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BUK’s Best Student, Usman Gezawa Passed Away

I first know Usman during his days in Crescent Int’l School. He is handicapped and his mum drops him off every morning at Crescent with his wheelchair in the trunk (boot) of her car

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Usman Gezawa

By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda

I woke with the sad news of the death of Usman Gezawa, a level 400 student in the Faculty of Computer Science and IT, Bayero University Kano.

I first know Usman during his days at Crescent Int’l School. I use to catch a glimpse of him almost every morning when I drive my kid sister to school. I learnt that he has been physically challenged right from when he was a child as a result of a chronic disease called spinal muscular atrophy.

My admiration for Usman began when I was in my final year at the university, then he was in level 200. I was confiding with one of my friend that I pity the state and condition in which Usman finds himself in, my friend responded by telling me that Usman has a Grade Point Average of 5.00 in all the semesters he has passed through, making his CGPA to be 5.00 in his 4th semester to be specific. I was stunned and I was glad at the same time. I said to my friend, “let me pity myself for having a point lesser than his”, we laughed and proceeded to where we were heading to.

Back at home, I was marvelled with the news I heard about Usman in campus, I called my kid sister and ask her more about Usman, she told me how brilliant and gifted Usman was during their secondary school days, she told me he got all A’s in his WAEC. She added that he won all the academic prize awarded by the school during the graduation of his set. I was really overwhelmed with joy and tears of happiness rolled down my cheek while she was narrating everything she knows about Usman Gezawa. Indeed, His story was amazing and inspiring in soo many ways.

In one of a short clip that went viral last year, the deposed Emir of Kano, in the person of His Highness Muhammad Sunusi II, honoured him by walking to where he (Usman) was seated (on his wheelchair) to present the certificate of graduation (in the slate form), as it is done by Islamic schools.

Traditionally, when its a student turn to receive his slate, the student shall walk to where the Emir is seated, kneels and the Emir will award the slate (certificate) to him or her. When it was the turn of Usman to follow the same protocol, the Emir stood from his chair, walked to where Usman was seated (on his wheelchair) and presented him his slate of graduation. The chants of “Allahu Akbar” rented the air as the emir displayed an act of respect and honour to the handicapped, at that moment Gezawa was the recipient of such Grand Honour from a highly respected Emir in the country.

Indeed, what a life well lived by Usman Gezawa. Now that you have departed this world to meet with our Creator, may the Angels in heaven honour you, shield you and preserve your soul till we meet again in the hereafter. May Allah (SWT) grant you the highest rank of Jannah.

At this juncture, I will like to pass my sincere condolence to his mum, she motivated Usman by driving him to school in her car. Am sure she must be devastated by his death. My other condolence goes to his siblings for having to live without their ‘genius brother’ and to the people of Kano state. Indeed, Kano has lost an asset.

May Allah bestow his peace and mercy to Usman, our loved ones, and to all Muslim ummah.

assadiq.aldaud@gmail.com

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Gov. Yusuf Praises NUJ’s New Digital Frontier, Celebrates Dangambo’s Inauguration

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has heartily congratulated Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo on his emergence as the Chairman of the newly inaugurated Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council.

This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.

Governor Yusuf described Dangambo’s election as a significant step towards strengthening professionalism and ethical journalism in the digital media space.

He commended the leadership of the NUJ Kano Council under the able leadership of Comrade Sulieman Dederi for the successful establishment of the Online Media Chapel, which he said will complement the efforts of traditional media in promoting truth, fairness, and integrity.

The Governor expressed confidence that under Dangambo’s leadership, the Online Media Chapel would set a new standard for responsible and development-driven journalism in Kano State and beyond.

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He assured of his administration’s continued support for initiatives that promote credible information dissemination, media development, and the unity of practitioners.

Governor Yusuf wished Comrade Dangambo and the entire executive council a successful and impactful tenure, urging them to work diligently in fostering professionalism, building capacity, and enhancing the role of online journalism in the state’s growth and progress.

 

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NUJ Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Dangambo Emerges Chairman

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Comrade Dangambo taking the oath before Kano council chairman Comrade Sulaiman Dederi

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has inaugurated the Kano Online Media Chapel in accordance with the constitution of the NUJ.

During the inauguration of the Kano Online Media Chapel, the chairman of the inauguration committee and a veteran journalist with fifty years of experience, Alhaji Ahmad Aminu, told the gathering that social media is now integral to information and communication technology. He lauded the Kano State Ministry of Information under Comrade Ibrahim Waiya for its efforts in bringing online journalists under one umbrella.

Alhaji Ahmad Aminu urged the online media to relay information that is reliable, honorable, tangible, and objective. He emphasized the importance of working alongside the traditional media in the state, which comprises over 30 radio stations and television outlets.

