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Shekarau at 70: Politics Is a Religious Duty in Service to Humanity – Former Kano Governor

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2 months ago

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Malam Ibrahim Shekarau addressing the press

 

Former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has described active participation in politics as a religious duty and a means of serving humanity, emphasizing that the process of producing credible leaders must be anchored in moral and spiritual values.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Kano to mark his 70th birthday, Shekarau said leadership selection through political participation is not only a civic responsibility but also a divine obligation for Muslims.

According to the former governor, “Since the only way we establish and get leaders is through the political process, then politics and the process of producing credible leaders have also become a religious duty. Participating in the process of producing credible leadership is a must under the umbrella of Islam because that is service to humanity.”

Shekarau explained that his continued involvement in politics is not driven by personal ambition but by a lifelong commitment to ensuring the emergence of credible, just, and trustworthy leaders. “I’m not in politics necessarily to become A, B, or C,” he said. “I will remain in the political arena to contribute to the best of my ability to ensure credible leadership. This is my mission in life.”

Addressing questions about his future plans, the former governor said he has no concerns about what comes next, insisting that his focus remains on service and contribution to society. “There’s nothing like ‘what next’ for me,” Shekarau stated. “When I was made a principal, I never begged for it. When I was promoted, I never lobbied. Whatever comes my way is determined by Allah.”

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Reflecting on his political and professional journey, Shekarau said he has no regrets, noting that every event in his life has been guided by divine will. “I have never had any regrets because whatever happens, I believe it is Allah’s choice,” he said. “Even if I set out to achieve something and do not succeed, I have no regrets because Allah has destined what I will achieve in life.”

The former educationist also recalled his early days as a teacher and union leader, noting that his leadership experience dates back to the early 1980s. “I was elected state secretary of the Principals’ Conference in 1982, became state president in 1984, and later served as national president between 1988 and 1992,” he recounted. “So, election and leadership have always been part of my life.”

Commenting on Nigeria’s political development, Shekarau expressed his belief in party-based politics rather than individual alliances. “I do not believe in individual politics; I believe in party politics,” he emphasized. “That was why we worked to form the APC in 2013 when ANPP, CPC, and a faction of APGA came together. But unfortunately, what we see today are individuals moving from one party to another for personal gain.”

He also called for unity among opposition parties ahead of future elections, arguing that a strong opposition is necessary for Nigeria’s democratic growth. “Whatever you say about the PDP, it remains the only party that has survived since 1999,” he said. “We are inviting other parties like APC, Labour, SDP, and others to come together under one umbrella to form a formidable opposition ahead of the next elections.”

Assessing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Shekarau commended efforts to address insecurity but urged more decisive action to curb killings and improve citizens’ welfare. “No nation is free from criminality, but what matters is reducing it to the barest minimum,” he said. “Government must prioritize security of lives and property.”

He further stressed that economic reforms must focus on ensuring food security, describing access to affordable food as the most important aspect of governance. “Whatever the government does, if people cannot afford food, then it is meaningless,” Shekarau stated. “Food is the most important thing in people’s lives.”

The elder statesman also shared what he described as his five guiding principles of success good conduct, hard work, perseverance, consistency, and patience urging Nigerians, especially the youth, to live by these values. “Good conduct makes people respect and trust you, hard work brings success, perseverance sustains it, consistency earns recognition, and patience crowns all efforts,” he said.

Shekarau concluded by expressing gratitude to Allah and to all who supported him throughout his 70 years of life, offering prayers for mutual forgiveness and peace. “I thank everyone who stood by me and forgive all who may have wronged me,” he said. “Let us continue to be good, hardworking, and patient in all that we do.”

 

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Avoid Rumors, Respect Privacy, Promote Inclusivity, Professor Tells Online Journalists

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7 hours ago

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January 15, 2026

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By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

A Professor of Mass Communication at Bayero University Kano, Nura Ibrahim, has urged online journalists to ensure responsible online engagement and respect privacy in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Prof. Nura stated this while presenting a paper at the two-day retreat organized for the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, held in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.

The retreat, sponsored by the Kano State Government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, engaged online journalists on a wide range of topics to improve their capacity under the theme “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsible Online Engagement.”

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Prof. Nura Ibrahim, of the Department of Information and Media Studies, Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, said online journalists should ensure balance in their reportage and avoid inflammatory language.

