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Name and shame perpetrators of curruption – NUJ Chair tells journalists
Nasiru Yusuf
The chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano state council Comrade Abbas Ibrahim has charged journalists to name and shame perpetrators of curruption in their reportage.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Ibrahim made the call during a training for journalists on anti corruption and accountability issues, held in Kano.
He advised journalists to develop a corruption convicts register to enable people access the data of those convicted of corrupt practices.
Ibrahim, described corruption as a monster that has done so much damage on the country.
He reiterated that journalists have significant role to play in ensuring that credible leaders are elected in 2023.
Mr Ibrahim charged journalists to always display professionalism and stick to the ethics of the profession.
Comrade Abbas Ibrahim
He highlighted that, as watch dogs of the society whom the public rely for factual information, it becomes paramount for newsmen, to discharge their duties effectively and hold leaders accountable where the need arise.
As professional Journalists, Mr Abbas admonished newsmen to desist from seeking gratification as prerequisite of publishing news report.
In his remarks, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, tasked the media to commit those seeking political offices in 2023 to reforms.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
Rafsanjani asked media practitioners to prioritize anti-corruption and accountability issues as they take on politicians during campaigns towards 2023 general elections.
He expressed concern that politicians hardly talk about how to tackle corruption or address decadence in the education sector. This Rafsanjani felt, was not encouraging considering the damage done by corruption in Nigeria.
“We should put these issues at the front burner as politicians begin their campaigns because the fact that they are not talking about it is of great concern,” he stated.
CISLAC boss also recalled the recently concluded primary elections that witnessed heavy financial inducement and warned that Nigerians must not go into general elections with a mindset to induce voters.
Cross section of participants
Rafsanjani noted that: “When there is compromise or poor handling of how to deal with the nation’s challenges, there is a huge consequence. Kano had a lot of industries in the past but because of corruption in the power sector, a lot of them have closed down, leaving many people jobless.
“A lot of people have left Nigeria because of the problems of joblessness and insecurity. It is only in Nigeria that schools will close for six months and those in charge of education have not resigned.”
He added: “The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) got salary review since 2009 and everyone knows how expensive the country has become. Politicians and Legislators earn as much as N17 to N19million monthly aside other benefits while a Professor after spending 30 years teaching, earns about N416,000 monthly.
“If politicians are earning so much, why look down on teachers? This is basterdization of public institutions,” he stated.
Cross section of participants
On the security situation bedeviling the country, he said: “When you allow criminals to come in with weapons because of the little graft they offer, it is a challenge.”
He lamented how people come into the country freely with drugs and guns because of the compromise of agencies charged with the responsibility of manning the border.
“We just have to understand the consequences of corruption. It has destroyed our value system and helped to undermine development, yet we move as if everything is alright.
“We must make politicians to be committed to proper reforms. In the last seven years, some people promised to fight corruption, provide jobs and fight insecurity. But we have all seen what is happening.”
Rafsanjani therefore urged journalists to confront politicians with appropriate questions as a way of committing them into actions and be able to demand accountability from them when they default.
Cross section of participants
While commending their past efforts, he further tasked them to help checkmate politicians, noting that without the media, it will be difficult to get the people informed as well as hold government accountable.
Speaking, the Executive Director, Women in Media Communications Initiative, Hajiya Halima Ben Umar, stressed that the media should be bold enough to demand explanation from political office seekers on how to tackle Nigeria’s problems.
“We want issue-based campaign; journalists must ask questions on what they have to offer in addressing mirage of problems confronting the country, especially with regards to women, disabled and vulnerable groups.”
The General Secretary, Kano State Civil Society Forum Peter Hassan Tijani stated that the media is key in the mission to rescue Nigeria, adding that journalists must engage in more serious issues rather than political distractions as have been trending in the media recently.
He charged journalists to focus on people-orientated issues that are capable of changing the narratives of what citizens are facing in the country. He also stressed the need for CSOs to partner the media in order to save the country from corrupt leaders.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
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.
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