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Kano, News, Politics

Kano APC: Yilwatda Reiterates 60/40 Sharing, Applauds Party Unity

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirming the party’s 60/40 leadership-sharing formula in the state. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. During the visit, Yilwatda expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of party supporters and leaders, describing it as a clear demonstration of unity within the APC in Kano State. “I am deeply impressed by the turnout of our members and leaders. It reflects unity, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to the progress of our great party in Kano State,” he said. The APC national chairman explained that the 60/40 leadership-sharing arrangement between new decampees and existing members is designed to promote inclusiveness and effective participation in party affairs. Read Also: Murtala Still Inspires 50 Years After – Bauchi Deputy Gov, Ogomudia Kano Market Fire Destroys N5bn Goods, Claims Seven Lives Ganduje Applauds Dan’amu, Cites Tinubu’s Impact According to him, the formula would further consolidate support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the forthcoming general elections. “The 60/40 formula is about fairness and inclusivity. It ensures that both longstanding members and new entrants have a sense of belonging and responsibility in moving the party forward,” Yilwatda added. He also commended Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Barau I. Jibrin for setting aside personal ambitions in the interest of party unity and aligning with the broader vision for the APC in Kano State. Yilwatda further praised Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his leadership and contributions to strengthening party cohesion in the state. In his response, Governor Yusuf thanked the party’s national leadership for the visit and its continued support in fostering unity and stability in Kano. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with party stakeholders to ensure the state remains united, prosperous, and aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The governor noted that the strong turnout and show of solidarity at the meeting underscored the readiness of APC members in Kano to work collectively for the progress of the party and the development of the state.  

Kano, News

Kano Hails Tinubu, APC Governors for N8bn Donation to Singer Market Traders

The Kano State Government has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their collective donation of N8 billion to victims of the recent Singer Market fire outbreak in Kano. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on behalf of the government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. According to the statement, President Tinubu approved the sum of N5 billion as an intervention fund to support traders affected by the inferno, while APC governors, under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, contributed an additional N3 billion. The government described the intervention as timely and compassionate, noting that it underscores the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly in times of hardship and distress. Read Also: Murtala Still Inspires 50 Years After – Bauchi Deputy Gov, Ogomudia It added that the scale of destruction recorded at the popular Singer Market had caused widespread concern, stressing that the financial support would significantly cushion the losses suffered by affected traders and aid them in rebuilding their businesses. The Kano State Government also commended the APC governors for their solidarity and sense of shared responsibility, describing their contribution as a reflection of cooperative governance and national unity. It further noted that the combined N8 billion donation sends a strong message that the people of Kano are not alone in their moment of grief and need. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the disbursement and utilization of the funds, assuring that all efforts would be directed toward enabling affected traders to swiftly resume their commercial activities. While expressing gratitude, the government prayed for Almighty Allah to reward President Tinubu and the APC governors for their generosity and to protect the state and the nation from future occurrences of such unfortunate incidents.

