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VP Shettima leads Speaker, Gov’s, others to Zulum’s children wedding

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Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday led the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, several governors, National Assembly members, ministers, and other high-level dignitaries to the wedding of the children of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in Maiduguri.

The children are Aisha Babagana Zulum, married to Mohammed Idi Barde; Mamman Babagana Zulum, who is married to Yagana Mustapha Busuguma; Umar Babagana Zulum, who is married to Fatima Azzaki Jidda, and Abba Abubakar Umara, who is married to Aisha Ibrahim Musa.

The wedding Fatiha took place at the Maiduguri Central Mosque around the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, served as the ‘wali’ (bride’s representative) who gave out Aisha Babagana Umara Zulum as wife of Mohammed Idi Barde.

Notable personalities in attendance include former Vice President Babagana Kingibe; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda; Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; and the former minister of communication, Professor Isa Ali Pantami.

The governors present include those of Kwara, Ogun, Gombe, Yobe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Kaduna states. At the same time, the governors of Imo and Oyo were represented by their deputies.

Others include the ministers of Agriculture, Budget and Economic Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Social Welfare, Education, and the Minister of State for Regional Development. Also in attendance was the elder statesman, Dr Muhammadu Indimi and traditional rulers from across the country.

 

Ex-Chairman of NFA Ibrahim Galadima is dead

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A former chairman of the Nigerian Football Association, Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, is dead.

The former NFA chairman who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, passed away on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano. He was 78 years old.

The younger brother of the deceased, Alhaji Abba Galadima, who confirmed the death, said funeral prayers for the deceased will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Fagge quarters in Kano metropolis.

The late Galadima was a prominent figure in Nigerian football administration and community leadership, having played a significant role in the development of the sport during his tenure at the helm of the NFA.

Meanwhile the Management, Staff, players and fans of Kano Pillars FC have mourned the passing of former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who died today, Saturday, 18th April 2026, after a protracted illness.

According to a statement on Saturday by the Media and Communications Directorate, Kano Pillars FC extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, the government, people of Kano State and the entire Nigerian football community over the death of the former NFA chairman.

“Kano Pillars extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the Government, good people of Kano State and the entire Nigerian football community.

“On behalf of the General Manager, Ahmed Musa, MON, OON and the Chairman of the club, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, we extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss,” the statement said.

Galadima was born on February 15, 1948 and was an astute football administrator and one of the most influential figures in Nigerian sports.

During his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (2002–2006), he made significant contributions to the development, organization and international representation of Nigerian football.

He also served with distinction as the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission in Kano State, where he played a vital role in advancing sports at both grassroots and elite levels.

A revered statesman of the game, the late Galadima was one of the founding fathers of Kano Pillars FC, laying a solid foundation for the club’s growth into a dominant force in Nigerian football. His legacy, leadership, and passion for the game will forever remain part of the club’s rich history.

ADC petitions police over plan to conduct parallel leadership in Kano

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A leadership dispute has emerged within the African Democratic Congress in Kano State, as a support group within the party warned of a potential security risk linked to a planned parallel leadership election.

The ADC Kano State Support Group raised the concern in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police in the state, calling for urgent intervention to halt what it described as an unauthorized exercise.

In the letter signed by its chairman, Muhammad Yusuf Babba Dan Agundi, the group alleged that certain unidentified individuals were making arrangements to conduct a separate leadership poll under the guise of representing the party.

“Certain unidentified individuals are making arrangements to conduct separate polls under the guise of representing the party,” the letter said.

According to the group, the meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026, along Murtala Muhammad Way in Kano. It cautioned that the development could threaten peace and public order if allowed to proceed.

The group stated that it became aware of the planned gathering through a report broadcast on a local radio station, which raised concerns about the legitimacy and intentions of the organisers.

It warned that failure to verify and address the situation could create confusion among party members and heighten tensions, potentially leading to unrest.

The group therefore urged the police authorities to act swiftly by stopping the planned meeting and investigating those behind it, emphasizing that proactive measures are necessary to protect lives and property and maintain law and order in the state.

