KHAIRUN VC lauds BUK management for support

The vice chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Kano (KHAIRUN) Professor Abdulrashid Garba, has reaffirmed the university's commitment towards partnering with Bayero University Kano BUK aimed at improving and developing it academic activities.

Professor Abdulrashid Garba stated this when he led KHAIRUN's management on a courtesy visit to the BUK's vice chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas in his office.

A statement signed by the head of corporate affairs and marketing department, Bilal Dahiru Tijjani and it available to newsmen, said the visit was part of KHAIRUN's management efforts to improve it academic activities.

Professor Abdulrashid Garba who acknowledged BUK support on various aspects academically among others as a guiding institution for KHAIRUN.

He expressed deep appreciation to BUK’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas, and the entire management for their continued assistance. 

He reaffirmed KHAIRUN’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with BUK, seeking its expertise in academic matters, and soliciting further guidance for the university’s sustained progress.

In response, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas warmly welcomed KHAIRUN’s delegation, describing the university’s journey so far as highly successful. 

He highlighted the dedication and financial commitment of KHAIRUN’s proprietors, which have contributed significantly to its achievements. 

Prof. Abbas also praised Prof. Garba, recognizing him as one of BUK’s distinguished academics with unquestionable leadership qualities.

 He further described KHAIRUN as one of the leading private universities in Nigeria, pledging continuous support, mentorship, and collaboration, particularly in research.

In his remarks, the KHAIRUN’s Registrar, Malam Yusuf Datti, thanked BUK’s management for their continuous support and guidance, which has played a crucial role in the remarkable progress KHAIRUN has achieved in just two years.

Nationwide League One: Sen Barau pays registration fees worth over N15m for 52 Kano clubs

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has paid registration fees worth over 15 million naira for 52 clubs in Kano State for this year's Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) competition.

Senator Barau, the founder of the Barau Football Club (Barau FC), paid the fees following the request of the Chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League One, Kano Football Clubs Forum, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim Lato during a courtesy visit to him at the National Assembly on Tuesday.

A statement signed by the special adviser to the deputy president on media and publicity. Ismail Mudashir and made it available to newsmen said the donations was to enable the state representative in various divisions of Nationwide league to paid for their registration to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

Salisu Ibrahim Lato, a veteran football star and administrator, lamented the clubs' inability to register for the competitions and solicited intervention from the deputy president of the Senate.

" We are in the National Assembly to thank the Deputy President of the Senate for saving football in Kano State. He had supported us even before he established his football club.

" Today, I can boldly say that he is the number one promoter and supporter of football in Kano and North. He has built 13 modern stadiums in Kano State. We are appealing to him to come to our rescue to pay registration fees for the NLO," he said.

Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate announced the payment of registration fees for all the 52 clubs in Kano State.

" Nothing is too much to engage our youths. I'm paying the registration fees for all the 52 clubs today. The more, the merrier. Let them all participate in the NLO. As a footballer and a midfielder while growing up, I know the importance of participating in competitions like this.

" Aside from my club - Barau FC, I will continue to support other clubs to succeed. Football has many benefits, and it is very lucrative. We know how footballers are building health facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship, among others," he said.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Yunusa Sulaiman, one of the players of Barau FC has been invited to the Nigerian Flying Eagles U-20 camp ahead of this year's AFCON in Cote D'Ivoire.

Gombe unveils petition against AFN and Olopade's EFCC involvement

Sports entrepreneur and Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association Hon Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe has explained reasons he petitioned EFCC over alleged financial improprieties in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the director general of National Sports Commission (NSC) Hon. Bukola Olokpade's involvement 

"Having not been satisfied with the explanations offered and also not satisfied with the position taken by AFN itself, I want an independent body to investigate the AFN financial activities. That's the reason for the petition to EFCC"

Gombe, in a chat with Journalists in Abuja recently said he issued a statement to a letter received from lawyers of Hon. Bukola Olopade the NSC DG giving him Seven Days ultimatum to delete, apologize and retract a statement he allegedly made against their clients (Olopade) in the social media about an on-going petition with the EFCC.

