The House of Representatives has passed through second reading four bills seeking the creation of additional states across the country.

The House also passed 38 other bills seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and provide various amendments in the ongoing Constitution amendment exercise by the 10th Assembly.

The 42 bills categorised under various headings to reflect their focus, were passed after their presentation for second reading at the Plenary on Wednesday by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvre, and seconded by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda.

The four proposed bills seeking the creation of additional states were; “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule and Creating Additional Three States Oke – Ogun State, Ijebu State and Ife – Ijesa State and for Related Matters (HB. 1098) sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke.

Prominent Nigerian filmmaker Prince Daniel (ABOKI) has addressed recent media reports suggesting that he faced rejection in Kannywood due to his religion and in Nollywood because of his northern roots. In an official statement released to the public, the director of *Mai Martaba* unequivocally denied these claims and sought to set the record straight.

“My attention has been drawn to some publications with headlines suggesting that Kannywood rejected me because of my religion, and Nollywood because of my region,” Prince Daniel stated. He clarified that he had not granted any interviews to any newspaper or publication regarding the matter.

Providing context, Prince Daniel explained that the misunderstanding may have stemmed from remarks he made during a question-and-answer session at Nollywood in Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, earlier this month. He described how, while discussing the challenges faced during the making of *Mai Martaba* and its journey to the Oscars, he had touched upon issues such as insecurity in the North-West, financial constraints, and the complexities of navigating Nigeria’s segmented film industry.

According to Prince Daniel, he had mentioned feeling caught between the perception of Kannywood viewing his work as Nollywood and Nollywood identifying it as Kannywood, due to his northern background. “This explanation was made with the best of intentions—to help the audience in the room understand the segmentation of the industry in Nigeria and how challenging it was for us at the time,” he explained.

He emphasized that his comment was misunderstood and clarified his relationship with Kannywood. “For clarity, Kannywood has never rejected me on the basis of ethnicity or religion. In fact, it has been my greatest pillar of support as a filmmaker,” Prince Daniel affirmed, citing the overwhelming support he received from audiences and industry practitioners during *Mai Martaba*’s cinema exposure.

Prince Daniel expressed gratitude for the inclusive environment within Kannywood, where he has practiced his craft and enjoyed immense support without prejudice. “I say with every sense of responsibility that I am a Nigerian filmmaker, though of northern extraction. I reside in Kano, where I practice my craft, springboarding from Kannywood,” he added.

Looking ahead, the filmmaker reiterated his commitment to working with his colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the industry’s standards. He underscored his mission to share northern stories with the world and create employment opportunities for youth, challenging stereotypical narratives that associate the North with conflict and banditry.

Prince Daniel concluded by reaffirming his dedication to fostering unity and excellence within Nigeria’s film industry. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the standard of our industry—telling our stories to the world and creating employment opportunities for our youth,” he stated.

Prince Daniel’s statement serves as a clarion call for collaboration and progress in the Nigerian film industry, celebrating the diversity and richness of the nation’s cultural narratives.

The Kano Youth Forum (INUWAR MATASAN JIHAR KANO) has voiced its unwavering support for the reinstatement of His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the 16th Emir of Kano State.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the NUJ Press Center in Kano, where the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Sani Uba Kwaru, addressed members of the press and the public.

Speaking to a gathering of journalists, esteemed guests, and concerned citizens, Kwaru emphasized the forum’s appreciation for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s bold decision to reinstate Emir Sanusi II. “This courageous act demonstrates the governor’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of the people of Kano State,” Kwaru stated.

The forum also called for calm and unity among the citizens of Kano, urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the matter continues to be deliberated in court. “We call on everyone to support His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, in his efforts to promote peace and stability in our dear state,” Kwaru added.

Highlighting the forum’s extensive reach across all 44 local government areas of Kano State, Kwaru encouraged citizens to join their peace advocacy movement. “Together, we can build a harmonious and prosperous society where everyone can thrive,” he said.

The reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II, according to the forum, aligns with the Kano State Emirate Council Amendment Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, which was assented to and approved by the Kano State House of Assembly. The forum described this development as a “blessing and victory for the people of Kano,” expressing optimism about Emir Sanusi’s continued leadership and wisdom.

In a final appeal, the Kano Youth Forum urged all stakeholders, security agencies, and the people of Kano State to collaborate in maintaining the peace and stability that has been a hallmark of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration. “Let us work together to ensure the sustainability of the peace we have been enjoying,” Kwaru concluded.

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