“We urge the Police to act immediately by taking proactive measures to stop the planned meeting to prevent possible breakdown of law and order,” the group added.

However, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, said he had yet to see the petition.

“I have not seen the petition and you know today is the weekend. I would have found out if I was in the office,” he said.

He, however promised to get back to the reporter on Monday.

2027: Kano APC debunks withdrawal of support for President Tinubu

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The All Progressives Congress, Kano State Chapter, has firmly debunked a statement allegedly issued by a group known as Arewa APC Forum, Kano State Chapter, claiming withdrawal of support for the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement on Saturday by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Auwalu Abdullahi, the APC described the claim as false, misleading, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the party.

The party emphasized that no recognized or constitutionally backed organ within the APC has taken such a decision, stressing that the Kano State Chapter remains fully committed to supporting President Tinubu and his administration.

“The APC in Kano is aware of attempts by certain individuals and faceless groups to create confusion and disunity within the party.

“We wish to state categorically that this so-called forum is not known to the party structure and does not represent the views of APC members in Kano State,” the statement said.

The party further reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu, noting that his administration remains focused on delivering good governance, economic reforms, and national development.

APC Kano under the able leadership of Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa therefore urged party members and the general public to disregard the statement in its entirety, describing it as the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on causing unnecessary tension.

The statement concluded by reiterating the party’s unity and unwavering support for President Tinubu’s vision for a better Nigeria.

“The so called signatory of the purported withdrawal is faceless and not a stakeholder of the party at any level in Kano”

Kano strengthens capacity on Bio-risk management, zoonotic disease surveillance

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The Kano State Government has taken a significant step toward strengthening public health preparedness with the successful completion of a two-day workshop on Bio-risk Management and Zoonotic Disease Sample Collection.

The training held from April 10- 11, 3026, was organized by the Ministry for Livestock Development in collaboration with the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, with support from the Core Group Partners Project.

This is contained in a statement by the Director General of the KNCDC, Prof. Mohammad Adamu Abbas, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Friday.

According to the statement, the workshop brought together Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers from seven Local Government Areas: Doguwa, Tofa, Takai, Kura, Dawakin Tofa, Kumbotso, and Bunkure, alongside key state level stakeholders in surveillance, laboratory services, infection prevention and control, and data management.

“These seven Local Government Areas are the high‑burden areas for zoonotic diseases in Kano State,” the statement said.

It added that the primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity of frontline health workers in bio-risk management, improve the safe collection and handling of zoonotic disease samples, and strengthen surveillance and reporting systems across the state.

“The initiative also emphasized the One Health approach, promoting collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

“Participants underwent intensive technical sessions, practical demonstrations, and interactive discussions covering bio-risk assessment, infection prevention and control practices, proper sample collection and transportation, and effective data reporting systems.

Speaking at the close of the workshop, a state health official noted that the training has significantly improved the technical capacity of surveillance officers and reinforced the importance of timely and accurate disease reporting in preventing outbreaks.

The workshop also provided a platform for participants to share field experiences and challenges, including limited access to remote communities, delays in sample transportation, and resource constraints. These discussions helped identify practical solutions and foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Key outcomes of the workshop include: improved technical knowledge among participants, strengthened inter-sectoral collaboration, and renewed commitment to enhancing disease surveillance systems at the local government level.

Prof. Abbas reaffirmed the state government commitment to continuous capacity building, improved logistics, and enhanced community engagement to ensure effective prevention and response to zoonotic diseases.

Yobe Frontline Governorship Aspirant Tumsah Promises To Address State NUJ’s Electricity Challenge

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Yobe’s frontline governorship aspirant, Kashim Musa Tumsah, has pledged to fully address the power supply problem facing journalists at the state’s Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

Tumsah popularly called KMT,
made the pledge on Thursday during a media parley when he visited the council’s secretariat, as part of his private visit to the state.

A statement by the Spokesman of KMT Campaign Organization, Abubakar Ahmed, said Tumsah dropped the hint having observed that there was no light to power the secretariat for conducive coverage of the event.