"I sent the letter to my lawyers who studied and advised accordingly and in response to their letter, I said, Let's meet in court, I am not going to retract, delete or apologize.

It is more than one month I have not heard from them"

The former Gombe football Association Chairman insisted that the error Olopade and his lawyers made was that "I did nothing to defame him"

Olopade was under investigation and failed to respond to investigators and investigators failed to apply the law for persons who failed to honour sormons.

"I want the public to know I'm not going to compromise on this matter and Hon. Olopade should understand that I have no problem with him, rather he created problems between us, the petition did not mention his name. 

As a stakeholder, and member of the Congress of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, I have rights to demand for financial statements of the federation.

I did not petition them as Chairman Gombe State Athletics Association, I petitioned as Chairman of a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) recognised by law.

One of our mandates is to ensure accountability, transparency and good governance in athletics and other sports in Nigeria."

This also includes any stakeholder and organisations, we have rights under the law to bring such persons to book for national interest.

According to him, Hon. Olopade was inviting trouble when he instructed his lawyers to send me that kind of letter and I hope, I will not consume him.

Before then, He has been sending private messages to me. I have a message where Hon.Olopade invited me to a meeting. I didn't even have his number, but when I asked who is this, "I asked you for a meeting"

I gave him time and where we can meet based on his request, he kept me waiting for two weeks. When I asked him why he kept me waiting, he said, he thought I am the one to call him back.

I told him no, you are getting it wrong, you are a public servernt.

Don't behave that way, I'm advising you, don't behave that way.

Hon. Olopade also threatened me in a message, but I kept it, there would be a time to let it out.

If Olopade thinks too high about himself, I am not afraid of you people"

"For over 25 years in sports I have not been afraid of threats on my life, investigation of any kind nothing was found on me, nothing.

My conscience is very clear, anybody in the sports sector who feels Gara Gombe must be silenced, you are making a huge mistake.

This is a gathering storm, hope it won't consume everybody.

Again, my petition to EFCC was not pointing at Hon. Olopade."

The petition was actually directed at AFN President Tonobok Okowa and former Secretary Rita Mosindi.

These are the two people, but there's no way these two would be investigated without Olopade's involvement as an agent to the federation.

At the time this happened you were the substantive Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Marketing Company and you can't deny it.

Hon. Gara- Gombe also discussed and revealed more facts behind his petition against AFN.

"Note that immediately, the former AFN scribe Rita Mosindi was removed they have gone back to same old ways.

The new secretary sent State Athletics Association letters for registration/subscription asking them to make payments or dues into a private bank account.

This is a secretary that was posted just recently to AFN, they have started giving him different orientation".

Gombe State Athletics Association under my watch will not pay a dime into any private account.

If they like, they should refuse registering Gombe in any competition then, they would see problem, we are ready to pay, definitely not into a private account.

We have continued to emphasize that AFN doesn't have an account, instead of opening one, they are directing members to put money in a private account.

Again, the AFN Congress in Asaba was an illegal one, decisions taken there cannot stand, because I raised that issue, I was removed from the platform of Athletics Association Chairmen till today. AFN made a costly mistake by delisting me , like I said, something will happen in athletics federation of Nigeria very soon. 

He cautioned the NSC DG to desist from calling him, "If you want to engage me, its your problem.

You have threatened me by sending messages, that's your problem.

I have warned Olopade not to call me again and I hope he would stop.

I can tell you there's no expiring date to justice. 

The way things are going, it may even consume NSC itself.

The NSC as presently constituted is operating illegally.

The act establishing NSC says it must have a board, right now, there's no Board.

We have those operating as sole administrators with clashing functions.

Where is the board, even people there want to operate as executive chairman, but the law subsists until it is amended, at the moment, it has not been amended. 

There has been serious campaign to make someone an executive chairman, but if that happens, what would be the function of the DG who supposed to be the NSC head of administration.

The Chairman and board should be at a distance to allow the DG formulate policies to drive NSC, as it is, everyone is a sole administrator.

Is it how the sports economy is going to run?

