By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

The National Executive Committee and the entire membership of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to their distinguished member, Professor Sani Ibrahim Khalil, on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at Bayero University, Kano.

In an official statement signed by Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari, the National Publicity Secretary of BIKOBA, the association praised Professor Khalil for his unwavering dedication, academic excellence, and significant contributions to the field of architecture and urban development. “This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to his hard work and commitment to scholarly excellence,” the statement read.

Professor Khalil, who currently serves as the Vice President I of BIKOBA, has been a pillar of innovation and research in architecture and urban design. According to the statement, his promotion is not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for BIKOBA and the association’s alma mater, Birnin Kudu Government College.

“His elevation brings great honor to our association and school, further cementing our legacy of producing outstanding scholars and professionals,” National President of BIKOBA, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), remarked. He expressed confidence that Professor Khalil’s new rank would serve as a beacon of inspiration for both the academic community and young architects seeking to make their mark in the profession.

BIKOBA also noted that Professor Khalil’s contributions would continue to shape the landscape of urban development in Nigeria and beyond. They expressed their profound joy over the recognition of his achievements, wishing him continued success and greater milestones in his professional journey.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting distinguished members like Professor Khalil, celebrating their accomplishments, and fostering a network of excellence among alumni.

The congratulatory message was officially signed by National Publicity Secretary, Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari, on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), dated May 7, 2025.

With this latest promotion, Professor Khalil joins the ranks of esteemed scholars contributing significantly to Nigeria’s architectural and urban design fields, further enhancing Bayero University, Kano’s reputation for academic excellence.

Emir of Kano, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged foreign investors to take advantage of booming business environment in Nigeria to invest their resources for maximum profit margin.

Khalifa Sanusi solicited investment opportunities in Nigeria while addressing global investors and captains of industries at the International Financial Investment and Trade Conference holding in Tunisia.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, explained that Nigeria reserves one of the fastest growing economy in Africa with highly competitive markets and business opportunities readily available for capital investors.

Sanusi essentially appealed to business and investment giants to tap from the robust economy with enabling environment in the areas of Manufacturing, Agriculture, ICT, Innovation and financial sector to grow their investment.

The royal highness used the occasion to showcase the growing fortune and global investment of Alh. Aliko Dangote, who started his empire taking the Nigerian business environment, believed foreign investors should capitalize on similar advantage.

Sanusi made a strong case for investment opportunities in his country home, assured socio-econmic and natural endowments as major advantages investors should consider to build viral growth in Kano.

According to Emir Sanusi, remained that Kano is destination for trade, commerce and industries with 22 million population, natural resources, strategic location and well established international markets that serve many countries in West and Central Africa and beyond. That’s apart, he said incentives provided by the Kano State Government is another avenue for ease of doing business.

A release by Munir Sanusi Bayero, Galadiman Kano and Chief of Staff to emir Sanusi said the conference attracted prominent personalities including Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Mohammed, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Haj. Imaan Suleiman, Amb. Bolaji, representing the Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu and DG of NEPZA.

The Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum convened a two-day emergency stakeholders’ meeting on May 4th and 5th, 2025, at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano to address concerns over alleged defamatory statements made by former Secretary to the State Government, AB Bappah Bichi, against the esteemed leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. The forum, comprising experts from diverse backgrounds, strongly condemned what it described as inflammatory remarks aimed at tarnishing Dr. Kwankwaso’s reputation. According to Comr. Haruna Musa Gaza, Chairman of the forum, “These statements are not only malicious but also an attempt to incite hatred and provoke violence against our revered leader.”

During the deliberations, members reaffirmed Dr. Kwankwaso’s enduring legacy and contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development. The forum praised his leadership, integrity, and philanthropic efforts, insisting that his work has positively impacted millions of Nigerians. “Dr. Kwankwaso is a visionary leader whose contributions to our great nation cannot be undermined by baseless accusations,” Gaza stated. The body further emphasized its unwavering support for Kwankwaso while calling on Nigerians to recognize the profound impact of his leadership.

In response to Bichi’s remarks, the forum resolved to pursue legal action to ensure accountability for what they termed defamatory allegations. Legal proceedings, according to Gaza, will be instituted to address the matter in court, and all available legal avenues will be explored to seek redress. “We will not allow these false claims to go unchallenged. Justice must prevail, and we will fight to ensure that defamatory statements like these do not go unchecked,” Gaza affirmed. The forum vowed to hold Bichi responsible for his utterances and pursue the matter to its logical conclusion through legal means.

Despite the forum’s strong condemnation, it urged all Kwankwasiyya supporters and Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of provocation. The forum stressed the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding unnecessary escalation. “We call on our supporters to exercise restraint. Violence is never the answer, and our movement stands for peace and development,” Gaza emphasized. The forum maintained that while legal action is necessary, peaceful resolution and respect for the law remain top priorities.

Additionally, the Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum commended the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his administration’s efforts in advancing development projects across the state. The forum encouraged Kano residents to continue supporting the governor’s initiatives aimed at fostering progress and stability. “Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly for the betterment of Kano State, and we urge citizens to stand behind his administration’s laudable projects,” Gaza concluded. The forum reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability while championing the cause of peace and development.