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Just In: Police Ban Durbar Activities In Kano

Published

3 months ago

March 28, 2025

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The Kano State Police Command has placed a ban on all Durbar activities during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah festivities, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters, on Friday.

CP Bakori emphasized the importance of ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during the festivities.

According to him, security assessments revealed growing tensions and potential threats associated with the Durbar.

The Commissioner assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard the Eid prayers at designated grounds.

He urged worshippers to comply with security guidelines, including avoiding the carrying of unnecessary objects that could cause suspicion and strict prohibition of horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, and reckless driving.

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BATNF Commissions Solar Borehole, Hand Pump in Ƴankifi Community

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2025

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The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has commissioned a 20,000-litre solar-powered borehole and manual hand pump to improve access to potable water in Ƴankifi, Ƴandaɗi Ward, Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State

The facility, handed over to the community on Tuesday, is aimed at addressing the longstanding water scarcity in the area.

Mr Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the Foundation, said the intervention aligns with BATNF’s commitment to improving the quality of life in underserved rural communities.

“Research showed that Ƴankifi residents often walk long distances in search of water. No community can truly progress under such conditions.

“This project was initiated about a month ago and we are pleased it has been successfully completed and handed over to the people,” he said.

Odusanya noted that the facility, powered by solar panels, is now fully under the care of the Ƴankifi community and urged residents to maintain it for long-term benefit.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Kano State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, said the Foundation approached the state government for guidance, and Ƴankifi was chosen based on the severity of its water challenges.

“From today, this project belongs to you. If you take care of it, it will serve you well. If neglected, it will fail. We have agreed with the local government to assign two community members to manage and maintain the facility,” Doguwa said.

Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner for Education emphasised the importance of water access for children’s education, saying students should not have to sacrifice learning to fetch water.

A resident, Mr Ishaka Adamu, described the development as life-changing, recounting years of hardship in accessing water.

“For nearly 30 years, we struggled. I used to lead a donkey or ride a bicycle to fetch water. Today, Alhamdulillah, things are different. We are grateful to BATNF,” he said.

The event was attended by officials from the Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, the local government, traditional leaders, councillors, and members of the community.

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MTN Foundation, NDLEA, UNODC lead anti-drug awareness walk in Kano

Published

2 weeks ago

June 22, 2025

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MTN Nigeria Foundation, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Saturday led an anti-drug sensitisation walk in Kano, as part of efforts to raise youth awareness and discourage substance abuse.

The exercise, tagged MTN Anti-Drug Abuse Walk, also featured students, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

Participants, who dressed in branded T-shirts, carried placards with messages such as “Say No to Drugs,” “Addiction Starts With One Wrong Choice,” “Highness No Be Steeze,” and “Healthy Body, and Healthy Mind – No Drugs.

The participants walked to and from Bayero University’s old campus, passing through Kano State Polytechnic.

Speaking at the event, Aliyu Abu-Sufyan, Senior Manager at MTN Nigeria, said the initiative was organised in partnership with NDLEA, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and student groups.

He said that the aim was to engage the public on the dangers of drug abuse and to encourage collective action.

“MTN Foundation remains committed to education, empowerment, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders to fight drug abuse among young people,” he said.

“This advocacy walk is not only to raise awareness but also to call on communities to unite against substance abuse,” he added.

Abu-Sufyan said the foundation’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), launched in 2019, had reached more than 91 million Nigerians, including 27,000 students and 450 teachers in 65 secondary schools across 12 states.

He said that in 2024, the foundation, in collaboration with NDLEA’s 24/7 psychosocial support desk, provided counselling to about 4,000 individuals.

“We are targeting training for over 86,000 students and 1,500 teachers in another 12 states this year,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Edward Fagbohun, Senior Manager, Programme Implementation at the MTN Foundation, said “the campaign primarily targets young people aged between 10 and 25.

“We know that if we are able to discourage them from substance use, we will be building a society free from drug addiction.

“That’s why our yearly sensitisation, in partnership with NDLEA and UNODC, is focused on reaching youths across the country,” he said.

Fagbohun said similar awareness campaigns were being held simultaneously in Lagos, Enugu and Abuja.

“We are also organising training for teachers and students in selected schools across the country on the dangers of drug and substance abuse,” he added.

In his remarks, the NDLEA Deputy Commander in charge of Operations and Training in Kano, Mr Dahiru Yahya, said the prevalence of drug abuse in the state was partly due to its large population.

He said the walk was part of NDLEA’s activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to him, the theme for this year’s World Drug Day is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

“To invest in prevention, we must break the chain of production, supply and use of drugs.

“Everyone knows the effects of drug abuse the damage it causes to individuals and society.

“Banditry, kidnapping, and mass failure in academic examinations are all linked to drug abuse,” he said.

Yahya commended MTN Foundation for partnering with the NDLEA to achieve a drug-free society.

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Sen. Lado presents houses to winners of Abibat Mogaji Qur’anic competition

Published

4 weeks ago

June 10, 2025

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The Qur’an recitation competition held in honour of the late Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu, mother of President Bola Tinubu, has officially ended, with four winners receiving brand new houses as prizes.

The event, organised by Sen. Bashir Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, drew over 100 participants from the 44 local government areas of the state. It aimed to promote the reading and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an among young Nigerians.

Speaking during the prize presentation, Prof. Ali Muhammad, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the competition was part of efforts to immortalise the late matriarch and instill Islamic values in youths.

According to him, the prizes comprised two-bedroom houses for second-place winners and three-bedroom houses for first-place winners.

“The houses are well-furnished, with the three-bedroom houses also featuring a parlour, and the two-bedroom houses having a parlour as well,” he said.

Muhammad said the gesture was intended to encourage young Muslims to remain devoted to the Qur’an and uphold its teachings throughout their lives.

“This is a way to motivate young Muslims to memorise and live by the Qur’an, and to be patriotic citizens who contribute positively to national development,” he added.

The winners of the competition were announced as follows: Maryam Abubakar Mu’az (first place, female), Ahmad Shu’aib (first place, male), Zainab Hassan Shu’aib (second place, female), and Ahmad Kabir Baturi (second place, male).

The competition’s opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Emir of Daura, and former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

They also commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in repositioning the economy and developing the country.

Prayers were also made for peace, unity and progress in the country.