By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 26, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between the two countries and exploring further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Nigeria from October 19 to 20, 2021.

During President Tinubu’s visit, both countries will engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values in finance, communication, trade and investment.

The statement read, “the agenda will include meetings between high-ranking officials of both nations and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media and communications, military cooperation and protocol, among others.

“A business forum will bring together investors from both countries to explore areas of interest during the visit.

“Members of the President’s entourage participating in the bilateral discussions include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson.

“Others are: Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.”

The statement added that President Tinubu is expected to return to the country at the conclusion of the visit.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 Local Government Chairmen.

He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.

A non-governmental organization, Non-Formal Development for Education and Health Initiative (NODEHI), has embarked on a sensitization program to educate persons with disabilities in Kano State about the Disability Law passed by the State Assembly. The initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among the physically challenged and push for the speedy establishment of a disability commission to ensure full implementation of the law.

Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Adviser to NODEHI, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among persons with disabilities about their rights under the law. He noted that many physically challenged individuals were not even aware of the provisions of the legislation.

“We gathered the physically challenged persons to enlighten them on the Disability Law and the steps required for its implementation. If strictly enforced, the law will help reduce street hawking among persons with disabilities. While the law has been partially implemented, the commission that should oversee its enforcement is yet to be established. We hope our recommendations will guide the government towards proper implementation,” Dr. Halilu stated.

Participants at the event expressed both optimism and concern. Abdurazak Ado Zango, one of the attendees, acknowledged government efforts but lamented the lack of proper monitoring. He stressed the need for inclusive education and guidance, particularly in confronting challenges faced by disabled students in examinations conducted by JAMB and WAEC.

“Government is trying its best, but unfortunately, progress is not being tracked. We should be pacesetters in educating the physically challenged. Funds meant for disability support must be accessible and not diverted. Each ministry should have a desk officer to represent persons with disabilities,” Zango said.

Adding her voice, Ambassador Rabia Yusuf Gezawa, Executive Director of the Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Center, described the sensitization as crucial for stakeholders. She highlighted the slow pace of implementation since the law was passed during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and reintroduced under the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The bill has been moving very slowly. Although Governor Yusuf is familiar with the law, more needs to be done. Each ministry, department, and agency should appoint directors to ensure compliance. There should also be customized instruments and interpreters to make the law accessible to all,” Gezawa explained.

Stakeholders called for the immediate establishment of the Disability Commission, which they believe will serve as a central body to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance, and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into government programs.

The program appealed to the Kano State Government to prioritize disability inclusion, allocate more budgetary resources, and guarantee that persons with disabilities are represented across ministries and agencies.