The Kano State Government has given the green light for the hosting of a landmark National Summit focused on harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s creative industry to boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This development follows a detailed proposal presented by the Kannywood Foundation, which underscored Kano’s critical role as the cultural and creative hub of Northern Nigeria. The foundation emphasized that the state’s unique position within the national creative ecosystem made it the ideal venue for such an important summit.

According to a statement issued by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the summit will serve as a strategic platform to unlock Kano’s rich creative assets. These include film production, fashion design, traditional craftsmanship, music, literature, and emerging sectors such as digital content creation.

Waiya further explained that the summit is expected to attract stakeholders from various sectors across the country. These include international development agencies, representatives of federal ministries and government agencies, creative entrepreneurs, private investors, and global digital platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, all of whom have been invited to participate in the discussions.

“Discussions at the summit will center on how the creative industry can be effectively leveraged to diversify the national economy, create sustainable employment for youth, and stimulate innovation across communities,” said Waiya.

In preparation for the event, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the establishment of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) composed of representatives from government institutions, the private sector, professional associations, traditional leaders, and the academic community. The committee will be responsible for coordinating logistics and ensuring the successful execution of the summit.

“The summit is not just an event, but a strategic initiative to position Kano State at the forefront of Nigeria’s creative economy,” Waiya stated. “Kannywood, our indigenous film industry, along with our globally admired artisans, are beginning to receive the recognition they deserve. This summit aims to further elevate their status while unlocking new economic opportunities for our youth and communities.”

The Kano State Government has called on all stakeholders, both within and outside the state, to lend their support to this initiative. The summit aligns with the broader goals of the administration, which include youth empowerment, economic diversification, and cultural revival under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The summit is scheduled to hold later in the year, with the specific date and venue to be announced in due course.

The Kano Online Media Chapel has congratulated one of its distinguished members, Ismail Yusuf Makwarari, on his well-deserved appointment as the Station Manager of Himma Farmers 91.1 FM, Kano.

A statement on Thursday jointly signed by the Chapel Chairman and Secretary, Abdulkadir Abubakar Dangambo and Isiyaku Ahmed, respectively, said Makwarari has been a pillar of support within the Chapel, contributing immensely to its growth, unity, and professional standards.

According to the statement, Makwarari, a committed journalist and a tireless advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting, has positively impacted the Chapel and the broader media landscape in Kano.

“During his time with the Chapel, Makwarri distinguished himself through his unwavering dedication to excellence.
“His professionalism, depth of knowledge, and collaborative spirit have earned him the respect of colleagues and media stakeholders alike.

“His appointment to lead Himma Farmers 91.1 FM is in recognition of his talent, integrity, and years of outstanding journalism service.

“We are confident that he will bring his visionary leadership and passion for responsible journalism to his new role, and we look forward to seeing the station thrive under his stewardship,” the statement added.

The Kano Online Chapel wishes Makwari continued success and fulfillment in this new chapter of his career.

The Executive Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Muhammad Sekure, has received a prestigious award from Rootswatch Magazine, Abuja, recognizing him as the most impactful and community-driven local government chairman in Kano State. The award celebrates his contributions to education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, including skill acquisition programs and financial support for self-reliance.

The award ceremony took place at the National Merit Award Hall in Abuja on Thursday, drawing dignitaries and local government representatives from across Nigeria.

During the presentation, the Editor-in-Chief of Rootswatch Magazine, Mr. Bayode Ojo, emphasized the magazine’s dedication to monitoring the performance of Nigeria’s 774 local governments. He noted that the award is reserved for chairmen who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community development.

Mr. Ojo explained that Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Muhammad Sekure was selected based on his visible achievements in youth empowerment, education, and healthcare services in Tarauni Local Government.

Representing the chairman at the event, Tarauni LG Information Officer Adamu Iliyasu Hotoro conveyed Alhaji Sekure’s gratitude for the recognition. He pointed out that this is the first time Rootswatch has presented such an honor to a local government chairman from Kano State.

Alhaji Sekure expressed pride in being chosen from among Kano’s 44 LGA chairmen. He said the award will inspire him to intensify development efforts across the local government, highlighting recent achievements such as:
– Renovation of over 10 classrooms in various schools.
– Rehabilitation of more than five health centers.
– Repairs at the local government secretariat.
– Laying of fresh asphalt on Bakin Sakatairiya road.
– Construction of over 50 public toilets in Hausawa Primary and Hausawa Model Schools.
– Establishment of a new Civil Defence Area Command office in Tarauni.
– Renovation of the Tarauni LG secretariat.

Alhaji Sekure extended appreciation to Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Commissioner for Local Government Alhaji Tajo Othman Zaura, and Kwankwasiyya Movement National Leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for their continued support. He also thanked the councillors, advisers, and residents of Tarauni for their cooperation, prayers, and trust.

He pledged that his administration will continue implementing transformative projects that will mark a new era of unprecedented development in Tarauni.

The award ceremony was chaired by Mallam Issa Lanre Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who led the presentation of awards to several outstanding local government chairmen nationwide.

Other honored local governments included Enugu East LG, Warri North LG, Burnin Kudu LG (Jigawa), Kafin Hausa LG, Kachia LG (Kaduna), Chibok LG (Borno), Kaltungo LG (Gombe), Dambatta LG, Isoko South LG, Umuahia South LG, Mangu LG (Plateau), Anambra West LG, Kasfin Hausa LG (Jigawa), and Mallam Madori LG, among others.