– As students hail his agric policy

By Abba Anwar

It is not the intention of this write – up to x-ray the relevance and effectiveness of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) come 2027 general elections. The idea is not also to discuss the possibility of parties alliances as preparation to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in pre, during and post election periods, with SDP as one of the brain boxes.

I only see APC and SDP as opposing political platforms. A ruling party and opposition party eyeing each other’s jugular. Political sophistication, organizational stamina and proactive engagements can play critical role in this imminent political face-off.

Coincidentally, just few days after the former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai defected from APC to SDP, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, punched some deadly blows to SDP. In what appears like uprooting strategy against the party. The first of its kind since El-Rufai’s exit from APC.

Just few days back, on Tuesday 18th March, to be precise, Senator Barau welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of SDP in 2023, from Kano, Bala Mohammad Gwagwarwa, who cross carpeted to APC. He came along with the State Working Committee members, with 38 local government chairmen and secretaries of the party. Alongside 13 former House of Assembly and 6 House of Representatives candidates. Who also defected.

For Barau to display his capacity in this power play, with accurate sophistication, he made sure that during the event, which took place at REIZ Continental Hotel, Abuja, the Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Eng. Yusuf Buhari, was also part of the political cake swallowed by APC, with him (Barau) as the party’s tongue and throat, in this context.

Since when Nigerians started observing SDP recently, in the national scheme of things, among all the APC’s and PDP’s, among other parties’, heavyweights, in the country, to my knowledge, it was Barau who practically sends shivers to the party in a more practical way. The defection of SDP’s juggernauts speaks volume. But I stand to be corrected.

Though I was not privy to any groundwork before the event at REIZ Continental Hotel took place, by I may not mince words when I say, the Distinguished Deputy Senate President, gets firm support from the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, who happens to be in Sa’udi Arabia, for Lesser-Hajj (Umrah) when Barau was welcoming Eng. Buhari, Gwagwarwa and many others from SDP.

But as usual, Ganduje’s support, spirit, sense of reasoning, sound endorsement and self – confidence were there with the Distinguished Senator. As the National Chairman was ably represented at the occasion by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emeka Eneukwu, who stayed throughout the period.

The visibility and political engagements of Senator Barau means a lot for his constituency, Kano State and Northwest if you like. Many see him as one of the major APC organs in the country, that consistently untie ploys upon ploys from opposition circle. An effort that makes his constituency and Kano State proud. A morale booster.

Looking ready and energetic almost all the time. With the multifaceted responsibilities on his shoulders. From his constituency, to his state, the Red Chamber, through his geo-political zone, in tandem with the national interest up to Africa’s sub-regional legislative responsibilities. Kai kamar ba mutum ba! (laugher).

On the other hand, I came across a letter formally written by one of the sensitive offices of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), office of the Director Peace, Integration and Reconciliation, Zone A, Comrade Magaji Kabiru Gulu, addressed to the Deputy Senate President, hailing his patriotic posture and critical thinking for raising creative minds in Northwest through his recently inaugurated Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in Northwest, Agricultural Support Programme.

Of which young millionaires would be produced in our agricultural value chain from across all the 7 states of Northwest. The students body believes, this will go a long way in suppressing youth restiveness, lingering wallowing in (absolute?) poverty, reducing unemployment rate, among other missteps.

In the letter, Comrade Gulu posits that, “Your Initiative is a testament of your commitment to empowering young graduates in the Northwest region. This programme will undoubtedly provide them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in agriculture. Thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.”

Adding that, “We appreciate your dedication to the welfare of our young people and your effort to create opportunities for them to succeed. Your leadership vision are truly inspiring. We are grateful for your service to our nation.”

Expectedly, students themselves appreciate Barau’s unrelenting service to the nation. This acknowledgement not only speaks volumes, it also means, in categorical term, that, there exists a leader who identifies himself with the plight of our teeming youth. Such and similar groups only need a sound system of retouch, reengineering, redesign and networking.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
20th March, 2025

By Muhammadu Dan Sa’idu

There is no gain saying the fact that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state is leaving no one in doubt as to his good intentions of bringing about the desired and necessary development to Kano state in every facets of life with a view to making the state to compete favourably with its peers. This can be attested to by the fact that Kano has become a construction site of sort, with many ongoing projects spread across the state such as roads construction and rehabilitation, schools and hospitals rehabilitation and construction, water resources and environment, human capital development among many others.

In line with his continuous strive for rapid and contemporary development of the state, governor Yusuf has not only initiated new projects but equally look in the direction of abandoned and uncompleted prjocets. One of such remarkable efforts at ensuring even development by the governor is the recent initiative to revive the Kwankwasiyya city housing estate situated along Zaria road in the ancient city which was reduced to a near ghost city since it was launched over ten (10) years ago.

The Kwankwasiyya city housing project along with Amana and Bandirawo Cities which were initiated by the Enginieer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso administration was conceived as part of the State development plan strategies.