Kano, National, News

Murtala Still Inspires 50 Years After – Bauchi Deputy Gov, Ogomudia

Eminent Nigerians on Monday converged at Bayero University Kano (BUK) as Rundunar Kishin Kano, in collaboration with the institution, hosted a Golden Memorial Symposium in honour of late Head of State, Murtala Ramat Muhammad. The event, which drew political leaders, military veterans, academics, and family members, served as a platform to reflect on the enduring legacy of the late General, widely regarded as a symbol of discipline, patriotism, and purposeful leadership. Representing Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, the Deputy Governor, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, described Murtala as a leader whose policies reshaped governance and strengthened national cohesion. He noted that Bauchi State was among the states created during Murtala’s administration, a move he said laid a solid foundation for economic and administrative development. Read Also: At 50 Years, Murtala’s Legacy Still Outpaces Many Governments “We are gathered not just to remember him, but to transmit his ideals of fairness, courage, and service to future generations,” he said. In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Army Staff, Alexander Ogomudia, said the passage of time has only reinforced the significance of Murtala’s leadership. He described the late Head of State as a decisive reformer whose short tenure left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s governance structure. According to him, Murtala’s zero-tolerance for corruption and bold policy decisions earned him admiration across Nigeria and the African continent. Delivering his address, the Chief Host, Major General Ibrahim Sani (rtd), said the symposium was organised to remind Nigerians particularly the younger generation of the values that defined Murtala’s leadership. He stressed the need for the country to “resuscitate” visionary leadership, warning that sustainable national progress requires commitment to clear ideals and national purpose. Family members of the late leader also shared personal reflections, offering deeper insight into his character and upbringing. Alhaji Umar Wali, his elder brother, described Murtala as a man of conviction, humility, and deep sense of responsibility, urging Nigerians, especially residents of Kano, to emulate his virtues. Similarly, Hajiya Balaraba Ramat, who authored a book on his life, reaffirmed his Kano origin, dismissing contrary claims, and called for sustained efforts to preserve his legacy through education and public discourse. Guest speaker, Tajuddeen Alabede, National Coordinator of the Network for Democracy and Development, challenged current leaders to prioritise impact over tenure, noting that Murtala’s influence continues to resonate decades after his demise. He cautioned that leaders would ultimately be remembered for either their contributions or shortcomings, urging them to embrace patriotism and selfless service. A representative of the Dutse Emirate, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kiyawa, emphasised the importance of teaching history to younger generations, describing Murtala as a leader whose integrity and faith shaped his approach to governance. The symposium also featured the unveiling of a book authored by Hajiya Balaraba Yakubu Muhammad, alongside awards presented to individuals recognised for their contributions to society. Late Murtala Ramat Muhammad, who was assassinated in 1976 at the age of 38, is remembered for initiating key reforms, including the process of relocating Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja, and remains one of the most revered figures in the nation’s political history.

Business, Kano

Kano Market Fire Destroys N5bn Goods, Claims Seven Lives

More than 1,000 businesses have been affected, while properties worth over N5 billion were destroyed following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano State. Report says that the Chairman of Singer Market, Junaid Zakari, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kano. Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the history of the market, noting that four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses were completely razed. “This is one of the worst tragedies in the history of Singer Market. Four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses were completely razed,” he said. Read Also: Early Morning Fire Ravages Singer Market, Traders Count Losses He added that goods, equipment, and other valuables were entirely burnt, crippling the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Zakari further revealed that seven persons had died as of the time of filing this report, while investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths. “Seven persons have died as of now. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” he added. He noted that emergency responders and security agencies were working to ascertain the cause of the inferno. The market chairman stressed the urgent need for intervention and support to enable affected traders resuscitate their businesses and livelihoods. “This is a tragedy that will not be forgotten in the history of this market. We urgently need support to help traders get back on their feet,” Zakari stated. He, however, commended the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for visiting the scene while the fire was still raging, describing the move as a demonstration of leadership and empathy. “The governor’s swift response shows concern and solidarity with the victims,” he added. Authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of the fire as affected traders continued efforts to salvage what remained of their goods. Stakeholders reiterated the need for urgent assistance and coordinated support to cushion the impact of the disaster and restore economic activities in the market.

