By Muhammadu Dan Sa’idu

There is no gain saying the fact that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state is leaving no one in doubt as to his good intentions of bringing about the desired and necessary development to Kano state in every facets of life with a view to making the state to compete favourably with its peers. This can be attested to by the fact that Kano has become a construction site of sort, with many ongoing projects spread across the state such as roads construction and rehabilitation, schools and hospitals rehabilitation and construction, water resources and environment, human capital development among many others.

In line with his continuous strive for rapid and contemporary development of the state, governor Yusuf has not only initiated new projects but equally look in the direction of abandoned and uncompleted prjocets. One of such remarkable efforts at ensuring even development by the governor is the recent initiative to revive the Kwankwasiyya city housing estate situated along Zaria road in the ancient city which was reduced to a near ghost city since it was launched over ten (10) years ago.

The Kwankwasiyya city housing project along with Amana and Bandirawo Cities which were initiated by the Enginieer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso administration was conceived as part of the State development plan strategies.

Understandably , the idea was meant to promote economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability, towards addressing issues like urban sprawl, congestion, and lack of affordable housing.

However, no sooner than the city was launched challenges creep in, and tied down the city from realising the very objectives for which it was set out to achieve. Challenges like the investment of pensioners funds into the project generated controversy, and which was highly politicised, became a major challenge. Other challenges include the failure of some allottees to complete their payments, transfer of ownership, failure to complete some of the houses and most disheartening and disappointing the refusal of many of the owners to put the houses to proper use thereby leaving them unattended to, unoccupied and uncompleted hence the houses became a major criminal hideouts and harbour all manner of chracters thereby becoming a security threat to residents and neighbouring communities.
Another challenge worth noting is the illegal bastardization of the original master plan of the city by some unpatriotic and unscrupulous elements who diverted and allocated plots originally meant for public use such as market, hospitals, graveyard etc to some individuals for private use. This criminal act of bastardization of the city’s master plan has deprived residents of basic public amenities like market and others thereby making the estate a hell for them and scare others from moving in, this singular act make the city non-functional and retarded it’s growth.

Worthy of note is the fact that similar housing projects that were initiated alongside the Kwankwasiyya city in other states like Gombe and Yobe have since become fully functional and habitable while the Kwankwasiyya city remains desolate, abandoned and constitute a major existential threat to the few residents of the city and by extension to the state as a whole.

Therefore, concerned by the sorry state of the Kwankwasiyya city and the need to realise the objective for which the project was initiated, Governor Abba Kabir formed a high-powered committee under the able leadership of his workaholic and creative Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya

with a mandate to provide comprehensive action plan on the revival of the Kwankwasiyya city including public sensitisation, ascertaining the actual ownership, completion, occupancy of the houses among others.

As a prelude to the formation of the committee and in order to demonstrate his resolve to make the Kwankwasiyya city habitable, Governor Yusuf reclaimed the Governor’s Lodge situated in the city which was hitherto diverted and allocated to the federal government agency by the previous administration against the original master plan. However, upon retrival by the governor, the facility has now been renovated and returned to its original state as a Governor’s Lodge. In the same vein, the governor in his desire to return the city to its original master plan, wasted no time in pulling down and demolishing illegal structures in the city.

It is clear that Governor Yusuf has set the tune for reviving the Kwankwasiyya city to its original concept. The challenge now is thrown to the owners, residents of the city including other stakeholders to rally round the governor in his avowed resolve to make the city habitable.

Dan Sa’idu
Wrote in from Eye On Kano Initiative
16/3/2025

By Saleh Shehu Ashaka

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Voice of America (VOA), a beacon of unbiased news and a symbol of free press, finds itself in silence. The abrupt cessation of all broadcasts, across languages and platforms, marks a significant moment in the history of global journalism. This development, attributed to funding cuts under the Trump administration, signals not just the end of an era but also raises profound questions about the future of international broadcasting and the role of media in a rapidly changing world.

For decades, VOA has served as a vital conduit for information, bridging cultural and political divides, and providing a platform for voices that might otherwise remain unheard. Its mission, to deliver accurate and objective news, has been a cornerstone of its operations, fostering understanding and dialogue across nations. The sudden halt of its broadcasts is a stark reminder of the fragility of media institutions and the ever-present threat of political influence.

The decision to cut funding to the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, reflects a broader trend of diminishing support for public broadcasting. It underscores the challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining independence and integrity in an era where information is increasingly weaponized. The implications of this move are far-reaching, affecting not only the employees and journalists dedicated to their craft but also the millions of listeners and viewers who rely on VOA for reliable news.

In the absence of VOA’s voice, we are compelled to reflect on the critical role that media plays in shaping public discourse and holding power to account. The free flow of information is the lifeblood of democracy, and any attempt to stifle it poses a threat to the very principles upon which democratic societies are built. The suspension of VOA broadcasts serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting press freedom and ensuring that media organizations can operate without fear of retribution or censorship.

Moreover, this development invites us to consider the broader geopolitical implications. VOA has long been a tool of soft power, promoting American values and fostering goodwill abroad. Its silence creates a vacuum that could be exploited by other state-sponsored media outlets, potentially reshaping narratives and influencing public opinion in ways that may not align with democratic ideals.

