Arrangements have been concluded for the successful conduct of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Birnin-Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA), the umbrella association of the Old Students of Government Unity College, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State—one of the famous secondary schools/colleges in Northern Nigeria.

The occasion, scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Murtala Mohammed Library Hall along Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano, will feature a public lecture to be delivered by Prof. Ibrahim Baba Mohammed, a distinguished agronomist with the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. The lecture, titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Youths in Innovative Agriculture: A Focus on Kano and Jigawa States in Northern Nigeria,” aims to attract and stimulate students to engage in modern farming activities at an early age, with a view to tapping the untapped agricultural potential in abundance in the region for food sufficiency, security, and economic gains.

Alhaji Basiru Mohammed Sanusi, the Galadiman Dutse, will chair the occasion, with Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Senator Mustafa Habeeb as Guests of Honor, while former Governors of Kano and Jigawa States, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Alhaji Sule Lamido, will serve as Special Guests of Honor. The National President of BIKOBA, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), will be the Chief Host of the event.

Major highlights of the AGM include the election of new executive committee members of the association and the presentation of an audited account report containing the financial statement of the association for subsequent ratification and approval by the general assembly members.

The occasion will also feature the launch of a book written by a member of the Class of ’86 Chapter about the history of Government Unity College Birnin-Kudu and its contributions to the development of the education sector in the Northern region and beyond.

In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari, he said government officials, former and serving senators, House of Representatives members, former ministers, serving and former commissioners and members of state legislatures, officials from traditional institutions, as well as members and friends of the BIKOBA family, are expected to fully attend this historic annual event.

By Salisu Baso

An investigation carried out by independent journalist Salisu Baso has observed that about 60% of this year’s Christmas celebrations have been observed by the non-Christian community in Kano.

This year’s celebration has witnessed serious economic challenges, and the majority of Nigerians are managing to survive. Therefore, the Christian community has managed to conduct the occasion with the little earnings from their collective businesses, especially those at various markets in the state.

Investigations also learned that the delay in payment of government salaries to workers in the state has crippled the ceremonial activities, leading to low patronage in the markets.

The tradition of slaughtering goats by the celebrants has drastically dropped, and the presentation of gifts from well-meaning individuals house to house is also seeing a decline.

Visiting the Sabon Gari area, our source observed that the majority of the beer parlors in the evening hours were full of visitors, while New Road by Court Road, especially Ado Bayero Square, was occupied by a majority of youth celebrating the day.

When contacted, a traditional Igbo Chief, Amb. (Dr.) David N. Onwere, described this year’s celebration as manageable for Nigerians to celebrate the great events as a result of the critical economic conditions facing the nation. He said the majority of people in the state have not traveled to their respective areas due to the high cost of transport fees.

Chief Onwere then congratulated the entire Christian community in the country, particularly in Kano, and wished them a Happy New Year in advance.

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Bichi Federal Constituency, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary.

In a statement personally signed by Hon. Abubakar, he praised Dr. Ganduje for his inspiring life, which exemplifies integrity, honesty, dedication, and resilience—qualities that are the hallmarks of success in any career. “As a politician of the highest repute, you live an inspiring life which clearly demonstrates that integrity, honesty, dedication, and resilience are the hallmarks of success in any career,” Hon. Abubakar stated.

Hon. Abubakar also expressed his prayers for Dr. Ganduje, wishing him continued guidance and wisdom from Almighty Allah as he remains steadfast in leading the APC to greater heights. “As you celebrate your 75th birthday anniversary today, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah continues to guide and give you wisdom, as you remain resolute in moving our great party to greater heights,” he added.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who has served in various capacities, including as the Governor of Kano State, is widely recognized for his contributions to the political landscape of Nigeria. His leadership and dedication have earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and constituents alike.

The congratulatory message from Hon. Abubakar underscores the high regard in which Dr. Ganduje is held within the APC and the broader political community. As the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ganduje continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the APC and advancing its mission and vision.