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ActionAid raises comcern over lack of female representation in Kano Assembly
Nasiru Yusuf
As Nigeria mark 23 years of uninterrupted democracy, a human rights non-governmental organization, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, has raised concern over lack of female representation in all the 40 seats in Kano state House of assembly.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ActionAid Nigeria’s Programmes Director, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, made this known during a rally organized by the group in collaboration with Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) and Centre for Information, Technology and Development (CITAD) to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day in Kano.
Dankabo further said that over the years, Nigeria’s democracy has been largely characterised by the exclusion of women, young people and PWDs, in the processes hence the need to change the trend.
She said that for Nigeria to uphold the pillars and ethos of it consolidating democracy, all groups such as women, youths and Persons With Disabilities, PWDs must be actively involved in the democratic and governance processes in the country.
She went ahead to say that the cycle of persons were yet to attain the level of inclusion in politics due to poor internal democracy and absence of strategic political agenda on the part of the political parties in the country.
According to her, “Over the years, Nigeria’s democracy has been largely characterised by the exclusion of women, young people and PWDs, in the democratic and governance processes due to barriers and inequalities militating against their participation, which has inadvertently led to the shrinkage of the political space for them to engage in the politics and governance.
“In the same line, it is imperative to note that Nigerian youths and women are yet to achieve the level of inclusion required to gain representation in politics due to leadership deficits, poor internal democracy among the older parties, and the absence of strategic political agenda which poses barriers, that inhibit them from playing a role in national development.
“The participation of Women continue to dwindle in each electoral cycle, despite the fact that women constitute the highest numbers at polling units.
“However, women constitute only 5.4% in National Assembly, 4.6% in State House of Assembly, and 16% in Federal Executive Council . This episode is clearly evidenced in the Kano States house of assembly which has no female representation in all the 40 seats in the assembly.
“On the other hand, the youths who make up ovlqer 50% of the Nigerian population have also been side-lined from the political process, they are rather used as agents to perpetuate violence during elections, as patronage-based politics and the weaponization of poverty and illiteracy prevails in our dear nation.
“At this critical juncture it is imperative for us to highlight, that’ which makes our democratic life and expectation significant, because it Is impossible to celebrate a day which marks our democracy without the presence of free and fair elections, which reflects the aspirations of Nigerians, who are eligible to participate in elections by virtue of voting and being voted for, regardless of their age, gender, tribe, and religion. To attain a truly representative democracy in Nigeria, all groups within the population must be actively involved in the governance process in order to uphold the pillars and ethos of our consolidating democracy.
“ActionAid Nigeria is implementing the Campaign for Inclusion of Women and Young People in Political and Governance Processes also referred to as the We-You Project with funding from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). This campaign seeks to strengthen the relationship between citizens, government, and politicians in Nigeria, with an overarching goal to engender an inclusive and responsive democratic process and outcomes through citizens-led actions in the 2023 general elections.
“On this occasion to mark the 2022 Democracy Day, we urge all patriotic Nigerians including women and young people to join us, in breaking the barriers limiting women and young people from participating in governance and politics in Nigeria. We enjoin all Nigerians to make use of this opportunity provided by INEC, through the Continuous Voter Registration to register, and make their participation count in the forthcoming election, especially as all eyes are on INEC due to the passage of the electoral amendment bill into law and the use of Bi-modal voters accreditation system (BVAS) which is aimed at limiting electoral violence and malpractices.
“Specifically, we urge all political parties to create spaces for women and youths to play active roles within the party to ensure the implementation of the 35% affirmative action.
“On this day, let history have it that Nigerian women and youths have refused to stay quiet in the face of exclusion and rights denial. Let it be known that we salute the courage of women and youth groups present here today who have swung into action to demand for their rights to vote and be voted for, and we call on those yet to join us to add their voices. We hereby encourage the women and youths to work and walk in solidarity, to keep the flag flying. We are strengthened by the knowledge that this struggle for inclusion is for posterity and for children yet unborn,” the Programme Director, Dankabo however stated.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Professor Muhammad Ahmad Makarfi of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has identified inclusive microfinance as a critical tool for addressing food insecurity and poverty in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Makarfi, of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, made the recommendation while delivering the university’s 64th Professorial Inaugural Lecture on Thursday, October 14, 2026, at the CBN Centre of Excellence.
The lecture, titled *“Innovative Options for Nigeria’s Food Security and Poverty Alleviation: The Microfinance Pathway to Sustainable Development,”* examined how improved access to affordable financing could boost agricultural production and strengthen rural livelihoods.
The professor said that despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources, food production and rural livelihoods continued to face challenges, including limited access to affordable finance, insecurity, climate change, inadequate infrastructure and low agricultural productivity.
He argued that expanding access to agricultural finance, particularly for smallholder farmers, would encourage investment, improve productivity and strengthen the country’s food security.
Prof. Makarfi reviewed Nigeria’s agricultural financing policies and interventions, highlighting the need for innovative credit delivery systems that would make funding more accessible, affordable and sustainable for farmers.
He identified microfinance institutions and Islamic finance models as potential avenues for improving access to agricultural credit.
In his recommendations, the professor said sustainable food security and poverty reduction required policies that prioritised increased domestic agricultural production through better access to finance, modern technologies, quality farm inputs and markets.
He also called for stronger microfinance institutions, expanded farmer-friendly financing mechanisms and an enabling environment to attract investment across the agricultural value chain.
According to him, such measures would improve agricultural productivity, enhance livelihoods and accelerate Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Professor Haruna Musa, who chaired the lecture, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni.
Prof. Musa commended the lecturer for choosing a topic that addressed critical issues surrounding food insecurity, livelihoods and agricultural development.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Aminu Sulaiman, who presented the lecturer’s citation, said Mr Makarfi had published more than 150 local and international publications, contributed 10 book chapters and authored eight books.
Professor Mahmoud Ibrahim Daneji, who represented the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, delivered the vote of thanks.
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