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Looming Environmental Catastrophy In Kano Metropolis 

Published

4 years ago

on

Murtala Uba

 

By

Murtala Uba Mohammed (PhD)

 

Population and land are arguably the most important resources for development. The population is a catalyst for the production, particularly in the provision of labour for production, agriculture and servicing. It also extends in the provision of the market for finished products. The land is the platform for human dwelling and a ground for erecting the edifice for housing, industry, commerce and other uses too numerous to mention. Recognizing the importance of these resources since antiquity, the struggles and wars between human societies are overwhelming, if not wholly in trying to control them.

 

In the modern time, the level of progress and advancement of any state is measured by it’s ability to manage the lands and population in an efficient way, such that they are geared towards its advancement. Thus, the most developed human societies are those that invest so much in building their human resources through education and in managing their land properly so that the environment will not only look captivating and liveable but resilient in case of calamities may befall.

 

Kano City is one of the most blessed city’s in the world having a large population and abundant land. Located in the Northcentral Highland, Hausa plain covers the trio of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states and is the most extensive plain in the country. The City houses nearly six million people which makes it the second-largest city in the country and the most important commercial centre north of River Niger. The City, since the 15th Century has been an important route for the Trans-Sahara Trade, serving as a port between the relatively wetter Sudan and Guinea savannas and a drier Sahel Savanna. Because of this and other important reasons such as peace, fertile soils that sustainable agriculture and food demand, mild climate and receptive nature of its old inhabitant, the city continue to attract people from far and near places which make its population to not only grow but to accommodate people of all extraction. It is not strange to hear -especially for those not in touch with history- that Kano is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in black Africa. Deep into the history of the city and even now, many localities in the inner part of the city are not only bearing the names of location and ethnic nationalities but were also known to historically evolved as a result of the settling of people originated from these areas that were assimilated and integrated into the city cultural landscape. Some of these area localities include Tudun Nufawa (for Nupe), Danadalin Turawa (for Arabs) the Yola (Yolawa), Zangon Bare-bare (for Kanuri People, Riman Auzinawa (for Tuaregs), Alfindiki (for Arabs), Yakasai (originally from Jukun word), Ayagi (for Yoruba) among others.

North:The Architect Of Its Woes, Echoes From Muhammad Sanusi’s Pre- colloquium Lecture

One good feature of a sustainable city is its commitment to maintaining good environment through planning and land use balancing. As explained by some writers such as Frishman, Liman and Adamu and Gambo, Kano is always known to keep aside half or more of its area as green, wetland and open spaces. In fact, Kano has attended the ideal ‘garden city’ status three centuries before Howard’s proposal. For fifteen centuries Sarakuna Kano had recognised the importance of green and reserves based on Khaldun’s principle of humran and hima, which make them keep a larger part of the city open. These areas serve not only as means of improving the city’s beauty but also as protection to the city’s ecosystem. Some of the functions of these reserved areas include serving as a sink for the collection of city’s storm water, maintaining air quality and sound level, soil protection, preserving nature and biodiversity as well as carbon sinking functions. The open areas are also means for ensuring social justice in the urban area as it provides playing facility for inner-city children whose parent are largely poor. Also, the city maintains some of its ancient ponds that collect the rain and waste water to minimize the chances of flood occurrence and ensure recharge of the underlying aquifers which provide the groundwater that still remains the most important water source for the public.

 

While Kano City contains many green areas since its precolonial time. the colonial government had added to the city’s green and open spaces by making good plantation outside the city walls to serve as boundary between the newly colonial areas and the areas of  the natives. Till the of end colonialism and even up to the 1970s, the western part of the city retains largely in its natural setting containing green and forested areas with doted farmlands owned by the urban folk. Towards the end of the colonial period, the then regional government of Northern Nigeria sees the need to plan the city and its region for future development. This conceptualization resulted in the creation of a twenty years Metropolitan Kano Master Plan in 1962. This master plan which is popularly known as Trevallion was supposed to guide the development of the city, specifying what to be done where including the apportioning of many areas for urban greening and maintaining the existing ones. With the creation of Kano State in 1967, the plan met serious setbacks, as the city experienced a serious influx beyond what the plan anticipated. The review of the plan after its expiration indicated a serious deviation, distortions and flaws in the capital of the newly created Kano State.