Any decision NSC takes now is illegal without a board and could be challenged in court"..said Gombe

Kano holds colourless state Nestle Milo basketball finals

...As Ahmadiyya College emerge champions for boys and girls categories 

Ahmadiyya College Basketball teams boys and girls have emerged winners of this year's Kano state Nestle Milo basketball final held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha Sports Complex Kofar Mata Kano.

The 25th edition of the championship which was organized by Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF attracted over 300 secondary schools boys and girls in attendance.

Although this year's edition was colourless as no top government officials and no Nestle Milo representatives at the final. And the two winners went back to their respective schools without certificates or trophies at the end of the final which attracted a larger turn out spectators.

In the boys category, Ahmadiyya College basketball team defeated it's Government Secondary school, Gwarzo counterpart 17-15 points while Ahmadiyya girls also outshine Government Girls College GGC. Dala 09-03 points.

Ahmadiyya College basketball teams are to represent Kano in the upcoming Savannah Conference scheduled to hold on May 2, 2025 in Kano as the host state.

The other states expected in Kano during the conference include Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Taraba. Yobe. Gombe. Borno. Bauchi, and Adamawa.

Speaking shortly after the final, the head of school sports of Kano state ministry of education, Ibrahim Bello commended the participants for their maximum support and cooperation throughout the championship.

On the issues of non participations of the tournament's sponsors, Nestle Milo, he decline to comment.

When contacted on phone, the NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph prove abortive 

It would be recalled that the sponsors supposed to kitted the finalists for both boys and girls, trophies, Certificates and others souvenirs at the state final.

Pantami; Now that you are a Professor! By Haruspice

Isa Ali Pantami is in the eyes of envious minds, he is being dragged for being different. His offence is learning to speak the queen's English so impeccably. He romances the English words so erotically that even the owners of the language fantasize in flirtatious admiration. Pantami is intelligent, he is cerebral and infectiously charismatic. The Americans will describe him as a filbustrous speaker, he sure commands the fluidity that comes with spoken words. His greatest offence against his traducer is his audacity to be overtly rather than conservative - a role reserved for northerners. Of all the northern intellectuals ever, only a few stand in expressive splendour. The rest were and are buried in the toga of conservativism. Only late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Maitama Sule, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Isah Pantami refused to be suppressed under the conservatism of the north. 

Isah Pantami combined sheer doggedness to be outstanding in his aspirations; as an Islamic scholar or preacher, he dwarfs his contemporaries. When he preaches, you don't want him to stop- his name travels round in the minds of Nigerian Muslims. As an academic reference, he dominated his chosen field of interest so much that he is an enigmatic reference. Rising to become an intellectual figure in two universities of the world is no mean feat, it takes cultivated resilience and hard work to be appointed a lecturer in Nigeria and Saudi Arabian' universities. An accidental intellectual can't be this lucky to wear this gown of academic regards. 

And to have a preacher and university lecturer bulldozed his way into political fiefdom to the extent of sustaining an everyday news mention and prestige should be a task that requires critical study. What does this man possess that he is undoubtedly unstoppable in his aspirations? For everywhere he navigates, he enjoys the wave of influence. When news mentions of present day political figures in this dispensation are collated and tabulated, Phantami will have his bar chat standing vertically in towering height. He has been consistent and stands again as one of the most popular ministers in President Muhammadu Buhari's cabinet. 

The above anecdote points to one thing, Isah Pantami has an unquenchable trajectory, and therefore, requires no title to excel in his destined voyage. The hullabaloo about the professorial cap to the Gombe born preacher, teacher and politician is needless and an overstretched ploy to impede the ride of a man who refused to be silenced by the age-long narrative that a northerner no matter his intellect and education is naturally a conservative gamut whose voice must not be heard. This man has shattered that forced stereotype and those who are supposed to give him the stoic nods are busy writing essays on why the professorial conferment on Isah Pantami by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri should not be. I dare to ask, would this feat reduce your own aspiration to greatness? Why the sustained and unmitigated onslaught on this man who is breaking the shell of prejudice? You guys must allow Pantami to breathe, please, now that he is a Professor. 

