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.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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