Headlines
Clerics, traditional rulers committed to address violence against women, girls
Nasiru Yusuf
About 100 interfaith and cultural leaders from across the country have vowed to address the gender based violence in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the leaders the clerics made the declaration at a national dialogue organized by Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) to offer solutions to violence against women and girls (VAWG) in collaboration with Bayero University, Kano (BUK) Centre for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID).
The theme of the dialogue is “Supporting Social Norms Changes and Scaling Up Accountability Commitment Towards Curbing the Prevalence of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Moving from Rhetoric to Action.”
Speaking, Chief of Ninzo in Sanga Local Government of Kaduna state, Alhaji Umar Musa, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers said they have a lot to do to check the menace in their respective areas.
He commended WRAPA for the efforts, assuring to continue supporting it to achieve the set objectives.
CAN chairman FCT Reverend Dr. Istifanus Koce and Engineer Bashir Adamu Aliyu noted that both Islam and Christianity prohibits violence against women.
They highlighted that, traditional and cultural norms ,self interest, misinterpretation of religion are at the fore front in promoting gender based violence.
The founder and Chairman, WRAPA Board of Trustees, Justice Fati Abubakar, said that the choice of Interfaith and Culture Leaders was of utmost importance given its over 22 years efforts and campaigns in curbing the prevalence of VAWG.
Mrs Abubakar also said that WRAPA would continue supporting survivors to access justice directly or indirectly through advocacy for legal reforms.
She said: “Religious, traditional leaders and institutions are deeply rooted at all social levels in all communities.
“They command respect, trust and loyalty enabling them to exercise acceptable albeit limited sanctions for social deviations by members in their domains or congregations.
“It is also my appeal that you continue to commit to supporting survivors of violence in private and public spaces by strengthening their abilities and voices to speak out, seek help and access justice.
“We must move from rhetoric to action with everyone playing their roles to achieve as well as demonstrate zero tolerance to Violence Against Women and Girls and its consequences,” Abubakar said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, represented by the DVC, Academics, Dr Sani Gumel, said that programme would assist to strengthen unity and curb the menace in the society.
“The National Dialogue is in conformity with the vision and mission of the university to lead in research and education in Africa and commitment to addressing African development challenges,” he said.
The WRAPA Secretary-General, Hajiya Saudatu Shehu, called for stiffer punishment of perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.
Shehu said that women required special attention in the society and also called on the society do away with negative norms against women, as well as continue to protect their rights.
In her paper titled ‘ The intersection of social norms and VAWG, identification and evaluation in homes and communities, Professor Aishatu Abdul Isma’il from department of political science Bayero University Kano, identified various forms of violence against women and girls which include discriminatory laws and lack of political participation as well as gender stereotypes.
Others according to the academic are direct physical, psychological and sexualized violence, unpaid care work and segregated healthcare services.
Papers were presented by both Christian and Islamic clerics on the causes of the menace as well as the ways forward.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
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