News
BUK Trains Journalists on Satellite Technology to Strengthen Climate Reporting
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has trained journalists and media practitioners on the use of Earth Observation (EO) technologies to improve evidence-based reporting on climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability.
KANO FOCUS reports that the capacity-building workshop, held on Monday at the university, brought together journalists, researchers and development partners to equip participants with practical skills in the use of satellite imagery, geospatial data and other Earth Observation tools for data-driven environmental reporting.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the project team lead, Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau, said the growing impacts of climate change—including flooding, drought, desertification, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss—have made science-based journalism increasingly essential.
He said the media plays a critical role in informing the public, shaping policy debates and promoting accountability, stressing that journalists must rely on credible scientific evidence to produce accurate and impactful reports.
“Earth Observation technologies provide reliable, objective and continuously updated information about our changing environment. They enable journalists to verify facts, undertake investigative reporting, produce data-driven stories and communicate complex environmental issues through powerful visual evidence,” Mr Barau said.
He explained that the workshop was designed to introduce participants to practical Earth Observation platforms and geospatial tools for monitoring land-use changes, flooding, drought, water resources and other forms of environmental degradation.
According to him, wider adoption of the technologies by journalists would improve public awareness, strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance environmental accountability and contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Amina Mustapha, described climate change as one of the most pressing development and security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
She noted that the shrinking Lake Chad, advancing desertification, deteriorating rangelands and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns continue to threaten livelihoods, food security and economic stability across the region.
Mrs Mustapha urged journalists to devote greater attention to environmental issues affecting Nigeria instead of focusing predominantly on climate disasters in other parts of the world.
“The media serves as the bridge between scientific knowledge and public understanding. You have the responsibility to translate scientific evidence into stories that influence policy, shape public behaviour and hold governments and institutions accountable,” she said.
She also encouraged journalists to embrace investigative and solutions-oriented reporting by documenting the experiences of vulnerable communities and scrutinising the management of environmental and ecological resources.
“Climate change is not merely an environmental issue; it is a development issue, a justice issue and a human security issue. The stories you tell can inspire action, strengthen resilience and drive sustainable development,” she added.
Mrs Mustapha reaffirmed Bayero University’s commitment to supporting journalists through collaboration with its researchers, laboratories and research centres to ensure scientific findings are translated into public knowledge and policy action.
In a virtual presentation, the Research Coordinator and European Space Agency (ESA) Liaison for Future Earth, Freya Muir, highlighted the role of Earth Observation technologies in improving climate modelling, environmental monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
The workshop, themed “Earth Observation Journalism, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Communication,” featured practical sessions on the use of satellite imagery, remote sensing and geospatial data for climate and environmental reporting.
Participants described the training as timely and relevant, pledging to apply the knowledge acquired to produce accurate, evidence-based reports while combating misinformation and disinformation on climate change and other environmental issues.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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