The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged men to actively join the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and support the promotion of gender equality across communities.

The appeal was made on Monday during a one-day training organised for Male Feminist Network (MFN) champions at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) headquarters in Kano.

The training, which attracted 70 participants, was organised for members of CAN, Kano State chapter. The programme was supported by the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.

Speaking at the event, MFN Project Officer, Mr Sani Sa’idu, said the initiative was aimed at equipping men with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender-based violence and promote inclusive and respectful communities.

Sa’idu, who spoke on the topic “Gender, Feminism, Masculinities and GBV Awareness”, said the training was designed to build a movement of men committed to equality and the elimination of GBV.

“The aim of this training is to build a movement of men who are committed to equality, challenging harmful stereotypes and ending gender-based violence,” he said.

He added that the programme sought to empower men to become allies in the struggle for women’s rights and to advocate for inclusive and safe communities.

Also speaking, Apostle Samaila Joshua Asake, PhD, Chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN in Kano State, commended CITAD for taking the initiative to faith-based organisations.

Asake said engaging men, especially within religious institutions, was critical to addressing gender-based violence and fostering positive masculinity.

Similarly, the Secretary of CAN in Kano State, Rev. Ayuba Apollos Sabo, praised CITAD for organising the training and called for sustained collaboration to address social challenges.

“The church has a key role to play in promoting values of respect, justice and protection of the rights of women and girls,” Sabo said.

CITAD also used the occasion to call on men across communities to actively join efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

The governor of Kano, Abba Yusuf, has finally met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

According to Daily Trust, the meeting is still ongoing.

According to the report, Mr Yusuf, who dressed in white babbarriga and red cap, entered the villa at about 4:10 pm.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has announced the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih OON.

In a condolence message issued on Monday by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir conveyed the news of the cleric’s passing and his acceptance of Allah’s will.

According to multiple reports, the Imam passed away early Monday, aged 75.

He said: “Inna lillahi waina ilaehi roji’un, it is with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we receive the news of the demise of the 12th Chief of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih Onida OON.”

Speaking further on the personal qualities and character of the late Chief Imam, the Emir described his attributes and the impact of his death on the Ilorin Emirate.

He said: “He was a cleric with unique features, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, dedication, and tolerance.

“His demise has caused us in Ilorin Emirate great sadness of no particular measure.

“We reflect on his lifetime as a man of great honour and piety.”

The Emir also highlighted the role of the late cleric in fostering unity within the Muslim community and promoting harmony across religious lines.

According to him: “Late Imam Solih was full of wisdom, and he was notable for unifying the entire Muslim clerics as well as promoting inter-religious harmony in the state.”

Providing details of the burial arrangements, the Emir announced the schedule for the janazah prayers.

He said: “The Janazah will hold at the Palace Square of the Emir of Ilorin by 4 pm today, Monday, 19th January 2026.”

The Emir concluded by offering prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant Imam Bashir Imam forgiveness, accept his good deeds, and admit him into Al-janatul firdaos.