibrahim stressed the importance of transparency in donations and cautioned against politicizing the relief efforts.

He directed that all donations be made through the Committee or the designated Zenith Bank account (Account Name: FARM CENTRE GSM MARKET FIRE INCIDENCE SUPPORT FUNDS ACCOUNT; Account Number: 1310076187).

The committee, chaired by Alhaji Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties, comprises representatives from key ministries, security agencies, traders’ associations, and the private sector.

Other members include the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; officials from the Kano State Fire Service; Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs; Director of Treasury; State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); Nigeria Police Force; KNUPDA; Farm Centre GSM Traders’ Association; Department of State Services (DSS); Kano State Investment and Properties; KACCIMA; as well as local government officials, special advisers, and senior stakeholders.

Abdulkadir Shehu AGS-HOC serves as the Committee Secretary.The committee’s mandate covers investigating the fire’s cause, assessing damages and any loss of life, reviewing emergency response and current safety measures, and proposing preventive strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future.

It will also gather testimonies from victims and witnesses, compile a verified list of those affected, review the market layout in line with urban safety standards, and propose a framework for improved market management.

The committee will manage all donations and is expected to submit a detailed report within a week.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to assisting victims and rebuilding the market in a safer and more organized way, urging all stakeholders to support the committee’s work.

By Ismaila Abdulmumini

Kano, renowned for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and socio-economic vitality, marked 57 years of statehood a few days ago. A long journey of sacrifices and transformations, usually one at a time, gives Kano the new look we see and admire today. Kano is now carving a new identity as Nigeria’s educational powerhouse, boasting four federal universities, three state-owned institutions, and over five private universities, in addition to state and privately funded colleges and polytechnics. 

Equally, quantifiable challenges and rubble need to be put together to build the Kano of our dreams—the one we revere and would be proud of. The state’s transformation into a learning hub has inadvertently exposed systemic gaps in critical sectors, gaps that demand urgent federal intervention to unlock Kano’s full potential.  

Despite its academic strides, Kano grapples with erratic electricity, which stifles the industries that support its institutions. Students and entrepreneurs alike face daily blackouts, which undermine research, innovation, and productivity. Experts argue that federal investment in renewable energy projects and grid modernisation could ignite industrial growth, creating thousands of jobs while sustaining the educational sector’s momentum. 

Kano’s healthcare system, chronically underfunded and overburdened, struggles to serve its 15 million residents. State-run hospitals lack essential equipment, and medical personnel are stretched thin. Federal input through facility upgrades, increased funding, and partnerships with the private sector could reduce pressure, improve public health outcomes, and attract medical tourism, turning a cost centre into a revenue stream.  

In Kano’s bustling large markets that serve Africa, such as Dawanau’s grains, Kwari’s fabrics, and Singa’s groceries, transactions remain stubbornly analogue. This “brick-and-mortar” mentality, experts say, stifles economic scalability in the twenty-first century. “Digitisation isn’t optional; it’s survival,” argues tech entrepreneur Aisha Musa. Federal grants to build a robust digital ecosystem, e-payment platforms, online marketplaces, and broadband expansion could connect Kano’s markets to global consumers, boosting GDP and curbing youth unemployment.  

Kano’s agricultural landscape is littered with bad, indefatigable innuendo. Farms teem with tomatoes, peppers, and livestock, yet the state imports processed dairy goods. The absence of modern processing facilities leaves farmers vulnerable to waste and price fluctuations. A federal push to establish agro-industrial zones with cold storage and meat-processing plants could transform raw abundance into export-ready products, slashing Nigeria’s $10 billion annual food import bill and strengthening the naira. 

Potholed roads and inefficient rail networks cripple trade, inflating costs and deter investors. Upgrading transport infrastructure, which relies heavily on the federal government, would streamline the movement of goods from farms to ports, link markets to neighbouring countries, and position Kano as a logistics hub. “Better roads mean cheaper goods, happier consumers, and a thriving economy,” notes logistics expert Tunde Okoye.  

