Independence Day: Gov. Yusuf Urges Kano Residents to Shun Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged residents of the state to maintain peace, unity and mutual respect as the 2027 General Election approaches.

In a statement signed by the Director General Media and Publicity Government House Kano, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf made the appeal on Thursday while addressing citizens at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kano.

The Governor called on political actors, community leaders and citizens to reject violence, division, intolerance and criminality, stressing that peace and security are essential for sustainable development.

He urged the people of Kano to pray for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election, while exercising their civic responsibilities responsibly.

“Let us shun violence and anything that may threaten the peace and stability of our dear state,” Governor Yusuf said.

He stressed that nation-building requires unity, sacrifice and collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to turn the country’s diversity of languages, cultures, traditions and faiths into strength through mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The Governor also called on citizens to obey the law, protect public property, reject violence and criminality, pay legitimate taxes and contribute to the peace and development of their communities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, Local Governments, traditional and religious institutions, the private sector and development partners in the service of the people.

Governor Yusuf urged residents to support farmers, traders, teachers, entrepreneurs, women and young people, saying an environment of peace and stability would enable every citizen to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

He said his administration would remain focused on consolidating its achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, water supply, security and human capital development.

The Governor called on the people of Kano to renew their commitment to peace, unity and responsible citizenship as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Dr. Osetoba Commends Governor for reviving sports in the state as Nigeria hits 65

The Technical Advisor to the Governor of Ekiti State on Sports Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has praised the Governor Oyebanji on Nigeria's 65th Independence Day for his giant strides towards sports in the state.

Dr. Olusola Osetoba described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a beckon of hope and restoration for sports in the State. She gave her verdict on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen.

Dr. Olusola Osetoba said sports was on the verge of collapsing in the state before Governor Oyebanji's assumption into office, emphasizing that the revival taking place in Ekiti State could not have been possible without his resolut support.

She further emphasized that prior to his assumption the was mocked and looked down upon by other states of the Federation due to its poor sporting facilities and events coupled with untrained athletes representing the state at national sporting events.

Dr. Osetoba who led historic Team Ekiti to the recently concluded 9th National Youth Games, was very elated by the quality of support the team received from the Governor, from transportation, to feeding and accommodation.

Ekiti State which was widely known for parading jalopies and poorly kitted athletes, competed in Asaba, the Delta State capital with brand new busses, kits and well trained, home-based athletes.

These Dr. Osetoba said was the reason behind Ekiti's outstanding performance in basketball at the Games, as they defeated slamming and drinking giants - Lagos in the final. 

Dr. Osetoba the founder of Osetoba Marathon, further stressed that with concentrated effort, Ekiti State will become a force to reckon with across Nigeria.

The ‎ recently concluded ‎Osetoba Marathon brought together 80 athletes across Emure-ekiti LGA, nurturing the love for the sport in Ekiti.

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‎The two-day event began with orientation, a route tour and athlete screening. The main 10-kilometer race took place on Day 2, starting and finishing at the Elemure’s palace.

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‎Before the race, His Royal Majesty, the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, joined chiefs and dignitaries in a novelty run. He praised the initiative and urged more attention to the town's sports development.

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‎Ozigi Isaac, wearing number 20, finished first, followed by Emmanuel Ojo and John Monday. Abegunde Abiola was the first female finisher.

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‎The winner received ₦250,000, with ₦150,000 for second place and ₦100,000 for third. 

The first female finisher also received ₦100,000. 

Competitors placed fourth through 16th shared prizes ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦20,000. 

Oluwaseyifunmi Phones provided power banks to podium finishers and the women’s winner.

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‎Isaac, who previously focused on football, said the race opened a new path for him. 

“This race has redirected my path. If I channel the same zeal I have for football into athletics, the horizon is bright,” he said, commending organizers.

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‎Dr. Olusola Osetoba, who sponsored the marathon, said it was her way of giving back to her hometown while supporting Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s grassroots sports agenda.

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‎“This is not a one-off event,” Osetoba said. “It is a seed that will strengthen the future of sports in Ekiti.”

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She called on corporate bodies and well meaning individuals to throw their weight behind the Sports in Ekiti State.