Kano

The Kano Patriotic Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum (KPCF) has dissociated itself from alleged discriminatory remarks and acts of intimidation credited to Dr. Abdussalam Kani against members of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) community in Kano State. In a statement jointly signed by its Convener, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, Co-Convener I, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, and Peter Hassan Tijjani, the coalition—comprising over 310 civil society organisations—said it followed recent reports of the incident with deep concern. The coalition clarified that it does not support, endorse, or condone any form of discrimination, ethnic profiling, intimidation, or verbal abuse against any individual or group, regardless of origin, disability status, religion, opinion, or social background. According to the statement, civil society engagement is founded on tolerance, respect for diversity, and solidarity, noting that any conduct that undermines these values contradicts the core principles of civic activism and democratic culture. Read Also: Association of Radiographers Rejects Illegal Appointment of Board Registrar 2027 Elections: Kano Records Over 267,000 New Voters, Urges Increased Participation 2026 Convention: APC Appoints Masari, Reassigns Uzodimma KPCF expressed particular concern over allegations that members of the PWD community were subjected to intimidation, harassment, and derogatory remarks, stressing that persons with disabilities are equal citizens whose voices and participation in public discourse must be respected and protected. “Any attempt to silence or demean persons with disabilities is morally unacceptable and inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and international standards on inclusion and human rights,” the coalition stated. The forum further announced that it has completely distanced itself from all discriminatory or inflammatory statements allegedly attributed to Dr. Abdussalam Kani, while expressing solidarity with Mr. Michael Nworisa and members of the PWD community affected by the incident. It also called for civility, restraint, and accountability in civic and political engagements across Kano State, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, respectful, and peaceful civic participation for all residents of the state, regardless of background or physical ability. The coalition reiterated its readiness to continue working with the Kano State Government across various sectors of human development through collaboration and partnership, describing itself as a partner in progress and development. KPCF urged civil society actors, scholars, activists, and opinion leaders to uphold values of character, humility, and respect for human dignity, noting that leadership in the civic space should be measured by conduct rather than titles or rhetoric. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, social justice, and democratic values in Kano State and beyond.

The Kano State Government has stepped up efforts to boost civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting a target of at least four million newly registered voters across the state’s 44 local government areas. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Kano on the state’s ongoing voter mobilisation and registration efforts. According to him, 267,790 eligible residents have successfully completed their voter registration between August 2025 and date and are currently awaiting the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards. While describing the figure as encouraging, the Commissioner said the number represents only a fraction of the state’s electoral potential, stressing that intensified mobilisation is required to meet the four-million voter target ahead of the 2027 elections. Comrade Waiya explained that to accelerate the process, the Kano State Government, in August 2025, constituted a high-powered sensitisation committee tasked with mobilising residents on the importance of continuous voter registration and Permanent Voter Card collection. Read Also: INEC Expands Political Space, Laments Declining Voter Turnout INEC Finalises Timetable for 2027 General Elections APC is a Living Party, Ganduje Says as Kano Govt Joins Ruling Platform He said the committee is made up of the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Commissioner for Livestock Development. Other members include special advisers, officials of the Hisbah Board, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, the National Association of Nigerian Students, and other relevant stakeholders. According to the Commissioner, the committee has been mandated to engage communities across all 44 local government areas with the objective of ensuring that no fewer than four million Kano residents are registered and prepared to participate in the 2027 general elections. Beyond voter registration, Comrade Waiya also highlighted ongoing development efforts by the state government, revealing that more than 900 projects are currently being executed across Kano State. He said the projects cut across critical sectors and are evenly distributed across the local government areas to promote inclusive development and improve the welfare of residents. The Commissioner urged Kano residents to continue supporting the present administration in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, noting that sustained public cooperation is essential to the successful implementation of government programmes. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to transparency, citizen engagement, and democratic participation, and called on all eligible residents to take full advantage of the continuous voter registration exercise.

The Kano State Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), Comrade Babangida Mahmuda Biyamusu, has commended the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his continued support toward the growth and development of the union. Biyamusu made the commendation during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Kano. He disclosed that the commissioner had facilitated the payment of the RATTAWU Kano State Secretariat rent for the 2026 calendar year, a gesture he described as timely and impactful. According to him, the support will enable the association and its members to carry out their activities smoothly without operational disruptions. Read Also: Kano Online Chapel Reaffirms Commitment to Ethics, Condemns Blackmail Journalism — Dangambo While expressing appreciation, the RATTAWU chairman pledged the union’s commitment to working with the commissioner toward the provision of a permanent secretariat for the Kano State branch. He also appealed to the commissioner to assist in facilitating capacity-building and training programmes for RATTAWU members, noting that such initiatives would enhance their efficiency and align their operations with global best practices. Biyamusu further referenced similar training programmes previously extended to members of the Online Media Chapel, expressing hope that RATTAWU members in Kano would benefit from comparable opportunities.

A fire outbreak has destroyed three large stores at the popular Singer Market in Kano metropolis, causing significant losses estimated at millions of naira. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday and affected two market blocks identified as Gidan Mazaf and Gidan Mangoro. The fire reportedly broke out at about 1:00 a.m. and spread rapidly, engulfing three major stores before it was eventually brought under control. Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Gidan Mangoro, Alhaji Abba Usman, said he was informed of the fire around 4:00 a.m., adding that officials of the Kano State Fire Service had already arrived at the scene before his arrival. “The Kano State Fire Service responded promptly, even before I arrived. Aspire Company and Mamuda Group also supported the firefighting efforts, and we are very grateful for their assistance,” he said. Alhaji Usman disclosed that goods worth approximately ₦30 million were destroyed in one of the affected stores alone. He also commended Aspire Company and Mamuda Group for providing support that helped in containing the inferno. Read Also: KASPA Implements Free Healthcare Programme for Vulnerable Kano Residents An eyewitness, Kamal Sani, said he arrived at the market about 30 minutes after the fire started, noting that one store had already been engulfed before the flames spread to others. “By the time I arrived, the fire had consumed one store and later spread to others. Three large stores containing food items and detergents were destroyed,” he said. He added that at least eight fire service trucks were deployed to the scene, while some private companies provided additional water tankers to support the firefighting operation. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Saminu Yusuf Abdullahi, said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, as investigations are ongoing. “We received a distress call from traders at about 3:16 a.m. reporting a fire outbreak at Singer Market. On arrival, we discovered that the fire started in one of the market blocks. Our personnel worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other sections of the market,” he said. He added that the agency is still assessing the number of affected shops and the total value of goods destroyed, noting that a comprehensive report would be issued after investigations are concluded. (SOLACEBASE)