Humanitarian, Kano, News

Ganduje Applauds Dan’amu, Cites Tinubu’s Impact

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has commended Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu for his humanitarian gesture in supporting 501 orphaned families ahead of the 2027 Ramadan period in Kano Municipal. Speaking at the empowerment programme organised under the Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu Youth Coalition for Tinubu 2027, Ganduje described Dan’amu as a “good Samaritan” who demonstrated competence and dedication during his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State. He noted that the initiative was timely, particularly as Muslims prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, urging beneficiaries to offer prayers for the sponsor in appreciation of the gesture. Furthermore, Ganduje called on Kano residents to continue supporting the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while also reaffirming the need for sustained backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. He expressed satisfaction with ongoing developments in Kano, citing improvements in security and governance, and welcomed the political realignment in the state. Ganduje also recalled previous engagements with the sponsor, noting that Dan’amu had earlier demonstrated political commitment through initiatives such as hosting a colloquium in Kano prior to the 2023 elections. Read Also: Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano Dadiyata: Sani Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim Against Ganduje Dadiyata: Ganduje Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim as Baseless, Politically Motivated According to him, the empowerment programme reflects the ripple effect of federal appointments and interventions under the Tinubu administration, which he said continue to impact lives across Kano State. In a related development, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, stated that the initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to support vulnerable groups. He recalled that the state government had previously earmarked significant resources for similar interventions, stressing the need for more individuals to emulate such humanitarian efforts. Waiya further expressed optimism that the state’s political realignment would yield positive outcomes for Kano and its people. Also speaking, the Director General of the National Productivity Centre and Chairman of the Northwest Tinubu Support Groups, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, commended the sponsor for his commitment to grassroots development, reiterating his support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people. Earlier, the sponsor of the programme, Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu, explained that the initiative was part of his continuous efforts to support vulnerable communities, particularly during Ramadan. He disclosed that beneficiaries were carefully selected across 13 wards in Kano Municipal and other local government areas, in collaboration with ward heads and community leaders to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals were reached. Dan’amu revealed that the intervention included the distribution of food items such as rice, spaghetti, and cooking oil to ease the burden on beneficiaries during the fasting period. He added that additional allocations were made to APC structures, including party leaders and women groups, to further extend support to grassroots communities. According to him, the initiative is rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasise care for orphans and the less privileged, as enshrined in the Qur’an and Hadith. He further disclosed that the programme would also serve as a platform to sensitise residents ahead of upcoming political engagements, while highlighting ongoing federal projects in Kano as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the state. Meanwhile, the APC Chairman in Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended the sponsor for his foresight and generosity, urging political office holders and appointees to emulate such people-oriented initiatives. He emphasised that the party would continue to recognise individuals who contribute meaningfully to community development, noting that such efforts would be considered in future political opportunities. The empowerment programme was attended by several dignitaries, including the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi; party leaders from Kano Municipal, and other stakeholders. In the end, stakeholders reiterated the importance of sustained humanitarian efforts and political collaboration in improving the welfare of citizens, particularly at the grassroots level. Photo News:

Education, Kano, News

Kano Polytechnic Gets New Chairman as Yusuf Removes Galadima

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved Engr. Buba Galadima of his position as Chairman of the Governing Council of Kano State Polytechnic. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, on Saturday. The governor subsequently approved the appointment of the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution. Read Also: Tinubu Hails Argungu Festival, Promises Support For Agriculture Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes FG Set to End HND–Degree Divide, Empowers Polytechnics to Award Degrees The decision to relieve Galadima, according to the statement, is part of ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at aligning the institution with the administration’s Kano First Agenda. Although the Governing Council’s tenure is officially three years, the chairman’s appointment was terminated before expiration to facilitate reforms targeted at optimal performance of the Polytechnic. Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to Galadima for his services to the institution during his tenure. He urged the newly appointed chairman to deploy his experience, leadership, and commitment in repositioning Kano State Polytechnic for greater academic and administrative excellence.

Kano, News

Fresh Fire Outbreak Hits Singa Market

A fresh fire outbreak has razed parts of Singa Market in Kano, destroying goods estimated to be worth millions of naira and leaving traders in distress. The inferno, which reportedly engulfed Gidan Gilas popularly known as “Gidan Mai” affected a provision store where flames and thick plumes of smoke were seen rising into the sky, attracting scores of traders and residents who rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to salvage goods. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the fire spread rapidly to adjoining structures, heightening tension within the densely populated commercial hub as shop owners struggled to prevent further losses. As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire outbreak remains unknown, with no official confirmation on what triggered the incident. Officials of the Kano State Fire Service were promptly deployed to the scene and initially battled the blaze with a fire truck. However, efforts were temporarily hampered after the water supply was exhausted, necessitating reinforcement. Read Also: Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano A second fire truck was later dispatched to sustain the firefighting operation, while a private water tanker from Aspira Nigeria Limited also joined in efforts to contain the inferno. Despite these interventions, traders and residents expressed growing concern over the adequacy of emergency response resources, calling for additional water tankers to fully extinguish the fire and prevent further devastation. The latest incident comes barely weeks after a similar fire outbreak at the same market caused extensive destruction, compounding the economic hardship faced by traders and raising fresh concerns over recurring fire disasters in the area.