The blueprint for Kano’s renaissance is clear: targeted federal investments in energy, healthcare, digitisation, agro-industry, and transport. Such interventions promise to generate employment, diversify revenue streams, reduce import dependency, and fortify Nigeria’s economy. As the state stands at a crossroads, the message to Abuja is unequivocal: Empower Kano, and you empower the nation. Kano’s story does not need to be one of unfulfilled promises. With strategic governance, Africa’s “Centre of Commerce” could reclaim its title, this time, as a beacon of inclusive, 21st-century growth.

Ismaila Abdulmumini wrote via ima2040@outlook.com.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

Last year, the Kano-Maiduguri Road suffered severe damage from flooding. The disaster caused immense hardship for ordinary citizens, displaced several communities along the route, and inflicted economic losses in hundreds of millions of naira. It also disrupted access to Maiduguri from key states such as Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe, effectively cutting off the northeast from the rest of the country.

It will be recalled that on 15th August 2024, a Federal Government delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi and the Governor of Bauchi State visited the affected site. They assessed the extent of the damage and promised urgent intervention, recognising the road’s economic significance not just for the northeast, but for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the affected communities, no tangible action has been taken since that visit, only temporary fixes that have had little to no impact.

Residents are now growing concerned that if urgent intervention is not undertaken before the rains intensify, the road could suffer even more extensive damage than last year. This poses a serious threat to lives and property, as was previously experienced.

The rehabilitation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road is not merely about filling potholes or patching the surface – it is a vital aspect of regional and national development. The benefits of well-maintained roads are immense: improved safety and reduced accidents, enhanced economic activities, better quality of life, strengthened social integration, and even environmental advantages.

Beyond the infrastructural failure, there are concerns about the federal government’s perceived neglect of certain regions. This is especially disheartening considering that this region gave the current administration some of its highest votes. 

As an optimist and a believer in equitable governance, I hold firmly that all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria deserve equal attention and investment. Every part of this country matters. Mr. President must lead with sincerity of purpose and see all Nigerians as his constituency.

It is worth noting that during his visit, the Minister of Works acknowledged this imbalance, stating: “Let me make it clear that the shortfall in road distribution was not the doing of President Tinubu, nor mine. However, the President is addressing it. That is why the fourth legacy project has been initiated, stretching from Akwanga to Jos to Bauchi State. We are pleased that work is progressing significantly on major portions of the road in Bauchi State.”

The Minister further pledged that the President is determined to provide adequate funding for legacy projects through various intervention mechanisms. We hope that the government will act swiftly and treat this as a matter of national urgency by repairing the damaged sections of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, particularly within the Jama’are and Azare-Potiskum axes.

As an engineer, the Minister of Works should set a precedent prioritising action over rhetoric. When entrusted with responsibility, those in positions of power must demonstrate competence and a genuine commitment to service.

This is a humble but firm appeal to the federal government to urgently address the long-standing issue of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, which has been in disrepair since last year’s devastating floods.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Azare, Bauchi State.

By Muhammad Abubakar

NDLEA operatives have seized illicit opioids worth ₦9.3 billion during a joint inspection at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State.

Between May 28 and 30, seven flagged containers were searched, yielding 825,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup and trodol (valued at ₦5.77 billion), and 5.1 million tapentadol tablets (valued at ₦3.57 billion).

In Kano, NDLEA officers intercepted two men—Abubakar Hussein, 42, and Sahabi Adamu, 53—on May 30 with $900,000 in suspected counterfeit currency along the Kano-Maiduguri road.

Meanwhile, NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) continued with sensitisation programs across secondary schools in Katsina, Enugu, Anambra, Kano, and Cross River.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised officers for reducing the drug supply and promoting public awareness nationwide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi, Uzair Adam, Anwar Usman, Anas Abbas, Abdullahi Algasgaini, and Ibrahim Yunusa

As the summer season deepens across northern Nigeria, small business owners in various communities—from Kano to Kaduna, Jigawa to Bauchi—are raising the alarm over dwindling customer patronage.

