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.
Headlines
Kano govt reintroduces waste bins in public transport
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.
KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.
Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled
“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”
Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.
He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.
“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.
“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”
He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.
“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.
Headlines
Gov Yusuf to distribute free uniform to primary school pupils
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.
“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.
“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.
Headlines
Emirate tussle: Kano Govt urges security, others to obey Court of Appeal ruling
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.
The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.
“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.
“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.
“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.
“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.
“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”