Headlines
Hate speech: NBC right to increase fine but N5M too much – Pate
Nasiru Yusuf
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is right to increase hate speech fine but N5 million is too much, says communications scholar Umaru Pate.
Kano Focus recalls that the NBC has increased the fine for broadcasting hate speech from N0.5million to N5million.
Mr. Pate, a professor of media studies says communications scholars and other stakeholders advised the NBC to jerk up the fine as the previous N500,000 was not enough of a deterrent.
He revealed this on Thursday while featuring in an ARTV Kano talk show “Kwaryar Kira”.
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“Some media organizations use to charge their clients additional fees in anticipation of the NBC’s N500,000 fine.
“That’s why we advised the NBC to increase the charges but I believe N5million is exorbitant.” He said.
Mr Pate advised federal government to consult relevant stakeholders in broadcast industry for a more reasonable fine.
The professor of media studies at Bayero University Kano (BUK) described hate speeches promoted by media as the major cause of Nigeria’s civil war.
The academic lamented how some broadcast stations in Nigeria were used to spread hate messages ahead of 2015 general election.
He said it is wrong to profile a whole ethnic group or followers of a religion due to the wrongdoing of few individuals.
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In her submission, the national president of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) Sa’a Ibrahim said the NBC did not consult heads of radio and television stations before taking the decision.
Ms Ibrahim who doubles as Director General ARTV Kano faulted NBC’s method of sanctioning media organizations.
She said it is against the principle of justice for NBC to be the arbiter in its own case.
She appealed to NBC to consult all stakeholders in broadcast industry especially heads of radio and television stations before taking any serious decision.
The BON president also advised the commission to adopt a regulation strategy that provides several layers of treating alleged breaches before issuing a sanction.
Also speaking, the General Manager Vision FM Kano Adamu Ladan advocated for a special grant to media houses as done in developed countries.
Kano Focus recalled that the NBC has launched the controversial amended code in Lagos on August 4 despite opposition by stakeholders in the industry.
One of the amendments to the code is the increase of hate speech fine from N500,000 to N5 million and the provision for sub-licensing of all broadcast contents among others.
However, in what appeared to be in-house conflict Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, chairman of the NBC accused the minister of information and culture of amending the broadcasting code “unilaterally”.
Mr Bilbis told a press conference in Abuja on August 13 that he received over 50 position papers for the 6th amendment of the code but none of the input was considered.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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