The Daily Reality reports that the convergence of economic hardship, seasonal farming priorities, and insecurity is squeezing their operations, with many struggling to stay afloat.

Traditionally, the onset of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, beginning in May, signals a shift in consumer behavior.

For many local residents, it marks a transition from marketplace spending to full-scale agricultural engagement.

As people move into planting and harvesting, businesses dependent on daily and seasonal purchases are increasingly left behind. This year, that impact appears to be more pronounced than usual.

Hussain Ibrahim, a businessman at Kano’s Kofar Ruwa market, told The Daily Reality that while there is interest from customers, purchasing power has significantly weakened due to inflation and soaring prices.

He stated, “Although people want to patronize us, goods have become too expensive. The money you’d use to buy a ton of rod two years ago has doubled. Most people can’t keep up with the situation.”

He also attributed the crisis to the federal government’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which has drastically increased transportation costs.

Ibrahim added that, “Before, transporting goods from Lagos to Kano used to cost N800,000. Now, it’s N1.7 million. That alone inflates prices, and customers suffer for it.”

In Jigawa State, Umar Muhammad, a foodstuff dealer in Limawa, Dutse, highlighted another unique challenge: the irregularity of local civil servant salaries.

Muhammad said, “Our peak sales occur in the first and second weeks of the month when civil servants receive their pay. By the middle of the month, we might drop from N1 million in sales to just N200,000,” he revealed.

This pattern underscores how fragile small businesses are, relying heavily on public sector salary cycles for survival.

In Kaduna’s Zaria town, fertilizer dealer Yakubu Hussaini painted a bleak picture. According to him, the price hikes from suppliers—triggered by high import costs of raw materials—have slowed down the market significantly.

“The government’s decision to import maize, wheat, and rice discouraged many farmers. Coupled with the insecurity in rural areas, farmers are abandoning their lands. All of this has crushed demand for fertilizer,” he said.

As the rainy season approaches, and started in some areas, farming activities become top priority for most residents, further reducing commercial traffic in markets. This has hit businesses that depend on footfall the hardest.

Isah Mucika, a butcher at the Kwanar Ungogo abattoir in Kano, observed, “People are more focused on clearing their farms. I had to sell my motorcycle to invest in my farmland.”

He added that goods are seen as increasingly unaffordable, leading many to limit spending to farming essentials.

The story is the same in Bauchi, where a cosmetics seller said her weekly sales have been reduced to what she used to make in just two days.

“Now, people mostly buy only what they eat. Luxuries like cosmetics are no longer a priority,” she lamented.

A mobile phone dealer echoed her frustration. “Even fairly used phones are hard to sell. People come, ask for the price, and walk away. They’d rather fix their old phones than buy new ones.”

As small businesses continue to suffer under the weight of these intersecting challenges, local chambers of commerce and community leaders are calling for increased support for local enterprises.

There is a growing campaign urging residents to buy local, highlighting the social and economic ripple effects of every purchase.

“Supporting local businesses now is more important than ever. There is a strong connection between low patronage and the coming rainy season—but our collective choices can help cushion the impact.”

According to economic expert Abdulmalik Ibrahim, the low purchasing power of residents in northern Nigeria is a major factor behind the struggles faced by small businesses during this period.

Ibrahim pointed to a range of factors fueling the situation: high inflation, devaluation of the naira, and ongoing economic challenges that have shrunk household incomes.

He noted that Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 33.20% in March 2024, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford even basic necessities.

“The devaluation of the naira has pushed up the cost of imported goods, while economic instability and high unemployment have further reduced disposable incomes,” he explained.

Ibrahim added that rising prices for essentials like food, transport, and utilities have hit low-income households the hardest, reducing their spending power and affecting small businesses.

“Insecurity in farming communities and disruptions to supply chains have also driven up food prices, making the situation even worse,” he said.

He stressed that government borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria has contributed to inflation, further straining people’s ability to purchase goods and services.

“The combined impact of these factors is creating a harsh environment for small businesses across the region,” Ibrahim concluded.