He also charged them to promote inclusivity, ensure cultural and religious sensitivity, avoid incitement, verify facts before publication, correct errors, and update content appropriately.

The university professor further urged them to combat misinformation, explain facts as they are, provide credible sources, avoid spreading rumors, and adopt language optimization tools alongside responsible SEO practices.

 

 

 

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Kano State Champions Ethical Digital Journalism: Retreat Empowers Online Media for Democratic Growth

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12 hours ago

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January 15, 2026

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The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical, responsible and professional digital journalism, describing the media as a critical pillar of democratic governance.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day retreat for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The retreat, organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel with the support of the Kano State Government, is themed “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsive Online Engagement.”

Waiya said the training, the first of its kind for online newspaper publishers in Kano State, underscored the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recognition of journalism as a vital component of democratic practice.

He commended Governor Yusuf for approving and sponsoring the retreat, noting that the gesture reflected the government’s commitment to manpower development across sectors, including the media.

The commissioner urged online media practitioners to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, accuracy and integrity in news gathering and dissemination, stressing that online journalism must be clearly distinguished from unregulated social media activity.

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“Online journalists are not the same as social media users. Digital journalism must be guided by legal and ethical decorum, not sensationalism or the rush for quick breaking news,” Waiya said.

He noted that the rapid growth of digital platforms, coupled with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, has made continuous self-development and professionalism imperative for journalists seeking credibility at local, national and global levels.

Waiya also acknowledged the role of the Kano State Council of the NUJ in supporting the establishment and growth of the Online Media Chapel, attributing the successes recorded so far to cooperation and unity within the union.

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is advocating for the establishment of a state Freedom of Information law in line with the federal Freedom of Information Act, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and press freedom in the state.

In his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Kano State, Malam Usman Bello, said the government approved the retreat outside Kano State in recognition of the growing importance of online journalism.

He explained that similar engagements had previously been organised for the Correspondents’ Chapel, adding that the retreat was aimed at equipping online journalists with the skills required to adapt to new trends in the profession and practice in line with modern global best practices.

Bello noted that the impact of online media transcends state boundaries, stressing that capacity-building programmes of this nature would help shape journalism practice not only in Kano State but across the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel thanked the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs for their support, describing the retreat as timely and impactful.

He urged members of the chapel to continue operating within the laid-down ethical guidelines of the journalism profession and in line with the social and legal provisions of Kano State.

The retreat drew participants from various online media organisations operating across Kano State.

The retreat was attended by editors and publishers of various online newspapers operating in Kano State.

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Broadcast Journalist Ikechukwu Oyemike Joins The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos as Head of Events And OAP

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23 hours ago

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January 14, 2026

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FemyWalsh Limited, a business, economy, and development-focused media group, is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran broadcast journalist  Ikechukwu Oyemike, popularly known as Ogbuefi ItisIkechukwu, as Head of Events and On Air Personality (OAP)  at  The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos.

Oyemike joins The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos after more than 11 years of superlative service at Wazobia FM, where he built a strong reputation for credible journalism, compelling storytelling, and audience-centred broadcasting.

Over the years, he has become widely respected for his ability to connect deeply with listeners while delivering news, current affairs, and commentary with clarity, energy, and cultural resonance.

Speaking on his move, Oyemike said:
“I am delighted to join The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos as Head of Events and On Air Personality. This new chapter offers an exciting platform to engage listeners on air while also creating dynamic experiences through events that connect with our audience in meaningful ways.”

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Welcoming his arrival, Management described the appointment as a strategic investment in talent and audience experience. In his dual role, Oyemike will strengthen on-air programming and lead the development of high-impact events designed to deepen community connection, expand partnerships, and create memorable experiences for listeners and stakeholders.

FemyWalsh Limited is the owner of **The Isle 95.9 FM Lagos, *Souq News Television, and the soon-to-be-launched Kasuwa 97.9 FM Kano, as well as **Arewa Bayan Television, Abuja**. Across these platforms, the group is committed to business and development storytelling that elevates enterprise, strengthens institutional credibility, and amplifies African excellence.

Listeners and partners can look forward to fresh programming energy, stronger listener engagement, and innovative event experiences as Oyemike continues his mission to inform, inspire, and entertain audiences across Lagos and beyond.

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