He was informed by the Chairman of the council that the alternative power source, a standby generator which was providing electricity to the building due to the persistent power outages from the national grid, had become overwhelmed.

The Governorship aspirant then promised to immediately come to the aid of the council, noting that information dissemination would be very slow without electricity to power the system and gadgets used by journalists.

He told the media practitioners that he drove straight to the secretariat to pay homage to them because of the critical and strategic position they occupy in nation building.

KMT also promised to always carry them along as partners in progress, and thanked them for the reception accorded him and members of his entourage.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Council, Rajab Mohammed, while welcoming the aspirant, said the council was highly honoured to receive him as a special guest who recognises the importance of media and its practitioners.

He said KMT should always feel free to approach members of the council for all his publicity needs and that they would not disappoint him.

KMT, who was in the state on a private visit, was, however, overwhelmed by the crowd of supporters who waited for his arrival all day long, having received the news of his coming.

2027: Kannywood Artists converge on Kano for Tinubu/Gov. Yusuf

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Thousands of members of the famous Kannywood film industry, under the platform of Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope, have pledged support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state.

The group met in Kano on Thursday with a view to sensitizing people across the 19 northern states on programmes and projects of the Tinubu-led administration and APC governors in the region.

Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary of the group, Ahmad Bifa said the Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope will sustain engagement and mobilise support for President Tinubu and governor Yusuf.

Bifa explained that the group will outline strategies for supporting the two leaders, adding that “We will sensitize the people about the good work Mr. President is doing in the northern part of the country.

“There are many projects being executed by the presidency across northern states, but due to lack of awareness, many people think such projects are being executed by either the state governors or members of the National Assembly.

“That is why as members of the entertainment industry, came together as one to create awareness among masses to let them know that Mr. President is really working to bring development to the region.

“We should not be bias. Politicians are trying to prevent people from seeing what Mr. President is doing in the north,” he said.

On his part, the famous Hausa Singer and Sarkin Wakar Kasar Hausa, Alhaji Dauda Adamu Rarara, reaffirmed his support to any government that is committed to the well-being of its people.

“This is the reason why I’m supporting the APC-led government at both federal and state levels. Take Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state, he focused on the development of Kano; he is working around the clock to improve the well-being of the people of the state.

“The governor has put politics behind his back and concentrate on the development of Kano. We want this to be replicated in all APC-led states. I’m urging politicians to always put the interest of their constituents above theirs.

“Millions of our fans are approaching us with numerous messages for onward transmitting to the government but because we don’t have one voice, such messages are not reaching the ears of our leaders. The government also lacks access to many members of the film industry.

“Now we have created an avenue for easy communication between the masses and the government and vice verser. We will do everything possible to promote Mr. President and APC Governors through this platform,” he said.

In his keynote address, former Executive Secretary, Kano State Censorship Board, Ismail Muhammad Na’Abba Afakallah said the Triple R Kannywood was born out of concern to join millions of other groups to promote the political activities of Mr. President Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

“It is our intention to embark on a serious political awareness campaign in the northern states for Mr. President and in the 44 local governments of Kano state for the Governor.

Afakallah added that the campaign will focus on educating people about the major projects Mr. President is executing in the north such as the 387km Kano–Maradi line which is over 60% complete, Kaduna–Kano standard gauge railway which 53% is completed, Kano-Kaduna and Kaduna-Abuja road construction among others projects.

He said for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Triple R Kannywood for Renewed Hope will propagate the laudable projects the Governor is executing in the areas of infrastructure, Agriculture, health, education and empowerment.

“It is therefore, my hope that our meeting today, will be a turning point of our commitment towards promoting the political activities of Mr. President and Governor Abba Kabir. I also hope that through our efforts these two great leaders will better the lives of our people,” he said.

First Lady to launch Energise Commercialisation Now initiative in Kano

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The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is expected to launch “Energise Commercialisation Now”, a Federal Government innovation and industrialization initiative in Kano on Thursday, 23 April 2026.

