Features

Again, farming community in Kano counts losses as River Kura wreaks havoc

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

Lawan Muhammad,Farmer

By A’isha Ahmad Isma’il

Flooding is a devastating term most farmers in Kano State are familiar with as it has plagued the state for years now, with unprecedented heavy rainfalls and floods wreaking havoc on communities and farmlands.

In 2022, flooding nationwide destroyed N700 billion worth of investment in the agricultural sector, according to the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS).

In Kano, flooding washed away 14,496 farms in five Local Government Areas (LGAswith everything planted in the soil. The recurrence of the flood has been linked to the spillway of Tiga Dam, according to the then Executive Secretary of Kano state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Aliyu Jili.

Jiji said that in 2022, spillage of the Tiga dam destroyed another 16,644 farmlands in some local governments, including Kura.

Although farmers tried using flood resistant enhanced crops, it is of no use to those in Kunshama, in Daneji ward of Kura LGA in Kano State.

Farmers say the powerful waves caused each time the Kura River overflows its banks after the opening of the Tiga Dam have been devastating. And it occurs twice a year, whether it is the rainy and dry season.

Malam Bala working on some part of his farm completely washed by flood

Opened in 1974, the 178 square kilometers (69 sq mi) dam with a maximum capacity of nearly 2,000,000 cubic meters (71,000,000 cu ft) has been a major source of water to irrigation farmers.

Bala Dare Kunshama, farmer

However, what was created as a blessing, to Kunshama farmers, is a curse.

The people of Kunshama farming community State are beginning to panic as water from the Kura River washes away millions of naira worth of produce from their farmlands.

Kura LGA is believed to be one of the largest farming communities in the state and this includes both irrigation and wet season farming.

Lawan Muhammed Kunsharma, a rice farmer, said he lost over N3.1 million after the Kura River washed away half his rice seedlings weeks ago, adding that he has been enduring such losses for the past five to six years because there has been no help from anywhere.

Gazing over his devastated farm, he said “as you can see this is my farm, if not for the fact that the water has washed over here, you could have seen that I have plowed the land and planted rice”.

Muhammad said he used to harvest between 200-300 bags of rice per farming season. But now, he barely harvests 20 bags.

Farmers in Jigawa State Appeal for Assistance as Quela Birds Ravage Crops

“That is for the rice, but before the rice we used to plant onions, beans, and green beans”, he said bitterly.

The reporter could feel the anguish and pain in his voice as he spoke.

“We wish the Abba Kabir Yusuf – led Kano government would urgently help us, ” he cried out.

Hadejia Jamaare

Lawan Ishaq Kunshama, another farmer in the area, said the flood is the biggest problem faced by the people in Kunshama.

While acknowledging efforts by the local councilor and council chairman, he lamented that “the matter is beyond them.”

The water passes through Kunshama from Tiga Dam to Wudil.

One of the community’s dams

“You see over there? That is what is left of the structures we tried to erect to prevent the water from running into our farm.”

The farmer pointed to a low slab put at the edges of the river with the intent of keeping the waters away from flowing into the farms.

He said they have been trying for four years, but the slabs collapse every time.

Ishaq added that when the water breaks into the farmlands, they must board canoes to rush and salvage rice seedlings to minimize losses that usually run into millions.

“For some of us that usually harvest about 100 bags of rice, when the water breaks in, we barely get 20 bags,” he lamented.

Ishaq also cried out to the government to come to their aid to prevent losses to the farmers and even the government in the form of revenue. (Farmers from rural areas pay produce tax when they take their produce to the markets.)

Bala Dare Kunshama, is another big irrigation farmer affected by the Kura River overflow. He owns six acres of farmland, most of which has been washed off after overflowing water from Kura River flooded his farm.

Looking mournful and dejected, Dare said he suffered unimaginably heavy losses due to the flood.

He stands at the edge of his farm looking from side to side and then gapes deeply into the water that has become his nightmare, a thousand thoughts coursing through his mind.

“This water broke into my farm, all our capital has finished, the water has killed all our efforts and now we have nothing,” he bit down his frustration while narrating his loss.

Unlike Muhammad, Dare said he tried planting tomatoes and onions this irrigation season, but the water has washed away most of it, which he said is worth more than N2.5 million.

Like Muhammed and Ishaq, he and other farmers in the agrarian community of Kunshama have been suffering losses for about six years now. Every year, the devious cycle repeats itself and the farmers are helpless.

Kunshama said he can no longer feed himself and his family and that most people in the community are in tears, but they do not know what to do.

“This is not something we can deal with by ourselves, we need the state government’s help,” he said.

VILLAGE HEAD ECHOES CRY FOR HELP

The Village Head of Kushama, Alhaji Garba Aliyu, through a representative, Malam Murtala Shehu, bemoaned the huge flooding challenge faced by the farmers within his domain.

