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What Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did for Kano – Kurawa
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano who was dethroned after a six-year reign assumed office on June 08, 2014.
In this exclusive interview with Kano Focus, Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, historian and close associate of the deposed Emir highlights some of the legacies of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Emir’s Role
Before talking about the legacies of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II we need to understand the duties of an emir first.
An emir does not legislate, execute or adjudicate as was the case in the past.
In 1967, the military government removed their judicial powers and in 1976 local government administration was taken away from Emirs.
Therefore an emir’s duties became limited to what he is assigned to do by the government and the provision of leadership for his people.
That was how Emir Alhaji Ado Bayero lived from 1976 until his death.
By the time Muhammadu Sanusi II assumed the throne of Kano Emirate his only function was to provide leadership for his subjects.
Leadership Style
He was asked to provide leadership and everyone has his style.
Some people would keep mute when they see wrongdoing while others will speak up.
Why don’t people like to be corrected? Let them do the right thing and see if he would still criticize them.
Let his detractors come out and refute his criticisms.
Some people fail to understand that there are individual differences in leadership style.
So every Emir has a choice on whether to speak or keep silent.
Uniting the Royal Family
The first thing he did was to unite his subjects especially the royal family.
Emir Sanusi II gave royal titles to all branches of the ruling Dabo family.
These included the descendants of Emir Muhammadu Inuwa and Emir Alu Babba.
The last descendant of Emir Alu to hold a traditional title, Ahmadu Gwadabe – who was appointed Danmaje by Emir Abdullahi Bayero – died in 1967 and they were not given another title since then until the reign of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
As for Emir Muhammadu Inuwa, his descendants did not hold any title even the headship of a ward for 51 years after his death until Muhammadu Sanusi II turbaned one of them as a District Head.
He also appointed Aminu Sadik from the Dan Lawan Ayuba branch of the Abdullahi Maje Karofi royal house as the Zanna of Kano.
From the scions of Emir Sanusi I, he appointed Dan Galadima, Bunu, and Dan Buran.
No previous Emir has done this much to unite the family of Ibrahim Dabo.
Renovating Gidan Rumfa
The Kano royal palace is known as Gidan Rumfa after Emir Muhammadu Rumfa who built it about 500 years ago.
It has never been renovated as it was done during the reign of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
He modernized every nook and cranny of the palace, which is a no mean achievement.
Family Law Bill
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi has done what no Emir has done in the history of Kano by drafting a bill on Islamic Family law.
He gathered a large number of Islamic scholars who spent three years poring over books on Islamic Shari’a to draft the act for a law to regulate the Islamic family in Kano state.
It covers aspects such as marriage, family support, childcare, and divorce.
Most Educated Emir
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi was the most educated emir in the history of Kano in both Islamic and formal education.
That was why he tackled controversial issues to help in resolving them using his vast knowledge.
He also had a wealth of experience in public service culminating in his appointment as Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.
He used his knowledge and experience to gain access to international organizations and associations.
Economic Development
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II used his connections to spur the economic development of Kano state.
The African Development Bank engaged in an Industrial Diagnostics of Kano and developed an economic development blueprint for the state.
This is usually reserved for countries.
He brought Chinese investors to set up a $300million textile industry in Kano.
He brought another company “Baban Kowa”, which provides farmers with seeds and inputs as well as buy the produce after harvest.
He also brought Black Rhinos who will set-up a solar power plant worth $100million in Kano.
He had already arranged an agreement with the Federal Government and the contract has been signed.
Defender of the people
These show that his main interest in being a monarch went beyond the paraphernalia of office such algaita, kakaki, and tambari.
He had a plan for the development of his people.
That is why he was always vocal in any matter concerning Kano in particular and Nigeria in general.
He was instrumental in protecting the interests of his fellow Fulani when they were being stereotyped as aggressors in the frequent clashes between farmers and animal herders.
That is why Fulani associations love him very much.
Man of Peace
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II deserves commendation concerning the peaceful manner he handled his dethronement.
He averted riots in Kano by instructing his followers to leave everything to Allah and accept his successor.
Many thought he would resist or seek legal redress but he forgave and ask the people to obey whoever his successor might be.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has conducted a capacity-building training for operatives of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) to enhance their investigative capacity in tackling financial crimes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the training, held in Kano, focused on strengthening the technical skills of investigators to address increasingly complex and technology-driven financial offences.
Hajiya Aisha Gadanya Malam Saidu Yahaya
A statement signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer of PCACC, Isah Mansur Bello said the session was facilitated by James Ebiboloukemi, Head of CCS1 at the EFCC Kano Zonal Office, who provided practical insights into the evolving nature of financial crimes and strategies for combating them effectively.
Key areas covered during the training included financial intelligence gathering, analysis of financial records, asset tracing and recovery, digital forensics, detection of money laundering, interrogation techniques, case documentation, and prosecution support.
Participants were also equipped with practical tools to investigate and manage complex financial crimes, particularly those involving digital platforms.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of PCACC, Malam Saidu Yahaya, described the training as timely and critical to improving the commission’s operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed PCACC’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the EFCC in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in Kano State and beyond.
