Features

Privatization of Public Spaces: A Tragedy for Land Use Planning in Kano Metropolis

Published

5 years ago

March 16, 2021

By Muhammad Abba

Cities generally perform multiple functions; they serve as the most important human habitations, the manufacturing and commercial hubs as well as centres of innovations and civilization. As a consequence, lands within major cities like Kano are organized into residential, industrial, commercial, educational, institutional and recreational uses. Each of these land uses is not only important but indispensible for the efficient functioning of the cities. Combined together, the uses constitute the main components of the city’s physical environment. Thus, none of them should be relegated in favour of any other and none should be prioritized at the expense of the others.

Unfortunately this is exactly what is happening right here in Kano city. The arbitrary conversions of plots of land; originally assigned for schools, offices, parks, gardens, mosques and monuments into shops, malls, supermarkets and filling stations, is an example of how some land uses are promoted at the detriment of all the others. The arrays of lands converted to commercial plots within the city in the last six years are numerous: the three city gardens along Kundila Maiduguri road, a portion of the central Eid ground and Fagge Jumu’at mosque, Kofar Pampo-Hauren Wanki section of Kano city walls, Daula Hotel, Triumph Publishing Company, Kano Radio Corporation at Takuntawa, Shahuci Motor Park, Gidan Zakka, a section of Kano State Polytechnic, a segment of the Ministry for Rural and Community Development and most recently the space around Gwauron Dutse hill.

A glance at the catalogue of the conversions will reveal that almost all the lands involved fall squarely within the ambit of public spaces. These are places that are open and accessible to the general public irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic status. Examples of public spaces include: roads, pavements, public squares, parks, gardens, zoos, religious places, public buildings and monument sites. The importance of these in the socio-political, economic, ecological and psychological wellbeing of Kano city needs no emphasis here.

Stop The Axe: Kano Zoological And Botanical Garden Next On Line Of Destruction

The conversions of these public spaces are not only altering the initial city’s plan but they are in many cases detrimental to the physical environment. All the properties concerned are handed over from the public ownership to either the ownership of individuals or groups through the process of privatization. Since privatization is the process by which a piece of property or business goes from being owned by the public sector to being privately owned, the changes are therefore removing important places from the domains of the citizenry into the spheres of individuals.

This is disappointing and constitutes a tragedy to the field of urban land use planning in the metropolis. This is primarily because all the exercises are done by the authorities responsible for planning and administering the urban land in the city. Secondly, the conversion exercises completely disregarded the concept of Functional Efficiency which is the central goal in planning the urban land and planning the city in general. Functional Efficiency means the best and the most efficient use of land which results in the greatest benefit to the society. It is built upon three principles which are: Institutional Justice, Social-economic Equity and Environmental Acceptability.

The principle of institutional justice requires the respect of rights which arise from qualifications under an established rule or institutions. This entails that to achieve the best and most efficient land use, the initial formal land use plans, allocations and regulations most be strictly adhered to. However, there is a clear violation of this principle in the on-going exercises as the initial formal land use plans of the metropolis are completely or partially distorted in the name of promoting commercial activities, physical development and beautification of the city.

Socio-economic Equity refers to commitment to fairness and justice in planning and allocation of the land to the people. In the current spate of land use conversions, this principle is also thrown to the wind, because the beneficiaries of the re-allocations of land are mostly the high ranking politicians, their families and cronies, their clients, contractors, business magnates, traditional and religious leaders as well as top civil servants. In most cases, the low income petty-traders, artisans, labourers, messengers, classroom teachers and other lower level civil servants are left out. In several instances, latter categories of people are evicted from where they are earning simple but legitimate livelihoods without the provision of any alternative to them.
There is also a complete disregard to the principle of Environmental Acceptability as majority of the conversion projects are not environmentally sustainable. Some of these projects involved destructions of the existing green areas of the metropolis like parks, gardens and other forms of urban vegetation, only to be replaced with buildings. Others involved converting vacant lands, such as the premises of mosques and government ministries, to physical structures. All these have serious negative consequences to the city’s ecosystem.

