Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Malam Ibrahim Zubair, a respected academic and dedicated public servant, who passed away recently.

KANO FOCUS reports that Malam Ibrahim Zubair was a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Northwest University, Kano, Centre Officer at Dawakin Tofa and prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly.

In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa the Governor described the late lecturer as a humble, hardworking, and principled individual who dedicated his life to teaching, mentorship, and community development.

“Kano has lost one of its finest intellectuals, a man who inspired many young minds and contributed significantly to our educational system,” the statement read.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, students, and the entire academic community.

He prayed to Allah to forgive Malam Ibrahim Zubair’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and students, who described him as an approachable and passionate teacher, known for his depth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the education sector.

The award was presented during the 17th Leadership Newspaper Awards held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event celebrated notable Nigerians who have made significant impacts in various fields, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was named Person of the Year 2024, and the Governor of Jigawa State, who also received a Governor of the Year award.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the recognition was described as a validation of Governor Yusuf’s bold reforms in education, which have repositioned the sector in Kano State after years of neglect.

Governor Yusuf was particularly commended for allocating 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark, and for declaring a state of emergency on the sector.

His administration’s initiatives include massive school renovations, provision of learning materials, recruitment of teachers, and the launch of a comprehensive Education Recovery Plan.

Speaking after receiving the award, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the honor as unexpected and highly credible.

“We never imagined that our efforts would receive such national recognition. We did not pay for this award, we did not lobby for it — we were simply recognized for what we have achieved in Kano,” the Governor said.

He dedicated the award to vulnerable children across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms in education.

“This recognition has given us more encouragement to keep pushing for excellence. I thank the Leadership Newspaper management and the media for their continued support,” he added.

The event also marked the 20th anniversary of Leadership Newspaper, celebrating two decades of impactful journalism.

Mukhtar Yahya Usman

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Kano State Police Command to take over the investigation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II following the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.

This directive replaces an earlier move by the Force Headquarters, which had invited the Emir to Abuja for questioning. That invitation has now been withdrawn, as the IGP opts for a more localized and less politically sensitive approach.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s decision followed consultations with key stakeholders who advised that handling the matter within Kano would help avoid escalating tensions or creating political interpretations of police action.

Tensions erupted on Sallah Day when Emir Sanusi, after attending Eid prayers barefooted, mounted a horse and led a procession through the streets — a move seen as defying a prior agreement by the two rival emirs to suspend all Durbar activities to preserve peace.

The procession allegedly involved local vigilantes and triggered clashes with youths in the area, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.

According to police, intelligence had earlier warned of potential conflict if the disputed emirs — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Sanusi — went ahead with separate Durbar festivals.

As a preventive measure, senior officers were deployed to broker peace, leading to an agreement that no horse-riding or processions would take place.

Despite this, Emir Sanusi’s actions sparked violence, prompting police investigations and arrests.

The Force maintains that it will pursue justice with professionalism and neutrality.