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10 major impacts of Freedom Radio Kano
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
This week, Freedom Radio Kano marks 16 years of broadcasting as the first indigenous private FM station in Northern Nigeria.
Here are 10 major impacts of the station on the society, broadcasting, and the journalism profession.
- Freedom of Expression – As a voice of the people, Freedom Radio opened the way for dissenting views to be aired in public. It is the first medium to allow opposition politicians the right to challenge government.
- Radio Callers – Phone-in programs by Freedom Radio coincide with the introduction of mobile phones into Nigeria. This has led to the emergence of several radio callers groups such as Aminan Juna, Alheri yafi Mugunta, etc.
- Verbal Warriors – The Kowanne Gauta program, which gives ordinary citizens the right to comment on policy and political matters, has spawned a group of political commentators known in Hausa as “sojojin baka”.
- Public Complaints – The Inda Ranka program of Freedom has provided a genuine platform for addressing public grievances. For most people in power, the fear of Inda Ranka is now the beginning of wisdom.
- Crowd Funding – Sick persons with limited resources now resort to Freedom Radio as a platform to generate assistance from its listeners.
- Islamic Diversity – Freedom Radio has given mass media access to young Islamic scholars with different understandings of the religion sometimes at the expense of its own safety.
- Free Humanitarian Announcement – As part of its corporate social responsibilities, Freedom Radio Kano introduced the concept of free announcements for lost or found items, and obituaries.
- Promoting Hausa Language – Almost all the programs broadcast by Freedom Radio are in Hausa language, contrary to the previous practice in public radio stations of giving primacy to English language.
- Mainstreaming modern Hausa music – Prior to the emergence of Freedom Radio, the only Hausa songs broadcast on radio were traditional. It was Freedom Radio that first provided access to the mass media for Kannywood singers and other modern genres of Hausa music.
- Human Development – Freedom Radio has become a practical training ground for Northern Nigerian broadcasters. All the major international Hausa broadcasting services such as BBC, VOA, DW, RFI, and CRI have Freedom Radio alumni as part of their staff.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