“We need help, my people need help,” he stated.

According to him, his people “are at the brink of losing everything to the water.”

There’s no one else to ask, fully knowing they have done all they could, but the water would not stop.

He and the farmers wished for the Kano State government to prioritize their problem and find a lasting solution soonest.

The farmers are hoping the government could repair the controls of the drain outlet and block the way that serves as a diversion for the water into their farms.

The flooding too challenging for local government – Chairman

Mustapha Abdullahi Rabi’u, the immediate past Kura Local Government Chairman whose tenure ended on Sunday, February 11, 2024 lamented that Dukawa ward has been left to suffer from the floods for years.

“They came to me with the complaint, I was personally there to see the level of destruction it causes,” he said over the phone.

He said the water travels from Tiga, goes through Madobi, spins forward through Gadar Ɗan kifi in Chiromawa, then falls at the bridge separating Kura and Dawakin Kudu before it makes it way to Kunshama.

According to him, he had paid money even from his personal pocket to workers to build a drainage along the waterway to prevent further spillage into farms “but the water is too powerful, especially during the rainy season.”

The area needs two things, he stated.

“First, the drainage systems there need constant clearing, and second the route of the water to Challawa needs to be cleared as well.”

Acknowledging that the very persistent problem is quite challenging, Rabi’u promised to ensure the next local government leadership is made aware of the problem to find lasting solutions to the problem.

80% of Kura/Garun Malam farmers face seasonal losses– Farmers Association

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kano, through its Secretary, Abdullahi Ali Mai Biredi, affirmed that the flood has been causing losses to residents of Kura and Garun Malam local governments.

He said about 80% of the farmers in that area are affected by seasonal floods, and occasionally by the overflowing of the Kura River.

He said, “if this continues, it will be a threat to food security.”

“Everyone knows how important that area is in rice farming. If this problem persists , I believe it will not only affect food security in Kano but Nigeria as a whole,” he asserted.

Though he admitted that the challenge was brought to their attention late, he noted the need for urgent intervention by the government in addressing the matter in the interest of the nation.

Expert blames poor repair of drainage outlet for the flood

Professor Abba Garba Gaya, a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technical, Wudil, is an expert that knows about the flooding caused by the Kura River.

He told this reporter that the flooding is caused by a fault in a drain outlet used to control the flow of the water after its release from Tiga dam, close to Kunshama.

“It (drain outlet) developed a fault, so the water is retained in the area making it look like a swamp, and it subsequently overflows into farms,” he said.

He noted that the water that flows from Tiga usually prevents farming activities, especially during the rainy season.

He noted that “farmers are important to the society” adding that “the government has to do something about this problem that has been in existence for about 5 to 6 years.”

He said they are aware of the efforts by the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority made about a year ago, but it has proven not to be enough.

He believes the work done was shoddy and not properly implemented.

Professor Gaya called on the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Kano State and the federal governments to look into ways of dealing with the problem before it worsens.

Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority blames residents for the floods

The Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority says it is aware of the problem.

When contacted, the authority’s spokesman, Salisu Baba Hamzat, said the area is the last part of their irrigation scheme.

“Our scheme went as far as Ɗanga, that is where it was terminated. But the people living around the area tampered with the scheme because it is at the tail end and water does not reach there before a recent repair we had.”

Hamzat added that the people took advantage of the work being done to vandalize it for personal gains, by removing the cements at the sides of the canals and slabs to use in their homes.

He accused the residents of using the large slabs for personal use, including bathing on them in their bathrooms.

“They caused this problem,” he concluded.

He said the vandalization of the canals made them almost disappear, thus aiding the water to overflow since it can no longer be contained.

The destroyed canals, he said, were created to take unused water by farms in its irrigation scheme back to the main river, and back to Tamburawa River to Ringim, Hadejia and Lake Chad.

He then advised residents of Kunshama to officially write to HJRBA and request the audience to discuss ways to permanently solve the problem.

KANO GOVERNMENT REACTS

Isma’il Garba Gwammaja, the Director Public Enlightenment, Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, said the ministry is not aware of the problem.

“I advise that they should write officially to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, as soon as they do that, our assessment team would be there to assess the cause of the water.”

He said the assessment team would also check if the area was a water passage route or if something else went wrong, including if the water ways was blocked.

Gwammaja added that aside from being called by this reporter, his ministry is not aware of the problem. But he said action would be taken swiftly as soon as the community officially notifies the ministry.

“Our assessment team would give the relevant advice, and then decide how best to handle the situation,” he assured.

“This investigation is supported by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, under its Promoting Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project.”

Features

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

Published

3 months ago

August 28, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

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.

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.

Features

Antenatal Care: Why some women misses several sessions

Published

4 months ago

August 18, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

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.”

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

Features

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

Published

6 months ago

May 29, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

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.

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.