Frankly musing

Note: this piece was rewritten in 2022 and reproduced now following the report from Federal University of Technology Owerri affirming the professorial status of Professor Isa Ali Pantami .

Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Boss Awarded Honorary Peace and Humanitarian Ambassador to the United Nations

The Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kano State, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been honored with the title of Honorary Peace and Humanitarian Ambassador to the United Nations. The award was presented during a sideline meeting at the United Nations CSW69 (2025) held at the UN Secretariat in New York, USA, organized by Prezens for Charity as part of this year’s CSW69 event titled: Digital Inclusion as a Catalyst for Gender Equality.

The award presentation was to be conducted by Ecoma Alaga, Senior Political Affairs Officer and West African Team Leader. However, due to her unavailability, Elizabeth Amanda Chen of Dedimus Potestatem , UN Women’s CSW69 Moderator, presented the award on behalf of Global Humanitarian Excellence, alongside Ambassador Catherine Utsalo, Vice President of Prezens for Charity.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Utsalo described Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as a trailblazer, stating:

"His unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to justice, particularly in defending the rights of women and children in Kano State, set him apart. We are proud to celebrate his achievements on this global stage."

Elizabeth Amanda Chen, who officially presented the award, further emphasized:

"He was among a select group of nominees worldwide, recognized for his steadfast support for women and children in Kano State. After closely monitoring his impactful work, we nominated him from among thousands of individuals and honored him with this prestigious recognition."

Muhuyi Magaji Expresses Gratitude

In his remarks, Muhuyi Magaji expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the award, which he described as a significant morale booster and an international recognition of his efforts as Kano State’s Ombudsman in protecting individual rights—particularly those of the most vulnerable members of society, including women, girls, and children.

He also commended the United Nations CSW for its annual program, stating that it raises awareness and contributes significantly to alleviating the suffering of marginalized groups worldwide.

Furthermore, Magaji extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his unwavering support of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, whose work is now receiving global recognition.

Radio Nigeria reports that Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado is among the select few who received awards during the 2025 CSW69 sideline program held at the United Nations in New York City.

Hon. Abubakar Donates Cash to APC Leaders, Supporters in Dala for Ramadan

Hon. Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim, the Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, has donated cash to APC leaders and supporters in Dala Local Government to support them during Ramadan.  

The event, held on Thursday in Dala, aimed to appreciate party members for their dedication and efforts.

Speaking at the gathering, Abubakar emphasized the importance of party leaders, describing them as the backbone of any political organization.

“These are the people who struggle for the victory of any political party. That is why it is necessary to go back and support them,” he stated.

As part of the initiative, the Committee of Elders of APC in Dala Local Government received ₦1 million, the APC chairman received ₦100,000, and the party’s secretary got ₦30,000. Additionally, 25 APC executives were given ₦20,000 each, while women leaders, persons with disabilities, and 300 ward leaders received ₦10,000 each, among others.

Abubakar assured that this initiative was just the beginning, promising continued support.

“Less than two months ago, I paid JAMB registration fees for 350 students in Dala. I will also sponsor candidates for WAEC and NECO, and those who perform well in JAMB will be sponsored to universities of their choice,” he added.

The Kano APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, represented by the party’s PRO, Ahmad S. Aruwa, commended Abubakar’s generosity and urged other politicians to emulate him.

“If we had three people like Abubakar, Kano would not be the same,” he said.

He also criticized the ruling NNPP, claiming they had not provided similar support to the people of Kano.

APC Kano Women Leader, Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, praised Abubakar for prioritizing women in his support.

“Sixty percent of the beneficiaries are women. Women play a key role in elections. Whoever they support will win, by the grace of God,” she stated.

She emphasized that women are the foundation of political success, as they are actively involved in mobilization and grassroots campaigns. She highlighted their role in attending rallies, canvassing support door-to-door, and ensuring their families remain loyal to the party.

She further praised Abubakar for recognizing the contributions of women, noting that his generosity would ease their burden, especially during Ramadan.

“This support will help women provide for their families, buy food, and take care of their children. When you empower women, you empower entire households. That is why I am particularly happy that women received the majority of this support,” she added.

