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Year in Review: Prominent Kano personalities who died in 2019
Nasiru Yusuf
In the year 2019, Kano state lost a number of prominent personalities who made contributions to the state, country or their respective communities. Below are some of the deceased personalities:
Umar Sa’id Tudunwada, former MD Radio Kano
On Sunday 30th June former Managing Director of Radio Kano Umar Said Tudunwada died in an auto crash at Kura town, along Zaria to Kano road.
Until his death, he was the deputy president of Nigerian Guild of Editors.
During his life time Umar Said Tudunwada worked with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and CTV 67 before he voluntarily resign and joined DW Hausa service.
Late Umar Tudunwada had also worked with Voice of America (Hausa service), Freedom Radio and Dandal Kura Radio, Maiduguri, Borno state.
He had also served as media aide to former governors of Kano state Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Ibrahim Shekarau as well as Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Alhaji Shehu Azare, businessman
On January 8th, 2019 Kano state lost a famous businessman Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Azare of Fagge quarters, Fagge local government area.
Alhaji Shehu Azare was born in 1927 in Galdimari village, Giade local government area of Bauchi State. He came to Kano in 1941 and settled in Fagge quarters where he married his first wife.
He left behind two wives, 21 children, 50 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.
Alhaji Idris Abubakar
On July 18th of famous businessman in Kano and owner of Mudatex Mudassir and Brothers Alhaji Mudassir Idris Abubakar lost his father Alhaji Idris Abubakar.
Alhaji Idris Abubakar died in India where he had traveled for medical treatment.
Alhaji Shehu Ringim
A seasoned bureaucrat Alhaji Shehu Ringim of Kwalli quarters died on Thursday October 17th at the age of 89.
The chief Imam of Kano, Professor Muhammad Sani Zahradden led his funeral prayer at Kofar Kudu, Emir’s Palace.
He left behind a wife and six children.
Late Shehu Ringim was one time Resident Electoral Commissioner(1976-1979) and Resident Commissioner at National Population Commission in charge of Kano (1981-1984).
He had also served as member of Kano state House of Assembly election petition tribunal and Senate and House of Representatives Election Petition Tribunal in Delta state in 1992.
Alhaji Salisu Buhari
Alhaji Salisu Buhari, father of a former speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari died on Monday April 1st.
The late business tycoon died in an Egyptian hospital at the age of 83 after undergoing medical treatment.
Late Mr Buhari’s funeral prayer was led by the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, in company of Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Muhammad Sani Zahradeen, Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, members of the Kano Emirate council, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his Deputy, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna.
Alhaji Salisu Buhari was a chairman of Kano APC elders committee and Nassarawa local government Community Reorientation Committee.
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
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
