By Abdulrazak Tanko

On Saturday, we celebrate the remarkable career of Ambassador Sunusi Abdullahi Kofar Naisa, a towering figure in Nigerian journalism who has devoted 35 years of his life to shaping narratives, informing the public, and championing the truth. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will forever echo through the stories he told and the knowledge he imparted.

From the bustling newsrooms of Kano to the broader Nigerian media landscape, Ambassador Abdullahi has been a steadfast guardian of ethical journalism. His work reflected integrity, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth, earning him respect not only within the state but across the country.

His impact stretched far beyond our immediate borders—his insights resonated in international discussions, and his commitment to press freedom inspired many. His pen was mighty, his words carried weight, and his leadership fostered a generation of journalists who will carry forward his legacy.

As he bids farewell to public service, we honor his dedication to journalistic excellence, his unwavering commitment to informing and educating, and his role as a beacon of professionalism in the media. The pages of history will remember his contributions, and the hearts of many will cherish his wisdom.

Ambassador Sunusi Kofar Naisa, thank you for your service. May your next chapter be as fulfilling and impactful as the legacy you leave behind.

Abdulrazak Tanko Fagge writes from Kano, Nigeria

Dr .Muttaqa Yusha’u

The 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) took place in 2025. This is one of the largest gatherings under the United Nations system larger even than the UN General Assembly.

What makes the ILO unique is its tripartite structure, bringing together representatives of workers, governments, and employers. It is a genuine example of democracy in action in the governance of work. Since its founding in 1919, the ILO has remained one of the oldest UN agencies, with a clear mandate to promote social justice.

The report of the ILO Director-General to the 113th Session, themed “Jobs, Rights and Growth,” captures the core dilemma confronting the world of work. Economic growth alone, without social justice, cannot address the mounting social and political unrest seen across the globe. Social and economic inequalities have grown significantly.

The working people who generate wealth continue to live in poverty, as the real value of wages declines due to market-driven and often unfriendly economic policies. Precarious jobs lacking fundamental rights at work are on the rise. Bridging the gaps between jobs, rights, and economic growth has become urgent.

A major highlight of the Conference was the adoption of the Resolution concerning the Promotion of Quality Apprenticeships, aimed at addressing youth unemployment and skills mismatch. This resolution recognizes that apprenticeships are a powerful tool for building the future workforce, but it emphasizes that quality and protection must be central to their design and implementation. It calls on member States to adopt a rights-based approach to apprenticeships that is consistent with existing international labour standards.

Additionally, the Conference held a general discussion on Decent Work in the Care Economy, which underlined the disproportionate burden on women in unpaid or underpaid care work and called for concrete action to formalize and recognize care work as central to sustainable development and social justice. The discussion resulted in the adoption of conclusions recommending stronger investment in the care economy, the protection of care workers’ rights, and the expansion of social protection coverage.

It is clear that isolated actions or blame-shifting among the social partners governments, workers, and employers who are central to addressing this triple dilemma, will not yield results. This is why the optimism expressed in the Director-General’s report, particularly his call for strengthening social dialogue as a key tool for achieving decent work in an increasingly unstable world, is so timely and important.

Unfortunately, in many countries, social dialogue is at a crossroads.

According to the ILO Global Social Dialogue Report 2024, only 35% of countries have strong and inclusive mechanisms for tripartite dialogue. In many African countries, these challenges are even more pronounced. Several factors undermine effective dialogue, including weak institutions, lack of trust among tripartite actors, limited technical capacity of trade unions, and political interference in labour relations.

Moreover, dialogue structures are often ad hoc and not institutionalized, making continuity and implementation difficult.
Shrinking civic space, legislative restrictions on union activity, and delays in tripartite consultations further erode the potential of social dialogue. For instance, in some countries, national labour advisory councils exist only in name, meeting irregularly and lacking real influence over labour market reforms. In others, economic austerity and structural adjustment policies imposed by international financial institutions have weakened collective bargaining and sidelined workers’ voices in national economic decision-making.

The Director-General’s call for embedding democratic values is therefore critical not just in principle, but in practice. Upholding the policies, processes, and institutions that enable inclusive dialogue is essential to restoring the credibility and effectiveness of the ILO’s mission, particularly in regions like Africa where the gap between formal frameworks and practical implementation remains wide.

The 113th Session also marked continued debates around the effective implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work. Follow-up discussions on Convention No. 190 (Violence and Harassment in the World of Work) and the enduring call for the ratification and enforcement of Convention No. 102 (Social Security Minimum Standards) reflect a shared concern that global labour standards must translate into real protections at the national level. Resolutions reiterated the ILO’s supervisory role and urged member States to close the widening gap between commitment and action.
Achieving growth with equity, as the report advocates, requires reinforcing democratic values and broadening civic space. It is concerning that these spaces are shrinking in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, where restrictions on freedom of association and protest, along with weakening trade union rights, have limited the capacity of social partners to work collaboratively.

