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Kano Focus trains 20 journalists on social media news gathering

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Mukhtar Yahya Usman

KANO FOCUS, the leading online news platform in Kano has trained 20 broadcast journalists on how to use social media to obtain factual and reliable information that can be utilized to produce credible news content.

The workshop was conceived to address the pervasive circulation of false, inaccurate and questionable information–a trend that is commonly referred to as “fake news” on various social networking sites such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter among others.

The 1-day training session held on Monday at the Kano Office of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) , where certificates were issued to the participants who were drawn from different media organizations.

The training is part of KANO FOCUS’s modest contribution to the restoration of sanity and responsibility in journalism practice in Kano state, especially on the use of social media platforms, which have become indispensable tools of news gathering.

The workshop in session

Speaking after the event, Editor-In-Chief of KANO FOCUS, Nazifi Dawud, urged the participants to utilize the skills they had acquired during the training to produce credible news content that members of the society can benefit from.

Mr Nazifi said fighting the scourge of fake news in Kano state has become necessary because the ugly trend is posing serious threats to the peace, security and development of the state.

“Practicing journalism means much more than owning a smart phone and an internet connection.

“It is disturbing that some people who have no journalistic training in any way would just grab their phones and start posting false and misleading information that causes confusion in the society,” he said.

“This is why we invited our colleagues to train them as part of our efforts to ensure sanity and responsibility in journalism profession in Kano state and Nigeria at large,” Mr Nazifi added.

Similarly, the Executive Director of CITAD, Dr Yunusa Zakari Yau, who hosted the workshop commended KANO FOCUS for the initiative, which he said would help in entrenching public trust in journalism practice in the state.

While encouraging the participants to utilize the skills they had learned, Mr Ya’u also pledged to collaborate with KANO FOCUS on ICT-related areas that will promote peace and development in the state.

He said there is a lot of opportunities in a cyber space that one can help in creating jobs and empowering members of the society.

In his remark,  chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) Kano Chapter, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim praised KANO FOCUS for organizing the training most especially at this time of spreading fake news on social Media.

Mr Abbas also revealed that the NUJ would soon unveil an ethics and disciplinary committee that would apply sanctions to any member of the union that breaches ethical standards through broadcasting, sharing or publishing false information.

He also urged participants to make sure they put what they have learnt into action so as to help sanitize the journalism profession.

On his part, Publisher/CEO of KANO FOCUS, Dr Maude Gwadabe thanked the participants and guests that graced the occasion including representatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) and PRAWA, a non-governmental organization that promotes peace, security and justice.

Journalists from Liberty TV, NTA Kano, Vision FM, Aminci Radio, Guaranty Fm, ARTV, Dala FM, Dabo Fm and Yali Express online radio stations participated in the workshop.

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Rurum, Rogo finally dump NNPP for APC  

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The gale of defection from opposition political parties intensifies as two members of the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Abdullahi Sani Rogo and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

KANO FOCUS reports that both lawmakers represent Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya and Karaye/Rogo federal constituency of Kano State.

 

Both lawmakers announced their defection at plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

 

On hand to witness the defection on the floor of the House was the national chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accompanied by some members of the national working committee of the party.

 

However, the Minority Whip, Isa Ali JC, faulted the defection of the lawmakers on the basis that it was against constitutional provisions.

 

As of Thursday, no fewer than 30 members of opposition political parties have dumped their parties to join the APC.

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Power Shift in Kano: Ganduje Family Bows to Emir Sanusi as Nephew Gets Turbaned

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In a dramatic political twist that may redefine Kano’s traditional power matrix, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has thrown his weight behind Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the monarch turbaned Ganduje’s nephew, Alhaji Jamilu Sani Umar, as the new Village Head of Ganduje.

This development signals a major shift in political allegiance, coming from a family that once stood at the heart of Emir Sanusi’s 2020 dethronement.

The former village head, Alhaji Sani Ganduje — who was removed from office — had openly challenged the Kano Emirate over the legitimacy of his removal, deepening the rift between the Gandujes and Sanusi’s loyalists.

However, following the recent reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, political equations in Kano have shifted rapidly.

In what many see as a move to realign with the prevailing tide, Dr. Ganduje reportedly convened a strategic meeting with his extended family and directed full support for the new appointment.

Rather than sending a delegate, the entire Ganduje family physically accompanied Jamilu to the Emir’s palace, a powerful public gesture of submission and allegiance to Sanusi’s throne.

Political analysts interpret this as Ganduje’s calculated pivot — recognizing Emir Sanusi’s regained influence and perhaps seeking to reposition himself within Kano’s changing political terrain.

The move also draws a clear contrast with the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who enjoyed close ties with Ganduje during his administration but is now increasingly sidelined.

By endorsing the turbaning and realigning his family under Sanusi’s leadership, Ganduje appears to be reading the political handwriting on the wall — that Emir Sanusi’s return is not just ceremonial, but a restoration of deep-rooted traditional authority with growing political resonance.

As Kano continues to balance tradition and politics, the Ganduje family’s public allegiance to Emir Sanusi may be the clearest indication yet that the old guard is adapting to a new power order.

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Kano legislator, Masu dumps NNPP for APC

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Kano legislator Masu dumps NNPP for APC

 

 

 

 

A member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Sumaila Constituency, Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu, has defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Masu addressed his resignation letter to the Speaker, Ismail Falgore, and it was read during Monday’s plenary session.

 

However, Masu cited internal crises bedevilling the NNPP, including factional disputes and ongoing litigations, as his reasons for leaving the party.

 

He specifically emphasised the multiple claims of leadership within the party at both state and national levels, naming Dr Suleiman Hashim Dungurawa and Senator Mas’ud El-Jibrin Doguwa as those claiming control at the state level, while Dr Ahmed Ajuji and Dr Agbo Major were also asserting authority at the national level.

 

Masu’s resignation takes effect from 12 May 2025, and he pledged his full allegiance to the APC leadership at all levels.

 

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