She called on other politicians to follow Abubakar’s example by prioritizing women, stressing that those who support women will always earn their loyalty in return.

Ibrahim Hamza Ibrahim, APC leader of Bakin Ruwa Ward, described Abubakar’s efforts as true party loyalty.

“This is what being in a political party is all about. Political appointees should come back and help the people,” he said.

Alin Ummi, APC leader of Madigawa Ward, noted that everyone in attendance had felt the impact of Abubakar’s support.

“He has given us a lot of money, and we are thankful to God for witnessing this day. We will use this to break our fast and support our families,” he said.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Executive Financial Director of Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Musa Iliasu Kwankwaso, Hon. Yusuf Aliyu Tumfafi and renowned Kano businessman, Alhaji Liti Kulkul.

Kano Information Commissioner Urges Broadcast Media to Respect Rights of Individuals and Societal Values in Political Programming

Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrd Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has urged media outlets and politicians to promote a culture of respect and tolerance in the broadcast of radio political programmes. 

In a statement signed by the Director Internal Affairs of the Ministry, Waiya made during a meeting with heads of media houses in his office, where he emphasized the need to safeguard Kano's rich cultural heritage of decorum, decency and respect for elders and constituted authority.

He expressed concern over the the manner in which radio political programs have been turned into platforms for character assassination, defamation and undermining the state's centuries long cultural norms and values. 

The commissioner also noted that these negative tendencies have been a source of worry for right-thinking individuals in the state.

To address these concerns, the meeting adopted far-reaching resolutions aimed at promoting professionalism and sanitizing broadcast of political programmes which include suspension of live political programmes and regular training of broadcast journalists.

In his remarks, the Kano State Coordinator of the National Broadcasting Commission , NBC, Malan Adamu Salihu, reported that 262 broadcast violations were recorded in the state by his office between January and February 2025, with 196 related to political programmes and 150 involving personality attacks. 

He therefore reiterated that this statistics highlighted the need for urgent action to promote responsible broadcasting practices in Kano.

Abdulmumin Kofa ya raba gagarumin tallafin azumi ga mutum 10,000 a Kiru da Bebeji

Kamar yadda ya saba, Mai Girma Dan Majalisar Wakilai na mazaɓar Kiru/Bebeji, Kano, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa PhD (Jarman Bebeji), ya raba tallafi ga al’ummar yankinsa domin rage musu radadin rayuwa, musamman a watan azumin Ramadan. 

A wannan karon, Mai Girma Hon. Kofa ya raba tallafin kudade ga mata da maza har mutum dubu goma.

Daga ciki akwai waɗanda suka samu tallafin ₦200,000, da masu ₦100,000, da masu ₦50,000, sai masu ₦20,000 da kuma masu ₦10,000. 

Baya ga haka, matasa dubu biyu sun samu damar cin gajiyar shirin tallafin rabon kayan sana’a da zai taimaka musu wajen dogaro da kawunansu

Allah ya sada mu da alkhairan da ke cikin wannan watan na Ramadan mai albarka. Amin.

Kano Ministry of Information to partner with the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters.

In a statement signed by the Director Special Duties of the Ministry, Sani Abba Yola, said the Commissioner made this statement while receiving members of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, Kano State Chapter, in his office.

Comrade Waiya stated that the ministry would ensure that staff of state-owned broadcast agencies register with the professional body to enhance service delivery.

He emphasized the need to regulate certain content in broadcast media, particularly political programs, to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect the reputations of highly respected individuals.

The Commissioner further assured the Society of his commitment to collaboration, especially in the area of training, to ensure that all media content aligns with ethical standards, societal values, and religious principles.

Earlier, the Kano State Coordinator of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, Hajiya Aishatu Sule, congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment.

She explained that the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters is a professional body that regulates broadcasting in Nigeria, adding that no individual should practice as a broadcaster without registering with the organization.

In his remarks, the Vice President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, North West Zone, Ado Sa’idu Warawa, solicited the ministry’s support in organizing workshops to equip broadcasters with modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance digital broadcasting in line with global standards.

He also appealed to the Commissioner to assist the Society in securing a befitting secretariat to improve working conditions.