Headlines
March wedding for American woman and Kano based Instagram lover
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
An American woman Janine Sanchez is set to marry her Instagram lover in March after visiting his home in Panshekara, Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that Ms Sanchez, 46, fell in love with Sulaiman Isah Isah, 26, after they met about 10 months ago on the social networking platform, Instagram.
Ms Sanchez was visibly happy as she holds Mr Isah’s hand during our interview at a recreational park in Kano metropolis.
“He messaged me on Instagram saying Hi.
“I didn’t respond because I have had experiences with Nigerian scammers.
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“But there was a guy messaging me and Sulaiman knew he was a scammer so he said “get a job and quit scamming innocent people.” “So I thought he sounded like a nice guy.”
Mr Isah said he had always fantasized about marrying a white woman and fathering mixed race kids.
“It was a dream come true for me when she responded to my message.
“We continued exchanging messages and our relationship became closer.”
“I therefore invited her to visit me in Kano.” Said Mr. Isah who is originally from Minna, Niger state.
Going to America
Ms Sanchez, a chef based in Lindon, California said she would be taking Mr Isah back to the US after the marriage.
“I have two kids – a boy and a girl – from my previous marriage. As we have joint custody with my ex-husband, I cannot take the kids away from their father.”
Mr Isah, a barber, and a student, popularly known as ‘Babayaro’ said that is not a problem.
“I will be visiting my parents and other relations regularly. And she has agreed that even our future kids will be coming to Nigeria to visit my family.” He said.
Another point of contention is the 20-year age gap between the couple.
However, both have assured KANO FOCUS that it is not important to them.
“I wasn’t looking to date anybody younger than 30 but he is very mature for his age.
“When I talk to him I feel like I’m talking to somebody my age.” Ms Sanchez said.
“The age difference doesn’t matter as Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) married an older woman too. So I’m following in his Sunnah.” Mr. Isah said.
Family happy but wary
Meanwhile, Mr Isah’s family are happy about the forthcoming marriage but worried about the religious implication.
Janine Sanchez with Sulaiman and his mother
His mother, Mrs Fatima Sulaiman said she has agreed to the marriage and Sulaiman’s relocation to the USA.
“I’m very happy. My whole family have become celebrities in the Panshekara area.
“We are now singled out as the in-laws of a white woman.
“I pray for Allah’s protection as Sulaiman leaves for America.” She said.
However, his elder brother, Yakubu Sulaiman Isa sounded a note of caution.
“This is the will of God. We have only good wishes for the couple.
“But my prayer is that he retains his Islamic religion wherever he finds himself.” He said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Kano State Chapter, has elected Hassan Ibrahim Gama as its new State Coordinator.
KANO FOCUS reports that Gama emerged unopposed during the coalition’s 2026 state election, which was described as peaceful and transparent.
The election was conducted by an election committee chaired by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, who said the exercise marked another milestone in strengthening the coalition’s leadership and its commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in Kano State.
Other officers elected are Mahdi Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator; Sunusi Hashim, Secretary; Dr. Abubakar I. Hassan, Assistant Secretary; Ghazali I. U., PRO I; Abdulbaki Mohd, PRO II; and Muhammad Abdullahi, PRO III.
Others are Garba Hamma Dikko, Provost; Rukayya Abdulrahman, Financial Secretary; Saratu Maigida, Treasurer; and Suleiman Zubair, Auditor.
Halilu expressed appreciation to the CSACEFA National Secretariat, represented at the election by its Policy Advisor, Mrs Ordinaka, for the guidance and support provided throughout the electoral process.
He also commended members of the election committee, CSACEFA Kano members and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the exercise.
The election committee chairman congratulated the newly elected leadership and urged them to build on the achievements of the coalition by strengthening civil society participation, advocacy, accountability and strategic partnerships.
He tasked the new executives with working towards improving education service delivery and advancing the Education for All agenda in Kano State.
The former Kano State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Prof. Muhammad Bello Shitu, and the Kano State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Alhaji Tijjani Haladu Baraya, were among the dignitaries who supervised the conduct of the election.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Hausa people as important pillars of Nigeria’s unity and progress.
KANO FOCUS reports that the President said the Hausa language had grown beyond its traditional boundaries to become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.
Tinubu stated this in a message posted on his verified Facebook account on the occasion of Hausa Day, being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace.
“The Hausa people are great pillars that play a vital role in the unity and progress of Nigeria,” the President said.
He added that “the Hausa language, without doubt, has flourished and has become a major language of unity and commerce across the world.”
The President congratulated the Hausa community on the occasion, describing the celebration at Daura Palace as an important event.
“I congratulate the vast Hausa community on the occasion of Hausa Day, which is being celebrated at the historic Daura Palace today,” Tinubu said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has urged Muslims across the state and Nigeria to emulate the exemplary life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they commemorate Maulud.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor made the call in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.
Yusuf congratulated Muslims on the occasion and urged them to use the celebration to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet, particularly his virtues of peace, justice, compassion, honesty, patience and tolerance.
He called on Muslims to demonstrate these values in their daily lives while promoting peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual respect among people of diverse backgrounds.
The governor also urged parents, religious leaders and community elders to intensify efforts to educate younger generations on the teachings and exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Yusuf prayed for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while urging residents to support initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of citizens.
The governor also used the occasion to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, wishing them a successful first tenure and a smooth re-election bid in 2027.
He urged Muslims to use the Maulud celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity across the country, and wished the faithful a peaceful and spiritually rewarding celebration.
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