As we navigate this uncertain landscape, it is imperative that we advocate for the restoration of funding and support for VOA and similar institutions. The preservation of a free and independent press is not merely a matter of national interest but a global imperative. It requires a collective commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and truth.

The suspension of VOA broadcasts is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing media organizations today. It calls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and to recognize the indispensable role that journalism plays in fostering informed and engaged societies. As we await further developments, let us remain steadfast in our support for those who strive to illuminate the world with truth and integrity. The end of an era need not be the end of hope; rather, it can be a catalyst for renewed dedication to the ideals that VOA has long championed.

By Ahmad Dambazau

The National Assembly is a constitutional locomotive for any purposeful democratic government, it provides checks to the government of the day and a legal basis for the system in general .This basically accounts for the high respect usually accorded and, of course, the attendant high expectation placed on it. The legislative arm of government like any other is saddled with the responsibility enshrined in the constitution and among such major functions includes representation, oversight and law making in addition to many other numerous functions.

Be that as it may, it has been a genuine cause for worry for Nigerians that, despite our series of experimentation with democracy, our legislators have performed below expectation. Their handling of national issues has especially remained without constitutional decorum and political experience required of people of their exalted status. Part 2, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vests the legislative powers of the federation on the National Assembly which comprises the Senate and House of Representatives.

Dawakin Tofa ,Tofa and Rimin Gado Federal constituency is one of the few constituencies in Nigeria represented by the same legislator for 18 years(2007-2005) despite poor representation .

As the federal constituency searches for the best man to represent them for this serious legislative task. One name keeping ringing bell is Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa ,Media and Communication Expert and Director General of Media and Publicity to Kano State Governor.Sunusi has earlier served as the Chief Press Seceretary to the Governor in the early days of the administration .

Mallam Sunusi is a seasoned PR guru, development communication and stakeholder engagement expert with 21 years working experience in both international development, private sector and the Media in Nigeria.

He is a winner of the Cambridge education award on investigative journalism in 2008, Bature has worked at different capacities in various national, International and Bilateral organizations such as the British Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the United State Agency for Internal Development (USAID), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children International, Discovery Learning Alliance and the Rockefeller Foundation.

He held several positions which include General Manager Corporate Services at Dantata Foods and Allied Products Limited (DFAP), Director Stakeholder Engagement at YieldWise Project, Country Program Manager at Girl Rising (ENGAGE) Project funded by the US Government, State Project Coordinator for MNCH Campaign Project of the BMGF, Deputy Director Operations at Discovery Learning Alliance, State Program Officer, Policy Advocacy and Media Development, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist among other positions.

Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. Hons.) in Mass Communication from University of Maiduguri, Sanusi holds a National Diploma in Mass communication from Kaduna Polytechnic, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Education and Promotion.He also bagged MSc. in Social Work with specialization in Community Development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Oyo State and another master’s degree in Public Relations (MPR) from the prestigious Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He participated in the MSc program on Project Management at Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.Until his appointment, Sunusi Bature served as the Vice President, Nigeria operations for a UK based firm, Kingston Organic PLC.

Hon Dawakin Tofa has opened yet another vista of debate among electorates on the value of quality representation with vigour,expertise and experience of having a wider constituency responsibility and coverage .He has vindicated his mettle among his constituents that even as an appointee of the Governor his eloquent consistent and fearless voice always seeking the improvement of lives of his constituents accountability among representatives of the people.

He is truly a representative of the people though unelected going by the amount of work he was able to do for the overall benefit of his people. In fact, it is worth elucidating that this PR guru was able to touch the lives of the people in his stewardship in the private and public sectors. So far he has proved to be one of the few politicians that attracts government presence to his community. No matter what anyone would say, the amount of dividends of democracy that this community leader was able to bring to the door step of the people is unmatched.

Sunusi Bature’s development credentials and landmarks speaks volumes. The highlights of which were stellar achievements of re-positioning the educational sector in the more definitive ,radically ,progressive and futuristic manner , not to mention the capacity building, empowerment and educational scholarship for his people ,all shone brightly for both his admirers and detractors to access.

The Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kano State, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has been honoured with the prestigious Most Outstanding Spokesperson Award by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information. Dawakin Tofa was selected for this esteemed award in recognition of his instrumental role in promoting not only the positive image of the Kano State Governor and his giant strides also for effectively showcasing the only NNPP ruling state in Nigeria.
In the award citation, Mallam Sunusi was hailed as an unwavering proponent of non-violent communication, renowned for his extensive network and adept delivery of practices with clarity in objectives, and strategic framing of engagements with his audience.His profound impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management are highly commendable.

In whatever one indulges in there are always people to observe and give their verdict .It is a well- known fact that there is nothing stronger than the people’s verdict.it shows a collective desire which inevitably is the voice of reason. The momentum of Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa legislative bid is gathering amongst all strata of the constituency is enough testimony that experienced count in the race for the parliamentary seat.

Dambazau wrote in from Kano.