Connect with us

Headlines

Kano COVID-19: Ganduje’s N15bn request and the question of reputation management

Published

on

By Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa

Reputation management does not start and end at making someone popular, but protecting his or her personal integrity in the eyes of the public.

Many scholars in the field of sociology and communication have taken their time to explain the complexity of human perception as it relates to how people develop and maintain a mindset of other fellow human beings.

I have decided to take this bold step to publish this write-up on the ongoing fight against the global pandemic disease of corona virus also known as covid-19 with a sole aim of explaining the shallow approach given by Kano state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

I am eminently qualified to speak on the governor as his former colleague when both of us served as commissioners during Kwankwaso’s administration and I am one of the key figures that brought in his administration in 2015 under the platform of All Progressive People’s Congress being the pioneer elected chairman of the party in Kano state between 2014 and 2017.

So I have worked closely with Governor Ganduje more than many politicians within the state.

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt condolences to the good people of Kano who lost their loved ones due to the corona virus pandemic in the state.

I have decided to put down this piece of write up as Kano has became the epicenter of covid-19 disease in northern Nigeria, unlike other state governors who have been up and running, providing the preliminary tools/equipment in preparation of the arrival of the pandemic into their states, Governor Ganduje has shown a deliberate nonchalant attitude towards fighting the disease at the state level.

The governor rather, saw the pandemic as a window of opportunity to garner resources for a reason best known to him, strategically, Ganduje set up a shadow structure, looking beautifully upright and ahead of the arrival of the pandemic, appointing his deputy as the head of Covid-19 State Response Team with his first daughter Dr. Amina Ganduje as the defector technical lead of the team.

I have been reliably informed that the activities of the committee depend largely on what the governor’s daughter consented upon, the meeting proceedings were nothing other than observing what Dr. Amina Ganduje has interest on, sometimes, meetings cannot hold if she is not available and she is the one briefing the governor on every activity of the committee.

Probably, because of this nepotism and self-centredness, scores of frontline health workers are currently infected by the covid-19 disease in Kano.

One can easily perceive an agenda, knowing well who Governor Ganduje is, it is predictable that it’s the business as usual but not doing the needful for the fight against covid-19 in the state.

As an administrator, Governor Ganduje knows the constitutional ways to harness resources internally through budget virement that is as simply done through a letter to the state assembly requesting change of some line items in the fiscal document to allow insertion of new items that can cater for the activities of corona virus.

Instead, the governor decided to pursue the federal government to give him N15b.

Unfortunately, his reputation has kicked the bucket in the public glare, the federal mercy he enjoyed to rig election and manipulate the judiciary to scale through the daylight robbery of the 2019 elections is no longer of help to him this season.

He constituted a fundraising committee, in good time, but the potential donors prefer to contribute in kind because of the governor’s previous records and bad reputation of handling state resources.

There is a popular Hausa proverb that says “Ba a bawa Kura ajiyar nama” meaning “meat is not safe at the hand of a carnivore”.

It is not a surprise that the fund raising committee could not yet announce the total amount realized, because potential donors were afraid to give in cash.

Umar Doguwa writes from Kano, Nigeria

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf

Published

on

 

By Ibrahim Adam

In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.

It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.

That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.

“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”

A Leader Who Showed Up

Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:

“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”

Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.

When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.

“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.

“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”

He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.

In Mina, a Governor Turned Father

Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.

No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.

He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.

“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”

It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.

Three Square Meals and a Human Connection

For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.

• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.

• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.

And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.

This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.

“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.

“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”

The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.

Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts

Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.

“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.

“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”

His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.

A Memory Etched in Spirit

What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.

“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.

The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.

Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals

In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.

It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.

Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.

About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.

And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.

He walked with us. And we will never forget.

Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.

Continue Reading

Headlines

Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims

Published

on

 

In a moving display of compassion and leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reached across borders to extend a generous hand of support to 3,345 pilgrims from Kano performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

During a surprise visit to the pilgrims’ tent in Mina, one of the holiest sites of the Hajj, the governor personally distributed 250 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim — a heartfelt gesture totaling ₦361,087,500, calculated at an exchange rate of ₦430 per riyal.

The atmosphere in Mina shifted from solemn to joyful as pilgrims received not just money, but a message of solidarity and care from home.

“You are our ambassadors in the holy land,” Governor Yusuf told the pilgrims.

“This small gesture is to show that your state stands with you, prays for you, and appreciates the spiritual sacrifice you are making.”

The governor’s visit, made in the midst of the intense rituals of Hajj, was seen as symbolic — a leader humbling himself among his people in their moment of spiritual devotion.

For many of the pilgrims, the gesture wasn’t just about the money, but about being remembered, honored, and supported far from home.

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board oversaw the smooth and transparent distribution of the funds, ensuring that all 3,345 pilgrims received their share.

In a time when many leaders are accused of being distant from the people, Governor Yusuf’s gesture in Mina stands as a powerful symbol of connected leadership, faith in action, and governance with a human face.

 

Continue Reading

Headlines

Emir Sanusi cancels Sallah durbar 

Published

on

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II

 

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cancelled the planned Sallah durbar activities by the Emirate. 

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Sanusi announced the cancelation while addressing journalists at the Kofar Kudu palace.

 

According to him, the cancellation followed his meetings with the Kano State Government, which showed him a lot of evidence of nefarious plans to use his movement to create tension in the state.

 

“After a series of advice, the emirate council has cancelled the Sallah Durbar activities.

 

“Therefore, we are directing all our district heads, wards and village heads to strictly adhere and stay in their location to avoid any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.

 

It will be recalled that the joint security agencies in Kano had on Tuesday insisted that the ban on all forms of Sallah Durbar activities in the state is still in force.

Continue Reading

Trending