The major roads, streets, corners and junctions of the metropolis have been turned into shopping complexes. But the bulk of the commodities traded in the shops are not produced in the city’s four industrial estates; rather they are imported from China and Dubai or brought in from Lagos-Ibadan-Abeokuta industrial axis. The economic status of the metropolis has thus been diminished to a mere dumping ground of finished industrial goods and the traders simply reduced to middlemen or intermediaries between manufacturers and consumers.

If the conversions are done purposely to promote physical development of the metropolis, as argued by officials; then the developers failed to consider the significance of every land use within the city. Because in addition to economic value, every development project must equally respects the socio-cultural, historical, scientific and ecological values of the land; since economic value of the land is by no means better than socio-cultural, historical or ecological values. Also, cities are beautified not by converting open spaces to built-up areas; but by planting flowers, trees, shrubs and other decorative greenery along the roads and streets and around some planned spaces.

The claim that such public spaces are privatized because they became the hideouts of criminals simply exposes the inability of the system to ensure adequate maintenance of security within the city. It also exposes the failure of the authorities to make all the public lands and properties to optimally function the way they were originally planned to. Thus, we passionately appeal to the authorities in Kano, as a matter of urgency, to ensure that these wanton land use conversions are not only halted but rectified. Ours is just to advice and to enlighten, but the power to execute rests on the government. Failure to stop and correct the wrongs will, sooner or later, lead to adverse socio-economic and environmental effects on the city.

Mahmud Abba PhD
Department of Geography,
Bayero University, Kano.

Features

Why I want To Rewrite Kannywood’s Playbook – Dan Hausa

Published

3 months ago

August 28, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Kamilu Danhausa

By Saif Ibrahim, Kano

Who is Dan Hausa?

I am Kamilu Ibrahim born 31 years ago, but most people know me as Dan Hausa. I was born in Fagge, Kano State, and from the very beginning I knew I wanted to tell stories that reflect the realities of my people. I trained at the High Definition Film Academy in Abuja, SAE Institute, and also took part in the U.S. Embassy’s Filmmaking for Impact program. I join the fikm making industry and started directing in 2017 because I wanted full control over how my stories are told.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into film directing?

My journey began with a love for storytelling—I started as a scriptwriter, then worked closely with experienced filmmakers before directing my first film. Over the years, I’ve learned that directing isn’t just about cameras and lights, but about understanding people, culture, and the power of narrative.

Growing up, I saw how films could educate and inspire people. In Arewa, cinema is more than entertainment—it’s a mirror of society. I wanted to use that mirror to reflect our values, challenges, and hopes. That desire to make meaningful films pushed me into directing.

What sets your work apart in today’s Kannywood?

For me, it’s about merging modern cinematic techniques with our Hausa cultural identity. I love bold visuals and tight storytelling, but I never want to lose that traditional heartbeat of my origin. My goal has always been to raise our production quality to international standards while staying true to our roots”, proof of that is clear in my current and biggest project, “Wata Shida.

How would you describe your directing style?

I like to call my style “realism with purpose.” I focus on authenticity—every scene, every performance, every frame must feel true to life. But I also ensure that there’s always a message, something the audience can take home and reflect on.

Can you highlight some of your notable works?

Sure, there is Wata Shida which is currently airing and has an overwhelming response from the public and the likes of Lulu Da Andalu a myth-inspired adventure series showing on AREWA24 and YouTube. YouTube pushed us to think bigger in terms of story and production. Mijin Hajiya earned me Best Director at the 2024 Kano Entertainment Awards, while Tataburza made waves at film festivals. Earlier films like Bakon Yanayi (2019) and my debut Kulba Na Barna (2017) helped me define my style. My latest project, Amaryar Lalle, starring Rahama Sadau, premieres August 2025 on Sadau Pictures TV. Each project is a step forward in showing what Kannywood can achieve.

What awards and recognitions have you earned?

I have also been recognized by the Arewa5050 Awards and Kaduna International Film Festival (KIFF) for Lulu Da Andalu, which even won Best Indigenous Hausa Film. There’s also an AMVCA nomination for best Africanindigenous language , which is exciting because it means Hausa stories are getting wider attention.”

Who are your key collaborators?

Filmmaking is teamwork; TY Shaba has been a creative partner on several projects, especially on Lulu Da Andalu. I have WORKED with Rahama Sadau on Amaryar Lalle has been fantastic; she brings so much energy to the screen.”

