Sani Danja

In governance, performance should naturally translate into greater responsibilities. Since his appointment as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Hon. Sani Musa Danja has demonstrated capacity, commitment, and a people-oriented approach that has delivered visible impacts on youth development and sports advancement in Kano State.

Within his first month in office, over 3,000 youths were empowered through food-related initiatives such as Nija Food. This early intervention reflected responsiveness to the economic realities facing young people and set the tone for a tenure driven by action rather than mere rhetoric.

One of Hon. Danja’s most commendable achievements is his grassroots engagement across all 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State. Through open consultations with the youths, he listened to concerns on welfare, unemployment, insecurity, and inclusion. This initiative brought governance closer to the people and helped rebuild trust between the government and youth.

To strengthen coordination and sustainability, he worked closely with Senior Special Assistants on Youth across the 44 LGAs, fostering cohesive leadership and unified strategies for youth development across the state.

Understanding the strong link between unemployment and insecurity, Hon. Danja adopted a preventive empowerment approach. Over 300 youths previously involved in thuggery and phone snatching were redirected into productive ventures, including popcorn-gurguru production, fast-food services, shawarma preparation, and baking. This intervention not only provided livelihoods but also contributed to crime reduction and social reintegration.

His tenure also saw institutional support for voluntary youth and security organisations, including the Nigerian Boy Scouts and other community-based groups such as the Civilian JTF Kano. Through the provision of working materials and encouragement, discipline, and volunteerism, community service among young people was strengthened.

In addition, a statewide Youth Symposium Day was organised to promote dialogue, leadership, and civic engagement, involving participants from all 44 LGAs. Hon. Danja also paid visits to youth training and skills acquisition centres across the state, encouraging trainees and reassuring them that government support remains within reach (kusa da gwamnati).

Beyond programs, compassion has remained a defining feature of his leadership. Financial assistance was extended to youths facing serious health challenges, including those with spinal cord-related disabilities, demonstrating an inclusive and humane approach to governance.

In sports development, Hon. Danja contributed to the revival of neglected sports such as volleyball, encouraging youth participation and talent development. Administratively, he reorganised and strengthened his office to ensure efficiency, transparency, and effective service delivery.

Currently, his office is coordinating a large-scale youth empowerment initiative under YEIDEP, targeting over 1.2 million youth participants in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, reflecting executive-level vision and readiness.

Given his performance, statewide reach, and ability to connect with young people, Hon. Sani Musa Danja is well-positioned to deliver even greater impact.

A passionate appeal is therefore made to His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to consider appointing Hon. Sani Musa Danja as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and nominate him to the Kano State Executive Council. Such a decision would ensure continuity, consolidate gains, and further strengthen Kano State’s youth and sports development agenda.

Shamsuddeen Muazu (AbuMuhd) wrote from Kano State. He can be reached via abumuhdpress@gmail.com.

By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu

Renowned Kannywood actor, Sani Musa Danja, has been appointed Special Adviser on Youth and Sports by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was announced in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The appointment is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of the actor’s loyalty and dedication to Governor Yusuf’s Administration. As a long-time supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Danja actively campaigned for the Governor during the 2023 elections.

Interestingly, he had previously contested for the chairmanship of Tarauni Local Government under the governor’s party, NNPP, but lost the primaries to Amb. Yusuf Imam Ogan Ɓoye.

However, with Ogan Ɓoye’s victory in the chairmanship election, Danja has now taken over his former position as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This appointment marks another significant recognition of Kannywood personalities by the governor, following similar appointments of Abba Al Mustapha, Tijjani Gandu, Sunusi Oscar, and Aina’u Ade (Laila).

Lest you forget, the federal government has also appointed Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to serve in various capacities.

In recent months, no romantic Hausa song has captured the public attention as FANAN. However, the song’s movie was premiered on Friday, October 29, 2021, in Platinum Cinema (a newly inaugurated multiplex cinema in Kano).

The film opened to full halls across the new cinema and grossed approximately ₦1.25 million on its opening day, setting the record of being the first Hausa film to get this in one cinema. This remarkable success can undoubtedly be attributed to the popularity of the Fanan song and the distinctive marketing strategy adopted by its executive producer, Mansurah Isah, in promoting the film. But does it, on itself, merit this immense success? I watched it on Sunday, and here is my review.

Plot:

Fanan is a family drama that tells the story of an obedient wife, Fanan (Sabeera), and her husband, Kamilu (Yakubu Muhammad), a private company employee. The couple lives peacefully together with their only daughter Amira (Iman Sani Danja).

Later, their life is disrupted when Kamilu begins to maltreat Fanan and eventually divorces her after starting an affair with a wealthy woman, Madam Jessica (Rahama M.K). Jessica promises to marry him and facilitate his promotion to the rank of manager in another big company. However, she ditches him afterwards without fulfilling any of her promises.

Kamilu then tries to restore his marriage with Fanan, but his attempt proves in vain. Fanan is beyond his reach as she is now married to a business mogul, Alhaji Sammani (Sani Danja), whom she meets through his son, Fahad (Khalifa Sani Danja), a schoolmate of her daughter. Therefore, the jealous Kamilu filed a lawsuit against Fanan, seeking the return of his daughter (Amira) to him. However, he eventually drops the case after the girl narrates the insult he inflicted upon her and her mother while they were together during the court hearing.

Critique:

The film doesn’t entirely disappoint, but it’s not unique in any way. Both its artistic and technical aspects are only average. The story is predictable, and there are many gaps in the screenplay. For example, when Kamilu leaves his job, Madam Jessica doesn’t facilitate his new job application. Yet, he’s shown to have a connection with the company where she works. Again, Alhaji Sammani’s family background and how he ends up being single remains a mystery.

The interspersing of the title song also throws a spanner in the film. Fanan and Alhaji Sammani performed it before their marriage. Considering its lyrics, however, it would’ve had a better impact if performed after the wedding.

Regarding the cast, Yakubu Muhammad is the life of the movie because his performance stands out. Next to him are Rahama Mk and Sabeera. The latter is, particularly, for her good look. But while Sani Danja’s role deserves notice, his children, Iman and Khalifa, need to hone their skills as actors.

Finally, the fact that Fanan is a huge success doesn’t mean it succeeded on its own merits. It rides only on the popularity of its song and the hype around it. I rate it 2/5.

Habibu Maaruf Abdu wrote from Kano, Nigeria. He can be contacted via habibumaaruf11@gmail.com.