Headlines
Jaafar Jaafar lifts blind Kano singer from abject poverty with N5m lifeline
Nazifi Dawud
Jaafar Jaafar, publisher of Daily Nigerian newspaper has revealed how he plans to utilize the N5 million he had generated through crowdfunding to improve the life of an 84-year-old blind Kano singer who was abandoned in extreme poverty.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Jaafar, who addressed a news conference in Kano on Wednesday, said it was sad that Magajiya Dambatta, who had used her singing talents to support enrollment of children in schools during the 1970s and 1980s was left to languish in abject poverty.
Forgotten diva
The journalist lamented how he met the 84-year-old traditional diva, struggling to make a living through street begging in her hometown of Makoda in the outskirts of Kano city.
Mr Jaafar, said his visit to Makoda was “informed by the sudden disappearance of a respectable voice in the traditional musical industry.”
“I met with 84-year-old, dimmed by age who is now blind, but ekes out a living by begging for alms in the village.
“When it was obvious that it was not something we could do alone, we settled for crowd funding, and by the end of the 5-day exercise, a total sum of N5,006,222 was realized to this forgotten heroine,” he said.
According to him, “We have a 3-year upkeep plan for the blind singer that would gulp a total of N1,560,000 for 3 years.”
Mr Jaafar revealed that a monthly stipend of N15,000 would be paid to Mrs Magajiya directly, adding that a quarterly allowance of N15,000 would also be paid to the music legend for soap, perfume and important items.
A new life
Speaking further on the management of the fund Mr Jaafar said the former singer would also be receiving at least N40,000 each year for textile materials and other needs for Sallah celebrations.
He explained that N144,000 would also be paid per annum for Mrs Magajiya’s feeding at N12,000 per month.
“This would be paid to her married grandsons who feed her to ensure that she gets the right nutrition in view of her age. There are two married grandsons who feed her. We decided to alternate this monthly payment between the two grandsons as a measure of control. Total per annum is N144,000,” he said.
Mr Jaafar added that “N5,000 nursing fees would be paid to her grand daughter who nurses and cleans her room and washes her clothes, while another N3,000 school pocket money (would be paid) for her guide (‘Yar Jagora). This would be paid to the mother of the ‘Yar Jagora”.
The journalist further disclosed plans to either buy a house or build a brand new one for Mrs Magajiya as her present abode has become severely dilapidated and unfit for living.
“We have already directed an agent in the village to scout around for a plot of land or a house for sale. Substantial amount of the money raised will be channeled for either building a new house or buying a house for her”, he said.
“We thank ‘Friends of the Community Organisation’ team led by Hassan Gama for their transparent handling and safe keeping of the funds,” he added.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
NCC board chair hosts licensed telecoms operators in Lagos
Stakeholders seek stronger nutrition financing at local government level
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
Kano govt investigates reported disease outbreak in Garko community
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