Kaduna, Kano, News

Dadiyata: Ganduje Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim as Baseless, Politically Motivated

The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has firmly rejected allegations by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, linking him to the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata. This was conveyed in a statement signed by former Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano State, Muhammad Garba, who urged anyone with credible information regarding the abduction to present it to appropriate authorities, stressing that accountability must be based on facts and due process rather than speculation. In the statement, Ganduje described the allegation as reckless, unfounded and a clear attempt to shift responsibility for an incident that occurred entirely within Kaduna State. He emphasised that Dadiyata lived and operated in Kaduna, where he was widely known for directing his criticisms at the state government, noting that there is no credible evidence suggesting that the activist’s primary focus was Kano State or Ganduje. Read Also: Dadiyata: Sani Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim Against Ganduje “Everyone in Kaduna knew the nature of the criticism he made and who it was directed at,” the statement noted, adding that responsibility for security in Kaduna at the time rested with the state government and relevant federal security agencies. The statement further called for careful scrutiny of El-Rufai’s remarks, stressing that such serious allegations must be backed by verifiable evidence rather than political rhetoric. It warned that dragging Ganduje into the matter without proof not only politicises a painful and unresolved episode but also risks misleading the public on an already sensitive issue. Contrasting the political climate in both states at the time, Garba maintained that Ganduje’s administration in Kano was characterised by tolerance for criticism, open media engagement and acceptance of opposition voices. “Unlike many political leaders who maintained strained relationships with the media, we allowed scrutiny, accommodated critical voices and even learned from dissenting perspectives,” he stated. He added that there was no record of arrests, intimidation or harassment of journalists or critics in Kano during Ganduje’s tenure. The statement also referenced remarks by former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, who had noted that many individuals in Kaduna were reluctant to speak publicly about the case, as well as comments by Reno Omokri questioning how the matter was handled. Garba further expressed concern over El-Rufai’s claim that a police officer allegedly confessed to being sent from Kano to abduct Dadiyata, questioning why such information, if credible, was not formally presented to investigative authorities or pursued through proper security channels. “It is difficult to reconcile a claim of having no prior knowledge of the individual with simultaneously making detailed assertions about who was responsible,” the statement added. While reiterating sympathy for Dadiyata’s family, the statement stressed that the priority should remain on uncovering the truth through lawful and transparent investigative processes. “The family deserves closure,” it stated, adding that the matter should not be reduced to political blame-shifting but handled with the seriousness it deserves.

Feature, Kano, Politics

The Chair of Merit: Smashing The Delusion of Administrative Sabotage and the Arrogance of the Unlearned