What themes do you explore in your films?

I like telling stories where modern life clashes with traditional values—family conflict, cultural identity, gender roles. These are real issues in our society, and I try to explore them honestly but cinematically. I believe film should make people feel and also think.”

What is your next project?

I am working on Wata Shida Season 2, a story about a woman who enters a six-month sham marriage to protect her inheritance. It’s socially meaningful but also very entertaining. I will also continue with season 2 of “Amaryar Lalle.”

Can you tell us a little about your latest project?

This project is very close to my heart. It follows a young girl fighting to get an education in a society full of obstacles. Through her eyes, we see how family, tradition, and resilience collide, and how hope can survive even in the harshest situations.”

What inspired you to make this story?

Growing up, I saw so many bright young girls whose dreams were cut short just because they were girls. I felt a responsibility to tell this story—not as fiction, but as a mirror of what is happening around us.

How do you balance tradition and modernity in your work?

A: It’s about respect. I respect our traditions, but I also embrace new technology and ideas. In my films, I make sure traditional values are represented truthfully, while using modern techniques to improve production quality.

What challenges do you face as a director in Kannywood?

Budgets are often limited, and resources can be scarce. But the biggest challenge is sometimes societal misunderstanding of what we do as filmmakers. People forget that film is also an art form and a tool for change, not just entertainment.

Can you tell us your favourite project

Every project has its own special memory, but I’m proudest when a film sparks conversation or impacts people’s lives. For example, one of my recent films about youth unemployment led to community discussions and even small initiatives to help young people. That’s when I feel film is doing its job.

What advice would you give to aspiring directors?

Learn the craft—don’t rush. Watch films, study scripts, spend time on set even if it’s just to observe. Most importantly, stay humble and focused. Filmmaking is about patience, teamwork, and vision.

What should audiences expect from your upcoming projects?

Expect more powerful stories rooted in our culture, with better technical quality. I’m working on projects that tackle real societal issues, and I believe they’ll resonate with audiences not just in Arewa, but globally.

Features

Antenatal Care: Why some women misses several sessions

Published

4 months ago

August 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Aisha Muhammad Rabiu

In many parts of Northern Nigeria, antenatal care is a vital step in ensuring the health of both mother and the unborn child. Yet, an increasing number of women are neglecting this crucial stage of pregnancy, putting themselves and their babies at serious risk, hence the high infant, mother mortality rate.

Health experts have been warning that antenatal visits help detect pregnancy complications at its early stage, provide essential supplements for healthy mother/child development, and educate mothers on safe delivery practices. But for some women, they find antenatal care as a burden either due to poverty or lack of awareness based on cultural practices and beliefs. As such antenatal remains a neglected priority.

In Kadawa, Fatima Sani, a 28-year-old expectant mother, admits she has not attended a single session of antenatal since the start of her pregnancy. she said “It’s not that I don’t want to go, but the clinic is far from my house, and my husband says we should save the transport money for delivery day. I just pray Allah protects me and my baby.”

From Dan Bare, Shago Tara precisely, Khairat a mother of 4 shares her reasons for not attending antenatal session even though she is fully aware that the session is very important to pregnant women. She said “I feel healthy, so I don’t see the need to go for antenatal. My mother gave birth to all her children at home without any clinic visits, and they all survived.”

In Rijiyar Zaki, Hadiza Mukhtar recalls her previous pregnancy, where she skipped antenatal visits entirely. “The nurses were rude to me when I first went. I decided I would not return. This pregnancy, I haven’t gone at all,” she confesses.

For Usaina Muhammad of Kurna, the problem is financial. “I can’t afford the registration fee, and I also have other children to feed. I know antenatal is important, but survival comes first.”

Meanwhile, Maryam Lawan of Layi Kaji reveals that misinformation has influenced her decision. “Someone told me that the iron tablets they give at the clinic make the babies grow too big, making delivery harder. So, I decided to avoid it altogether.”

Medical professionals emphasize that skipping antenatal care increases the risk of complications such as anemia, high blood pressure, infections, and even maternal or infant death. Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a gynecologist in Kano, warns: “We see many emergencies that could have been avoided if the mother had attended antenatal. Most of these cases arrive late, making it harder for the doctors to save lives.”