Other excos taking the oath of office

Other excos taking the oath of office

The veteran journalist stated that one of the greatest challenges faced by Kano is the language of criticism used by some youth through the media. He lamented that Kano has developed a reputation for disrespectful discourse, noting that neighboring states are ashamed of what is happening in Kano.

He reminded the gathering to follow the code of ethics by being reliable and dependable, releasing information aligned with societal growth and development. He urged online media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and exaggeration, operate within societal norms, and ensure every piece of information is verified before dissemination.

In his address, the Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, expressed his long-standing support for journalism and affirmed his belief in the nobility of the profession. He reiterated his determination to uphold these values.

Nigeria Tracker reports that Comrade Ibrahim Waiya stated that April 27th is a historic day with the inauguration of the online media chapel.

“We support this process and aim to bring reforms to the information sector. What is happening in the media space is quite unfortunate, and we cannot change it unless we bring critical stakeholders together. We do not want Kano to be left behind in this process.”

The chapel is open for all online practitioners to register, and unity is one of its strongest pillars. In this direction, all necessary support will be provided.

On his part, the newly inaugurated chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo of *Independent Post*, expressed his gratitude and commitment in his acceptance speech:

 

He said the formation of the Kano Online Media Chapel is a bold recognition of the transformative role digital platforms now play in shaping public opinion, holding power accountable, and amplifying the voices of the people. We are not here to compete with traditional media—we are here to complement, innovate, and lead the way in responsible, ethical, and impactful journalism in the digital age.

Dangambo said as your chairnan I do not take this responsibility lightly. I am committed to building a chapel that upholds professionalism, promotes unity among practitioners, and protects the interests of our members. Together, we will pursue opportunities for capacity building and partnerships that empower our members to thrive in this fast-evolving media landscape.

He said he will strive to earn the trust of the public, ensuring that the content we produce upholds the highest standards of truth, fairness, and integrity. As online journalists, we have a duty not only to inform but to inspire progress and development in our society.

‘To the honorable Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support in realizing our dream for this chapel.”

The new chairman of online media chapel thanks the NUJ, specifically the national chairman and the Kano council chairman and his team, for recognizing the need for this chapel and supporting its emergence.

Nigeria Tracker reports that the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Kano Council, Comrade Suleiman A. Dederi, administered the oath to the newly inaugurated executives of the Kano Online Media Chapel.

They are:

– Chairman:Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post

-Vice Chairman:Kahdija Aliyu, publisher of
Paradigm News

Treasurer: Abbas Yushau Yusuf, publisher of Nigeria Tracker

– Secretary: Isyaku Ahmad, publisher of Stallion Times

Auditor: Musa Ahmad Durumin Iya, publisher of Alifijir News

– Assistant Secretary:Zahrau Nasir, publisher of Daily Watch 24

– Financial Secretary: Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo, publisher of Kakaki24

Nigeria Tracker reports that with the amendment of the NUJ constitution in 2022, online media has been officially incorporated into the constitution of the 70-year-old union, formally allowing the establishment of online media chapels.

With the inauguration of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Kano becomes the first state to achieve this milestone across the 19 northern states, while some southern states like Delta, Enugu, and Oyo have already inaugurated their online media chapels.

 

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Kwara State Officials Kidnapped in Highway Ambush, Police Intensify Rescue Efforts

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Some senior officials of the Kwara State Local Government Service Commission have been kidnapped by gunmen along the Omu-Aran/Ilorin Road.

The victims were abducted on Friday evening.

Those kidnapped are: the Head of the Legal Department of Oke-Ero Local Government, Elizabeth Arinde, and the Head of Personnel Management of the council, whose name could not be immediately confirmed.

It was  gathered on Saturday night that the two senior administrators were among seven individuals kidnapped at Corner Eleyin along the Omu-Aran/Ilorin Expressway while returning to Ilorin, the state capital, for the weekend on Friday, April 25, 2025.

The incident occurred at about 5:45pm where  five gunmen ambushed the two private vehicles before leading the passengers into the bush.

The Kwara State Police Command has  confirmed the incident.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, on Saturday.

The statement added “The Kwara State Police Command confirms a kidnap incident reported at about 5:45 p.m. on Friday, 25th April 2025, at Eleyin village via Isanlu-Isin. It was reported that about five armed men blocked the highway, stopping two private vehicles, forcefully taking all occupants to an unknown location.

Following the report, the command, in collaboration with the military and vigilantes, launched a swift operation, leading to the successful rescue of two victims, Ganiyu Ajayi and Kolawole Adeyemi.

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining five victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“The command has intensified security measures across the area, including aggressive bush combing, strategic patrols, and intelligence-driven operations to prevent further occurrences”

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