Headlines
Why I joined the Army – Kano female recruit
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
A female Kano-born soldier, Amina Nuhu says she joins the Nigerian Army in order to fulfill her mother’s wishes.
Ms Nuhu, 20, an indigene of Gyaranya quarters, Kano City is the only Hausa woman among the 452 female soldiers in the 79th Regular Recruit Intake at the Zaria Depot of the Nigeria Army.
The new recruit completed her seven months training at Chindit Barracks, Zaria Depot on June 27, 2020.
Private Nuhu told Kano Focus that her mother wanted her to join the Army after her elder brother failed to get recruited.
“My mother urged me to join the military, as my brother failed to get recruited after several attempts.
“I’ve always wanted to be a soldier, but what encouraged me the most was my mother’s support, which is very rare among Hausa people”
“I’ve joined the military to fulfill her wish and I will work hard to make her proud of me.” She said.
Financial challenges
Amina Nuhu was born in 1999 at Gyaranya quarters, Gwale local government in Kano metropolis.
She attended Warure Primary School from 2005 to 2010.
She attended Army Day Girls Secondary School, Kano from 2012 to 2017 where she developed interest in joining the military.
However, she first enrolled into the School of Management Studies, Kano State Polytechnic to study Marketing.
Ms Nuhu had to drop out due to financial challenges.
“In 2007, I was admitted to Kano state polytechnic to study Marketing.
“I finished my first year successfully but failed to get money for the second year registration.
“Though I tried hard to secure the funds, I was forced to drop out when I failed to do so.” She said.
Ms Nuhu, who is an orphan, said becoming a soldier will allow her to cater for herself and take care of her mother.
Social media controversy
Her decision has however caused some controversy on social media platforms.
While some commentators praise her for following her passion, others wonder if she is really a Hausa woman and wonder if she will ever get married.
Ms Nuhu told Kano Focus that she is aware of the social media critics.
She said people in her community are happy that she has joined the Army.
“Since I became a soldier, my neighbors have been cheering me and giving me words of courage.
“People have been coming to our house to wish me well.
“In fact, whenever I go out, people approach me wanting to take a selfie – I’m very happy with the way they treat me.” She said.
A true indigene of Kano
She also debunked speculations that she is not an indigene of Kano state.
“My Father was born in Dan Hassan village, Kura local government – even his father was born there.
“Also my mother was born in Fagge area of Kano metropolis.
“I was born in Gyaranya quarters in Gwale local government inside the Kano city wall.
“So I laugh at people who say I’m not truly Hausa.”
Private Amina Nuhu of the Nigerian Army also assured those concerned about her marital prospects that she is already engaged to a fellow soldier.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