The commission also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support in ensuring the agency’s independence and providing necessary logistical backing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has commended the Federal High Court in Kano for sentencing a 20-year-old drug suspect, Muhammad Maharazu, to 15 years imprisonment.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer NDLEA Kano Strategic Command Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari on Thursday, the command said the conviction followed Maharazu’s arrest on February 14, 2026, at the notorious Filin Idi drug den in Kano.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Commander’s Special Joint Task Force in possession of various illicit substances, including Diazepam tablets. During the operation, Maharazu allegedly produced a knife in an attempt to attack officers while trying to evade arrest but was swiftly disarmed and taken into custody.
The agency said Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Kano, sentenced the convict to 15 years imprisonment on April 15, 2026, with no option of fine. The sentence is to take effect from the date of judgment.
Reacting to the development, the NDLEA Kano Commander, Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, described the judgment as decisive and a strong warning to drug offenders.
“This conviction sends a clear message that no amount of threats or violence will deter our officers from carrying out their mandate. Kano will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers,” he said.
The command added that the custodial sentence would serve as a deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking or those who resort to violence to resist arrest.
It also called on members of the public to continue supporting the agency’s efforts in tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, emphasizing that the fight against drug-related crimes requires collective responsibility.
Headlines
Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others named in TIME 100 most influential people for 2026
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Renowned African industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026, reaffirming his standing as one of the most successful and iconic business leaders of his generation.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dangote joins global influential figures from multiple sectors, including political leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, revered Pope Leo XIV, current head of Catholic Church as well as business and technology leaders including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
A statement sent to Kano Focus by Esan Sunday of Dangote group said the annual TIME100 list, published on Wednesday April 15, 2026, recognises global figures whose leadership, ideas, and actions are shaping the future across business, politics, culture, and society. Dangote’s inclusion places him alongside prominent international figures drawn from diverse spheres of global influence.
This marks Dangote’s second appearance on the prestigious TIME100 list, following his first recognition in 2014, when he was honoured for his exceptional impact on business and philanthropy. His return to the list more than a decade later underscores the consistency and scale of his influence on the global stage.
Dangote, who is being recognized for his African industrial drive is the only Nigerian on the list and featured in the titan and innovators category. Other prominent honorees named alongside Dangote in the titan category are Reid Wiseman, Commander of the Artemis II mission to the moon; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet and Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube.
Also featuring prominently under the titan category are Michael and Susan Dell, the high-profile American tech billionaires and philanthropists best known as the founders of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, a global non-profit that focuses on improving the lives of children living in urban poverty. Included here also is the American designer and billionaire, Ralph Lauren, best known for founding the global lifestyle empire Ralph Lauren Corporation.
Recognized in the Pioneer category are individuals with breakthroughs in Science and Social Advocacy such Kiran Musunuru and Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, both of whom were cited for medical breakthroughs in genetic therapy as well as Aaron Williams, recognized for advancements in heart transplant readiness.
Influential figures recognized in global entertainment and culture include Ranbir Kapoor, prominent Indian actor; Dakota Johnson, recognized as an actress and cultural icon and Kate Hudson, included for her cultural influence.
As Founder and President of Dangote Group—Africa’s largest indigenous industrial conglomerate—Dangote has played a central role in advancing industrialisation across the continent. Under his leadership, the Group has made landmark investments spanning cement manufacturing, sugar and food processing, agriculture, infrastructure, and lately energy, significantly reducing Africa’s reliance on imports while creating millions of direct and indirect jobs.
In its citation, TIME Magazine highlighted Dangote’s vision of building African industries with local resources for global competitiveness, noting his recent investments in large‑scale energy and manufacturing infrastructure as emblematic of his long‑term commitment to Africa’s economic transformation.
Beyond business, Dangote is widely acclaimed for his philanthropic leadership through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), one of Africa’s largest private philanthropic organisations. The Foundation supports critical initiatives across healthcare, nutrition, education, disaster relief, and economic empowerment, contributing to improved outcomes for vulnerable communities across the continent.
The 2026 TIME100 recognition further reflects a broader global acknowledgement of African leadership, innovation, and enterprise, with Dangote standing as a symbol of the continent’s growing influence in shaping global economic and development narratives.
This latest honour consolidates Aliko Dangote’s legacy as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist, whose work continues to drive sustainable development, inclusive growth, and long‑term value creation—both within Africa and beyond.
Under his leadership, Dangote Group recently launched Vision 2030, with which Dangote Industries aims to transform from a regional $30 billion conglomerate into a $100 billion global powerhouse by 2030.
This strategy focuses on industrial self-sufficiency for Africa, moving the group from “regional dominance to global relevance”.
Dangote said the roadmap to vision 2030 is divided into phases to “supercharge” the group’s expansion; with phase one spanning 2025-2028 focused on scaling existing businesses—cement, fertilizer, and energy—and optimizing assets for international competitiveness.
The Phase two running from 2028-2030 is for the deployment of new businesses and ventures into global markets to drive the final leap to the $100 billion revenue target. The Dangote Group plans to venture into steel manufacturing, power, and deep-sea ports to tackle industrial bottlenecks across Africa.
This recognition by Time Magazine underscores the growing global acknowledgment of African leadership and innovation, and highlights Aliko Dangote’s enduring influence as a visionary leader committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The 2026 list underscores the expanding global visibility of African leadership and Dangote’s continued influence as a leading industrialist and philanthropist.
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Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others named in TIME 100 most influential people for 2026
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