The question is: what must be done?
Social partners must ensure that the excellent discussions and declarations made in Geneva are not left behind. More robust national-level debates are needed especially across Africa, where unemployment, informality, and wage stagnation continue to deepen.

The conversation must continue on key issues such as promoting decent work for platform workers, adopting innovative approaches to the transition from the informal to the formal economy, and ensuring the practical realization of conventions and recommendations adopted at the Conference.

Only through shared responsibility and sustained dialogue can the ILO’s vision of decent work for all become a reality.

By Mahfouz Mustapha Maisikeli

As someone who has had the privilege of performing Hajj multiple times, I went into the 2025 pilgrimage expecting the usual: long queues, food complaints, poor logistics, and the everyday hustle for survival in the Holy Land.

But what I experienced this year as a pilgrim from Kano State under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, completely shattered those expectations—for good.

From the very beginning, the organization, coordination, and care shown to us were unlike anything I had seen in the past.

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, empowered and restructured under Governor Abba’s administration, functioned not just efficiently, but with genuine compassion.

It became clear to us, even before departing Nigeria, that this year’s Hajj wasn’t business as usual—it was service with sincerity.

Food: No Longer a Source of Stress

One of the most common complaints among Nigerian pilgrims in years past has been the food. Either it arrives late, is culturally unfamiliar, or lacks quality.

This year, however, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made it a priority to ensure that pilgrims received timely, culturally appropriate, and nutritious meals throughout our stay in both Makkah and Madinah.

The meals served reminded me of home—tuwo, miyan kuka, rice, even light Hausa snacks.

The Governor’s special committee on feeding, which included Hausa-speaking staff based in Saudi Arabia, ensured that the food was not only tailored to our dietary habits but also clean and hygienic.

I recall vividly how pilgrims from other states would jokingly ask to “share our food.”

Shelter: Comfort in the Holy Land

Accommodation, another sensitive topic, was handled with professionalism and foresight. Instead of overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms, we were lodged in hotels within a reasonable walking distance to the Haram, equipped with working elevators, clean water, and constant electricity.

It was a drastic improvement from what I personally endured in 2019.

According to briefings we received, Governor Abba personally approved additional funds to upgrade accommodations beyond the basic packages negotiated by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

The results were visible and tangible—elderly pilgrims had easy access to medical facilities, while others enjoyed a level of comfort that made worship easier and stress-free.

Welfare: A Governor Who Cared—And Was Present

It is rare to feel the presence of a state governor while thousands of miles away from home. But this year, we felt more than presence—we witnessed it.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was physically with us in Makkah, walking among us, checking on our welfare, listening to complaints, and inspiring confidence.

In a moment that moved many pilgrims to tears, the Governor gifted each of the 3,345 Kano pilgrims the sum of 250 Saudi Riyals—a generous gesture of support and love amounting to 836,250 Riyals in total.

It wasn’t about the money alone; it was the symbolism of a leader who shares in the journey and sacrifices of his people.

His delegation regularly visited our lodgings, monitored our welfare, and offered listening ears to our feedback.

The Governor ensured that medical teams were stationed round-the-clock, and that volunteers were available to help the aged and infirm.

What touched me the most was how the state handled emergencies. One elderly woman in our group fell ill on the eve of Arafat. Within minutes, she was evacuated to a specialized hospital through arrangements already made by the welfare team.

She recovered fully and was even able to complete the rites—something that might not have been possible without such intervention.

Pilgrims Board: Outperforming International Operators

In a surprising twist, many private pilgrims I met along the way from the UK, USA, and even some Arab countries were shocked at the level of organization and support we enjoyed as state-sponsored pilgrims from Kano.

I can boldly say that the Kano State Pilgrims Board outperformed many international Hajj operators this year.

Governor Abba’s reformation of the Board—replacing political appointees with seasoned professionals, digitizing the registration process, and ensuring transparency in the selection of officials paid off.

We had guides who spoke both Arabic and Hausa, volunteers who handled luggage and wheelchairs, and spiritual leaders who offered daily sermons and moral guidance.

Leadership That Transcends Borders

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf did not just supervise this year’s Hajj—he walked with us, prayed with us, and supported us. His presence was felt in every act of kindness, in every moment of comfort, and in every system that worked. He reminded us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact.

As I stood on Mount Arafat, surrounded by fellow pilgrims from Kano and beyond, I couldn’t help but say a prayer for the man who made this journey not only bearable but beautiful.

May Allah reward him, protect him, and allow him to continue to serve the people of Kano with sincerity and compassion.

Indeed, this year’s Hajj was awesome—and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made it so.

Mahfouz Mustapha Maisikeli, Kano.