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
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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