Understandably , the idea was meant to promote economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability, towards addressing issues like urban sprawl, congestion, and lack of affordable housing.

However, no sooner than the city was launched challenges creep in, and tied down the city from realising the very objectives for which it was set out to achieve. Challenges like the investment of pensioners funds into the project generated controversy, and which was highly politicised, became a major challenge. Other challenges include the failure of some allottees to complete their payments, transfer of ownership, failure to complete some of the houses and most disheartening and disappointing the refusal of many of the owners to put the houses to proper use thereby leaving them unattended to, unoccupied and uncompleted hence the houses became a major criminal hideouts and harbour all manner of chracters thereby becoming a security threat to residents and neighbouring communities.
Another challenge worth noting is the illegal bastardization of the original master plan of the city by some unpatriotic and unscrupulous elements who diverted and allocated plots originally meant for public use such as market, hospitals, graveyard etc to some individuals for private use. This criminal act of bastardization of the city’s master plan has deprived residents of basic public amenities like market and others thereby making the estate a hell for them and scare others from moving in, this singular act make the city non-functional and retarded it’s growth.

Worthy of note is the fact that similar housing projects that were initiated alongside the Kwankwasiyya city in other states like Gombe and Yobe have since become fully functional and habitable while the Kwankwasiyya city remains desolate, abandoned and constitute a major existential threat to the few residents of the city and by extension to the state as a whole.

Therefore, concerned by the sorry state of the Kwankwasiyya city and the need to realise the objective for which the project was initiated, Governor Abba Kabir formed a high-powered committee under the able leadership of his workaholic and creative Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya

with a mandate to provide comprehensive action plan on the revival of the Kwankwasiyya city including public sensitisation, ascertaining the actual ownership, completion, occupancy of the houses among others.

As a prelude to the formation of the committee and in order to demonstrate his resolve to make the Kwankwasiyya city habitable, Governor Yusuf reclaimed the Governor’s Lodge situated in the city which was hitherto diverted and allocated to the federal government agency by the previous administration against the original master plan. However, upon retrival by the governor, the facility has now been renovated and returned to its original state as a Governor’s Lodge. In the same vein, the governor in his desire to return the city to its original master plan, wasted no time in pulling down and demolishing illegal structures in the city.

It is clear that Governor Yusuf has set the tune for reviving the Kwankwasiyya city to its original concept. The challenge now is thrown to the owners, residents of the city including other stakeholders to rally round the governor in his avowed resolve to make the city habitable.

Dan Sa’idu
Wrote in from Eye On Kano Initiative
16/3/2025

By Saleh Shehu Ashaka

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Voice of America (VOA), a beacon of unbiased news and a symbol of free press, finds itself in silence. The abrupt cessation of all broadcasts, across languages and platforms, marks a significant moment in the history of global journalism. This development, attributed to funding cuts under the Trump administration, signals not just the end of an era but also raises profound questions about the future of international broadcasting and the role of media in a rapidly changing world.

For decades, VOA has served as a vital conduit for information, bridging cultural and political divides, and providing a platform for voices that might otherwise remain unheard. Its mission, to deliver accurate and objective news, has been a cornerstone of its operations, fostering understanding and dialogue across nations. The sudden halt of its broadcasts is a stark reminder of the fragility of media institutions and the ever-present threat of political influence.

The decision to cut funding to the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, reflects a broader trend of diminishing support for public broadcasting. It underscores the challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining independence and integrity in an era where information is increasingly weaponized. The implications of this move are far-reaching, affecting not only the employees and journalists dedicated to their craft but also the millions of listeners and viewers who rely on VOA for reliable news.

In the absence of VOA’s voice, we are compelled to reflect on the critical role that media plays in shaping public discourse and holding power to account. The free flow of information is the lifeblood of democracy, and any attempt to stifle it poses a threat to the very principles upon which democratic societies are built. The suspension of VOA broadcasts serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting press freedom and ensuring that media organizations can operate without fear of retribution or censorship.

Moreover, this development invites us to consider the broader geopolitical implications. VOA has long been a tool of soft power, promoting American values and fostering goodwill abroad. Its silence creates a vacuum that could be exploited by other state-sponsored media outlets, potentially reshaping narratives and influencing public opinion in ways that may not align with democratic ideals.

As we navigate this uncertain landscape, it is imperative that we advocate for the restoration of funding and support for VOA and similar institutions. The preservation of a free and independent press is not merely a matter of national interest but a global imperative. It requires a collective commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and truth.

The suspension of VOA broadcasts is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing media organizations today. It calls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and to recognize the indispensable role that journalism plays in fostering informed and engaged societies. As we await further developments, let us remain steadfast in our support for those who strive to illuminate the world with truth and integrity. The end of an era need not be the end of hope; rather, it can be a catalyst for renewed dedication to the ideals that VOA has long championed.