Experts and community leaders agree that raising awareness is key in addressing the matter. Antenatal care should be made more affordable, accessible, and culturally acceptable for all women. Religious leaders, health workers, and family members all have a role to play in encouraging expectant mothers to attend regular check-ups.

Neglecting antenatal care is not just a personal choice; it’s a public health concern that affects families, communities, and the future of the nation. Ensuring that every mother has the knowledge, resources, and support to seek antenatal care is a step toward a healthier society.

Aisha Muhammad Rabiu writes from Bayero University Kano (BUK) and she can be reached at Email: aishatama2020@gmail.com

Phone no.08084273341

Features

Rano’s Peaceful Legacy: More Than a Slogan, One Tragedy Won’t Define Us

Published

6 months ago

May 29, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

For decades, Rano Garin Autan Bawo has proudly stood as a symbol of peace and harmony in Kano State. It is a place where neighbors look out for one another, where disputes are settled through dialogue, and where diversity is met with respect—not resentment. In Rano, peace is not just a slogan—it is a way of life passed down through generations.

The tragic incident that recently occurred at the Divisional Police Station in Rano Local Government has deeply shaken our community. Known for generations as one of the most peaceful and united areas in Nigeria, Rano now faces the painful reality of an attack that led to the death of a Divisional Police Officer and the destruction of police property. This senseless act of violence goes against everything our community stands for and must not be seen as a reflection of who we are.

Rano has long been recognized for its peaceful spirit, tolerance, and respect for all. People from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures have lived side by side here in harmony. This didn’t happen by chance—it is the result of years of effort by our leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens who believe that our strength lies in our unity and diversity.

Our respect for law and order is deep-rooted. We understand the crucial role that security personnel play in keeping our community safe. The people of Rano have always appreciated the risks and sacrifices made by the police, military, and other agencies to protect lives and property.

Respect for the law here is not just about obeying rules—it’s about a shared belief in justice, fairness, and solving problems peacefully and legally. This belief has helped build a respectful and cooperative relationship between the police and the people.

What happened at the police station is completely out of character for our community. The individuals who carried out this attack do not represent us. Their actions go against the values that have shaped Rano. We strongly condemn what they did and make it clear that their behavior does not reflect who we are.

The loss of the Divisional Police Officer is not just a blow to the Nigeria Police Force or the Kano State Police Command—it is a loss for all of us. He wasn’t just doing his job; he was part of our extended family. His death is an attack on the peace and security that we all hold dear.

We send our deepest condolences to his family. No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one in such a brutal way. Our thoughts are also with his colleagues in the police force, who have lost a brother and a friend.

We also stand with the Kano State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force as they face this heartbreaking loss. We understand how much this affects their morale, especially at a time when their work is more important than ever.

Destroying police buildings and equipment is not just an attack on law enforcement—it’s an attack on the very system that helps keep us safe. These facilities belong to the people and serve the entire community. Damaging them harms everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us.

We urge the government and relevant authorities to investigate this incident fully and fairly. Those responsible must be held accountable. Justice must be swift and uncompromised. Our community deserves to see the law upheld and the wrongdoers brought to book.

To our young people—the future of Rano—we ask for calm and reflection. We know that you may be frustrated or angry about many issues. But violence is never the answer. Taking the law into your own hands only brings more pain and setbacks for everyone.

Instead, we encourage our youth to focus on positive, constructive paths. There are peaceful, legal ways to raise your voices and push for change. Use those channels. Help move our community forward.

Rano must now focus on healing, rebuilding trust, and recommitting to the peaceful values that have always defined us. We must come together—young and old, leaders and citizens—to ensure that such violence never happens again.

We call on traditional leaders, religious figures, community elders, youth leaders, and all residents to stand united in promoting peace and respect for the law. Let’s strengthen our partnership with security agencies and support their efforts to keep us safe, while also holding them accountable to serve with respect and dignity.

How we respond to this tragedy will shape our future. Let us choose unity over division, peace over violence, and hope over despair. The actions of a few will not define us. We will protect the legacy of peace that Rano is known for and continue working together for a better tomorrow.

Buhari Abba wrote this piece from Unguwar Liman Rano.