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.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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