​By Hon. Muhammad Sanusi Kiru (Former Commissioner for Education, Kano State) The recent commentary titled “The Administrative Sabotage – Two Captains in One Boat” is not merely an exercise in poor logic; it is a frantic scream of intellectual insecurity. While the author attempts to weave a tale of “strategic humiliation,” he has only succeeded in exposing a staggering ignorance of how serious governments function. To suggest that a sitting Commissioner is “castrated” because he serves on a committee chaired by a veteran is a weak, infantile argument that reeks of the very “ego-driven” sickness it claims to oppose. It is a direct insult to the supreme discretion of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and it is time to dismantle this hollow narrative with the cold, hard facts of administrative reality. Let us address the professional disparity that these defenders of mediocrity are so desperate to ignore. Professional pedigree is earned in the furnace of decades, not granted by the stroke of an appointment letter. Malam Muhammad Garba is a journalist of global stature, a man who rose from the newsrooms to lead the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the West African Journalists Association (WAJA). He is a master of the craft with eight years of executive experience in this specific portfolio. In contrast, while Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya is a legal practitioner, he is a guest in the house of media management. In any civilized governance structure, when a technical task is required, you put the subject-matter expert at the helm. For a lawyer to be mentored by a world-class journalist on a communications committee is not an “insult”; it is a privilege. To suggest otherwise is to argue that a student is “humiliated” by being taught by a professor. ​The “Two Captains” metaphor is the hallmark of a mind that lacks wider experience. Read Also: Kano APC Transition Committees: Why Competence Trumps Ego Those echoing this betray a fundamental inability to distinguish between Executive Line Authority and Technical Ad-Hoc Committees. In the Ministry, the Commissioner is the head; in a transition committee, the Chairman is the specialist. This is a global gold standard, practiced from the hallowed halls of the United Nations to the cabinets of the United States and the United Kingdom, where sitting ministers frequently serve under retired veterans to tap into “institutional memory.” Are we to believe that these global powers are also practicing “governance suicide”? Or is it simply that the authors of this discourse are too professionally shallow to grasp the concept of technical hierarchy? Those rising in defense of Comrade Waiya must stop their dangerous games. Let us be clear: most of those attacking the government’s decision are simply uncomfortable with the new political realignment in Kano. They are terrified because the government they failed to showcase or protect for nearly three years is finally gaining public visibility and professional traction. Having held the state’s information machinery to ransom under the dictates of their own incompetency, they now fear the arrival of authoritative experts who actually understand the terrain of journalism. ​By labeling the Governor’s strategic alliances as “sabotage,” these individuals have effectively unmasked themselves as political sycophants, individuals who claim to serve the Governor while simultaneously suggesting he is too incompetent to structure his own administration. Their loyalty is fragile and conditional, rooted only in the hope of personal aggrandizement. They are not “protecting the office”; they are protecting their own vanity because they were not allowed to chair a temporary committee. This is the height of hypocrisy: claiming to support the Governor’s “New Kano” vision while attacking the very handshake he has authorized to consolidate the APC merger. ​The era where positions were held by those who fear being overshadowed by competence is over. Kano State is in a phase of sophisticated political evolution that demands broad-based inclusion. If these self-appointed defenders are so pained by the sight of a veteran taking the lead, it is because they know their own lack of depth cannot survive the scrutiny of a master. Administrative decorum demands that the veteran leads and the appointee learns. It is time to drop the petty, amateurish gymnastics and realize that the mission is far greater than the fragile egos of political interns.

Kaduna, Kano

Dadiyata: Sani Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim Against Ganduje

Former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has dismissed allegations by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, linking the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to the abduction of activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata. El-Rufai had, during an interview on Arise News Prime Time on Friday, alleged that Ganduje was responsible for the disappearance of Dadiyata, who has remained missing since 2019. He maintained that Kaduna State authorities were not involved in the incident. According to him, “He (Dadiyata) is a critic of the Kano government. It was Ganduje that was his problem. Go and check his timeline. I don’t even know him.” He further stated that the Kaduna State Government only became aware of the activist following a report by his family. Read Also: Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano “We only got a report of Dadiyata’s existence after his family reported to the police that he was abducted,” he added. El-Rufai also cited an alleged confession by a police officer, claiming that operatives from Kano were involved in the abduction. However, reacting via his verified X account on Friday, Sani refuted the claims, insisting that Dadiyata was widely known as a critic of the Kaduna State Government, not Kano State or Ganduje. “Dadiyata was an outspoken critic of the Kaduna State Government and governor and NOT of Kano State or Ganduje. He is from Kaduna and lived in Kaduna with his family. Everyone in Kaduna knows the critical views of that young man,” Sani stated. He further noted that the activist was abducted from his residence in the Barnawa area of Kaduna on August 1, 2019, adding that his whereabouts remain unknown. Sani also raised concerns over the handling of the case, stating that there was no official statement from the Kaduna State Government at the time, nor any formal visit to the family. “Everyone in Kaduna was afraid to talk about Dadiyata, including the police and the State House of Assembly. The family of Dadiyata are still around for anyone who wants to hear the truth directly from them,” he added. Meanwhile, human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has previously called for a thorough investigation into the activist’s disappearance. As of the time of filing this report, no official findings have been made public regarding the circumstances surrounding Dadiyata’s abduction, as calls for clarity and accountability continue to grow.

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