Headlines
BUK FM goes on air
Nazifi Dawud
Bayero University Kano (BUK) has formally opened its newly built high-tech radio station known as BUK FM 98.9.
KANO FOCUS reports that the new station was commissioned on Tuesday following a ceremony held at the premises of the varsity’s Faculty of Communication and attended by pre-eminent communication scholars from across Nigeria.
The digital station, which was established with the support of MacArthur Foundation in the United States, is equipped with facilities customized exclusively for BUK.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello, said the new station will be utilized to train “highly rated upcoming journalists in all aspects of broadcasting and particularly investigative and data driven journalism”.
“We have to support and encourage investigative journalism for evidence based broadcasting so that media, especially at the grassroots level, can be effective in keeping the process of governance accountable,” Mr Bello said.
“The station will be supported by the university to offer quality and innovative programmin in line with the National Broadcasting Code and our internal ethical regulatory framework. We are confident that our students who will be trained in broadcasting through BUK FM radio and BUK TV will be eminently equipped with the skills of modern broadcasting to serve as beacons of renewal in the industry,” he added.
The vice chancellor also explained that the varsity is currently in talks with the BBC World Service for “collaboration in capacity building for staff and students, content provision for BUK FM and BUK TV as well as equipment support”.
Mr Bello also thanked Dr Kole Shettima, the Director, Africa Office of the MacArthur Foundation for the foundation’s consistent support to BUK over the years.
“Dr Shettima and the MacArthur Foundation have remained great friends of the university. Over the years, the foundation through the good offices of Dr Shettima has offered the university many important interventions aimed at promoting academic and infrastructural development of the university,” he said.
McArthur injects fresh N288 million grant
Similarly, Professor Umaru Pate, Dean of BUK’s Postgraduate School and eminent communication scholar said MacArthur Foundation, which was impressed with the utilization of the earlier grant of $700,000 (N252,000 million) has given an additional $800,000 (N288 million) grant to BUK for the final establishment of BUK TV.
Mr Pate explained that the funds were granted to upgrade the university’s quality of training and research in investigative and data driven journalism, strengthen linkages with the communication industry, review and upgrade of curriculum among others.
“Three years into the life of the grant, the Faculty of Communication under the direction of the university management has been able to achieve the major targets of the grant.
“We have been able to utilize the grant to lead the process that led to the unbundling of Mass Communication; over 150 female students have been awarded scholarship support (and) we have been equipped a 150 computer laboratory as well as strengthen our linkages with the industry as our colleagues and students go on internship to selected media houses,” he said.
‘Not a mouth piece of vice chancellor’
On his part, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, a foremost scholar communication specialist said the new station should be seen not as a competitor to commercial radio stations in Kano, but as a loyal partner in media advertising.
Professor Akinfeleye however appealed that for the station to succeed, it “should not be the PR (public relations) outfit of the vice chancellor or DVC or any of the principal officers of the university.
“It should remain an organ of training for the students in Mass Communication and other related disciplines such as creative arts, law, engineering, English language and many others, ” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the establishment of a Technical Committee to tackle the persistent issue of poor employment representation of Kano State indigenes in federal government agencies, as well as private and voluntary institutions operating within the state.
KANO FOCUS the committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, at his office in Kano. Speaking at the inauguration, the SSG expressed deep concern over what he described as the continued marginalisation of Kano indigenes in employment opportunities, despite Kano being the most populous state in the country.
He noted that Kano has not received its fair share of jobs, even in federal and private institutions located within the state, stressing that the high rate of unemployment among youths in Kano—believed to be higher than in any other state—demands urgent and decisive government intervention.
“This is the right time to reclaim what truly belongs to us,” Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim declared, adding that the present moment offers an opportunity for meaningful and sustainable action.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary in the Office of the SSG, Musa Tanko Muhammad, explained that the committee was carefully constituted with experienced individuals drawn from various sectors of public service.
He announced Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Social Development, as Chairman of the committee, with Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, Special Adviser on Human Resource, serving as Co-Chairman.
Other members of the committee include Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service; Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties; Hon. Ali Yahuza Gano, Special Adviser on Metropolitan Affairs; Alhaji Salisu A. Kabo, Director General, Youth Empowerment; and Hon. Ado Muhammad Wudil, Executive Secretary, Guidance and Counselling Board. The committee’s activities will be coordinated by Salisu Musa Aliyu, Principal Assistant Secretary in the REPA Directorate of the SSG’s Office.
The committee is mandated to review employment practices in federal, private, and voluntary institutions operating in Kano State, determine the level of employment of Kano indigenes, engage relevant organisations on recruitment guidelines, and collaborate with the Federal Character Commission to ensure fairness and compliance with existing regulations. Its ultimate objective is to develop practical and lasting solutions that will improve employment opportunities for Kano State indigenes.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the team. He assured that members would work diligently to justify the trust and appealed to the people of Kano State for prayers and cooperation.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his long-time political ally, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his 76th birthday, marked on December 25.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Ganduje as an astute politician and accomplished administrator who has devoted over five decades to public service in Nigeria.
The President recalled that Dr. Ganduje served the nation in several key capacities, including as a senior administrator in the Federal Capital Territory before returning to Kano State to serve as Commissioner for Works during the military era. He later became a two-term Deputy Governor of Kano State and subsequently served two consecutive terms as Governor of the state.
Dr. Ganduje, who also served as National Chairman of the APC, is currently the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
President Tinubu praised Ganduje’s enduring friendship and political collaboration, noting his significant contributions to the growth and stability of the ruling party.
“I will forever appreciate Ganduje’s friendship and close collaboration at different times, as well as his services to the APC,” the President said.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the former Kano State governor good health and long life to enable him to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.
Dr. Ganduje’s 76th birthday has drawn goodwill messages from political leaders and associates across the country, celebrating his long years of service and contributions to national development.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
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