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Despite many attempts, including the 1969 establishment of the Metropolitan Planning and Development Authority (KMPA) that metamorphosed into the current Kano Urban Planning Development Authority (KNUPDA), the city remains in a state of poor planning in all its facets of sustainable urban development.  It important to note, since, the expiration of the Trevallion in 1983, there was no comprehensive planning guide for the development of the City. Although the government always prepare the layout of different housing densities, the development in the city remains largely informal. In fact, nearly half of the city is informal in nature. Many factors cannot be overruled for this informal development. Primary among the factors is the government’s nonchalant attitude by leaving urban development at the mercy of the private individuals who acquired farmland in the peri-urban, partitioned and sold it to the teaming population with little or no government involvement. These urban land marketers were mainly interested in what to get from the land business. As such, plots are developed in a very rough and haphazard way as their sizes are not only small but irregular in shape; access is is always the least issue to consider less the provision for infrastructure and essential services. This resulted in a very unhealthy development that is lacking in what is considered as the minimum requirement for a liveable settlement. The present disdainful nature of the building and life pattern of the most prosperous city in the northern part of Nigeria is worrisome and utterly unhealthy not only to the state populace but to any visitor to the state. Thanks to top bureaucracy in formal land acquisition in the country as significantly contribute in depriving poor and low educated from accessing the right to acquire land. There is also issue of land speculators as people discovered the land transaction a very lucrative business, many buy plot not with intention to develop it, but to make the price get higher and fetch bigger profit. It is important to note this systematic exclusion that prompt the people to discover that it is easier to acquire land in a less formal way. This, in the case of Kano, resulted in making nearly half of the city’s landmass informal and more of a shanty settlement.

 

While, it is difficult to exonerate most administration, the recent ones should be blame most as they did not only seat and watch the city’s plan been distorted, rather contribute significantly in its distortion through their deliberate and selfish development. A case of building on and in front of the ancient city’s wall is just one out of thousands. Since, the return of democracy in 1999, the Kano state government’s have made it habitual to allocate land for commercial development on and in front of the wall. This may not only block the view of the ancient relic but a trigger of disaster because these areas were the main collector of city drainage and during rain, they play a significant role in minimizing the run-off and overland flow. In addition, they contribute to the provision of groundwater, which is the main source of water in the city as the public supply remain a nightmare. It is therefore not surprising that we are witnessing cases of floods and serious overland flow whenever it rains heavily. Ironically, in dry season drought is now a regular visitor to the most city as the water table keep own depleting due to poor recharge attributed to poorly managed urbanization which is not only blind to see and deaf hear the call of concerned voices.

 

Although it is legitimate for the state government to search for revenue especially now that the allocation coming from the centre is dwindling, the metropolitan administrator should not turn mad. One needs to remind the city administrator that “talauci ba hauka  ba ne” (to be poor is not insane) to bring them to come back to their senses. The deliberate favouring of one land use over the other is one of sad development in the city. The city handlers are only interested in commercial land uses as such any open, green and water space is now converted into a commercial plot, leading to a skewed and stunted growth. While the open spaces provide help in socialization and harmonic environmental balancing. Sad to note, the state government did not care to preserve them. The recent conversion of historical Eid ground which is not only a sacred place a recreation site for the neighbouring communities is one of the most unfortunate development. Thanks to the pressure from many civil societies, academics and other commentators, the city might have lost another valuable treasure, Kano Zoological Garden just the way its lost other green areas like the plantations along Maiduguri Road in the eastern part of the Metropolis.  Rather than maintaining the city ponds and other blue areas, the city government use the security as a smoke screen to convert all the green areas and wetlands by the city wall along BUK road to commercial plot. This was done in spite all the warning from concern specialists include over hundred academics that signed a partition warning the government the consequent of its action as the place is the main collector of city’s drain.

 

Therefore considering the above one can infer as to why the floods are becoming a regular visitor in the city. After every heavy rain, the metropolitan road turns into channels connecting running water, carrying waste and other hazardous materials that end up in the public dwelling making the society vulnerable. In fact,  like Gwarzo Road and many others including Dorayi area along Jaafar Mahmoud Road, one may wait for an hour or two after rain to get access to the localities around. This, unless action is taken and healthy development is embrace, may throw the city in a serious problem. As the world is facing changing climate trends that triggers many uncertainties and extreme events, sustainable development is seen as a magic wand. The recent floods that heated China and some European countries is just one example of how flood disaster look like in the current period. The level of destruction was high, although these societies have better planning. One cannot imaging what will happen if Kano (Allah forbid) is affected by the same. While sane societies are taking good measures to address this issue through creating adequate waterways, greening the city and planning the environment ours is a reverse where people and government care little about the situation. Although some three to four years back the state government initiated a Master Plan for the city, the Master Plan is yet to be made a legal document. Even though the government is silent on the issue, I had it from a reliable source that the main reason why the Master Plan has not been released and fully documented for the operation was that the government did not pay the consultants for three years after the work. The state administrators need to be reminded of the word of noble African, Professor Ali Mazrui that the essence of power is to build the nation. The earlier we realize this the better. Let the state commits herself to planning and knows that government business is to serve and save society. After all, when society is destroying you have no one to govern. People need to be healthy and protected before for the state government to get good revenue.

 

Murtala is urban geographer teaching at Bayero University, Kano

(murtalamuhammadu@gmail.com)

 

 

 

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Features

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

Published

3 months ago

on

August 28, 2025

By

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.

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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.

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Features

Antenatal Care: Why some women misses several sessions

Published

4 months ago

on

August 18, 2025

By

 

 

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.”

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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

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Features

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

Published

6 months ago

on

May 29, 2025

By

 

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.

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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.

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