The initiative (ECoN) is designed to mobilise innovation, attract investment, and accelerate industrial production across the six geo-political zones.

The Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, made the disclosure while addressing a news conference in Kano on Thursday.

“We are gathered to announce a landmark event that will place Kano State and the entire North-West geopolitical zone at the forefront of Nigeria’s innovation-driven economic transformation.

“Kano State has been honoured to host the National Launch and the North-West Zonal Deployment of this historic programme, under the distinguished leadership of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour and official launcher of the initiative,” he said.

He said the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, has launched a flagship programme titled “Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN).”

According to him, the National Launch and North-West Zonal event will take place over three days, from 23rd to 25th April 2026, in Kano State.

The commissioner said the event is expected to bring together Federal and State Governments, State Governors and First Ladies of the North-West, research institutions, universities, and polytechnics.

Also expected at the grand event included innovators, inventors, and startups, private sector investors, manufacturers, and industry associations, development finance institutions, international partners, traditional rulers as well as community stakeholders.

“With the support of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and all stakeholders, Energise Commercialisation Now will unlock the innovative potential of our people and create lasting prosperity,” Waiya added.

NSCDC reaffirms commitment to safe school project

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has stressed the need to equip officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively safeguard educational institutions against security threats in the country.

The Kano State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mohammed Hassan Agalama made the call at the opening ceremony of a three-day safe school training programme for corps desk officers on Wednesday in Kano.

The training programme was sponsored by Plan International in collaboration with Save the Children with funding from the European Union.

He noted that the training would enhance the capacity of desk officers to coordinate, monitor, and respond to safety concerns within schools across the state.

“There is the need to equip officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to effectively safeguard educational institutions against security threats,” Agalama said.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the full implementation of the Safe School project in line with the directives of the Commandant General and the national policy on safety, security and violence-free schools.

“The training will go a long way in enhancing the capacity of desk officers to coordinate, monitor, and respond to safety concerns within schools across the state,” he said.

The Commandant expressed appreciation to Plan International, Save the Children and the European Union, for sponsoring the programme, describing the partnership as a vital step towards strengthening school safety and protecting the future of children.

In their separate goodwill messages, Mr Joseph Apeh who spoke on behalf of the partners, and Josiah Shu’aibu, one of the resource persons from the Corps National Safe School Response Coordination Centre, Abuja, charged the participants to take full advantage of the training and ensure the practical application of the knowledge gained in their respective areas of responsibility.

Kano Dep Governor’s seat: Concerned Elders make case for Ex-Speaker Kabiru Rurum

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Kano South Concerned Elders Forum has appealed to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to appoint Hon Kabiru Alhassan Rurum as the next Deputy Governor of the state.

According to them, his appointment would support the administration and correct the years of political lopsidedness in the leadership of the state.

Their appealed was sequel to the nomination of Rurum, alongside Engineer Rabiu Sulieman Bichi and Murtala Sule Garo  by the legacy group of the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governors final selection for the vacant post.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Elders, Senator Masaud El- Jibril Doguwa, they affirmed that the nomination of Rirum , a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and a current member of the Nigeria’s House Representatives, represented a turning point in the political history of Kano -South.

“For the first time in over 30 years, someone from the zone has come close to being nominated as the state Deputy Governor. All past efforts by other capable politicians from the zone to secure the post of the state governor has failed to materialize” they recalled.

The elders, which included Musa Salihu, Alhassan Kibya, Rabiu Bala,  Yau Beza , Wai Ado and several others , lamented that the zone, which has 16 LGAs and is one of the largest Senatorial zones in Nigeria, has yearned for decades for an equitable representation at the highest levels of leadership in the state.

While appreciating the Governor for his strength of character, fairness, justice and sense of inclusiveness, they stressed that the choice of Rirum for the position would go a long way to strengthen the administration.

“He is a grass root politician, a team worker,  and approachable with extensive network all over the state and beyond.. He shares the same values with the Governor on the delivery of democratic dividends to his constituency” they declared.