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

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11 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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Ahmad Hamisu Gwale Wins NBMA National Award for Best Male Newscaster 2026

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5 hours ago

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October 13, 2026

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Kano-born journalist and broadcaster Ahmad Hamisu Gwale of Premier Radio 102.7 FM, Kano, has emerged as the winner of the Best Radio Newscaster (Male) National category at the seventh edition of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) 2026.

The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, bringing together broadcasting and media professionals to recognise excellence, professionalism and innovation across Nigeria’s media industry.

The annual awards featured more than 85 categories spanning television, radio and digital media.

Gwale emerged as the winner ahead of five other nominees: Gbenga Alli-Balogun of Eko FM; Nnah Douglas of Wazobia FM Abuja; Nyamgul Agaji of City 105.1 FM; Augustus “GUS” Aigbe of Cool FM; and Chike Osuji of Orient FM/IBC Owerri.

His achievement marks a significant milestone in his broadcasting career, further highlighting his work in radio news presentation and journalism.

From Sports Broadcasting to National Recognition.

Before winning the NBMA national award, Gwale received recognition from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State chapter, as Best Radio Sports Presenter of the Year 2024.

The award was presented on 6 February 2025 during the association’s calendar launch in Kano, recognising his contributions to sports broadcasting.

His recognition at both the SWAN awards and NBMA reflects his professional experience across two important areas of radio broadcasting: sports presentation and news reading.

Early Life and Education

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale was born in Sani Mainagge, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria.

He developed an interest in journalism and communication, which led him to pursue formal training in mass communication. He graduated from the School of Basic Mass Communication (BMC), Kano, in 2018.

He subsequently studied Computer Science at Kano State Polytechnic, completing his programme on 15 May 2026. He is currently advancing his studies in Computer Science through the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His educational background combines communication and journalism training with technical knowledge, supporting his interests in digital publishing, multimedia production and technology-driven media.

Journalism and Broadcasting Career

Gwale began his journalism career at Freedom Radio Kano in 2021 before joining Premier Radio 102.7 FM Kano in 2023.

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At Premier Radio, he has worked in different capacities, including newsreader, reporter, sports presenter and multimedia journalist. His experience covers news preparation and presentation, editorial work, current affairs reporting, sports coverage and digital content production.

His professional responsibilities and interests include presenting news bulletins, writing and editing reports, covering football competitions, conducting interviews and producing content for broadcast and online audiences.

He has also contributed to sports programmes, including Zauren Wasanni, through which audiences receive updates and discussions about sporting developments.

Through these roles, Gwale has built experience in communicating news and sports information to diverse audiences.

Contributions to Sports Journalism and Barau FC

Beyond radio broadcasting, Gwale has been involved in football media and communications, particularly through his work with Barau Football Club, popularly known as the Maliya Boys.

His contributions have included preparing match reports, previews, player profiles, official announcements, post-match updates and digital content for supporters.

His involvement in football communications has also focused on promoting players, documenting club activities and bringing developments in Kano football to a wider audience.

His experience in sports journalism has complemented his broadcasting career and contributed to his recognition by SWAN Kano.

Publishing and Media Entrepreneurship

In addition to his broadcasting career, Gwale is the founder and chief executive officer of AHG Mirror Media Services Company.

He is also associated with Independent Mirror, an online newspaper established in September 2023, where he serves in a leadership and publishing capacity.

His media interests span online newspaper publishing, news reporting, digital content creation, multimedia production, social media management, online branding and media consultancy.

Through these initiatives, he seeks to expand access to news and information while exploring opportunities offered by digital communication and contemporary media platforms.

Combining Journalism with Technology

Gwale’s interest in Computer Science complements his work in journalism and digital publishing.

His technical education supports his broader interests in online media development, digital communication and multimedia production.

By combining journalism with technology, he is developing a professional profile that spans traditional broadcasting, online publishing, sports communications and media entrepreneurship.

A Milestone in His Broadcasting Career

Winning the Best Radio Newscaster (Male) — National award at NBMA 2026 adds to Gwale’s professional recognition and marks another milestone in his journey through Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

From his early career at Freedom Radio Kano to his work at Premier Radio and his involvement in digital publishing and football communications, his experience reflects a career built across news presentation, sports journalism and media enterprise.

His latest recognition at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards places his name among the award recipients celebrated at the seventh edition of the national broadcasting event.

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale continues to pursue opportunities at the intersection of journalism, sports, technology and digital media.

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Senate Passes Barau’s Bill to Provide Legal Framework for Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano

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9 hours ago

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October 13, 2026

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The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin (APC, Kano North), to provide a legal framework for the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, Kano State.

The bill was passed during plenary presided over by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. It seeks to provide the statutory foundation for the effective management and administration of the institution.

Recall that in September 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the conversion of the Federal Colleges of Education in Kano and Zaria into federal universities of education.

Following Senator Barau’s request on behalf of the people of Kano, President Tinubu, on May 10, 2025, also approved the renaming of the institution as the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

To give the institution a legal framework, Senator Barau sponsored the bill, which passed through the legislative process and was approved by the Senate for second and third readings. The bill scaled first reading on Wednesday, March 25, 2025.

While leading the debate on the bill, Senator Barau said the legislation was necessary to give legal backing to the institution.

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He commended President Tinubu for approving the institution’s upgrade and renaming, explaining that the bill would provide a legal framework for the promotion and development of teacher education and make comprehensive provisions for the university’s management and administration.

He said: “Mr Senate President, this institution has already been established by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“You may recall, my colleagues, that in the last Senate, I made efforts to facilitate the establishment of these institutions, including the Federal College of Education, Zaria, which was to be upgraded to a full-fledged university, as well as Alvan Ikoku College of Education and Adeyemi College of Education. The bills were passed and transmitted to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, but they were not assented to.

“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, I approached him and conveyed the desire of my people to have the Federal College of Education, Kano, upgraded to a full-fledged university. He assured me that, since it was the request of the people, it would be done. The President subsequently approved the upgrade of the institution.

“But we were not done yet. At the request of my people, I returned to the President to seek approval for the institution to be named after the late Yusuf Maitama Sule. The President immediately approved the request. Today, the institution is a full-fledged university offering degrees in various fields of education.

” We cannot thank Mr President enough. He loves Kano and has consistently acceded to our requests. Beyond this institution, he has also approved the establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology in Kabo and the Federal Polytechnic in Rano. We cannot thank him enough for these interventions.”

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Barau for sponsoring the bill and thanked senators for supporting its swift passage.

He expressed optimism that President Tinubu would assent to the bill upon its transmission to him, thereby providing the university with the necessary statutory and regulatory framework to fulfil its mandate and continue contributing to national development.

Signed:
Ismail Mudashir
Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate
(Media and Publicity)
October 13, 2026

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APC London branch confers development award on Gov Abba Kabiru Yusuf

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11 hours ago

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October 13, 2026

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The ruling All Progressive Congress, APC London chapter has conferred an award of honour, on Kano state governor, Eng Abba Kabir Yusuf.

 

The chairman APC UK , London Branch, Hon Tunde Doherty , at the pageant presentation ceremony held at Double Tree By Hilton London, said the award was conferred on governor Yusuf in recognition of his contributions to the development of the party at the grass root levels.

 

He added that , the sterling leadership qualities of the recipient and his style of democratic governance were exemplarity saying this resulted to his been nominated by members of the UK branch of the party to be conferred with the award .

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The Special Adviser on Youth and Sports Development to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Sani Musa Danja .expressed profound appreciation to the APC UK leadership for the honour, bestowed on the governor, describing it as a clear testimony to the contributions of governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the growth of the party across board.

 

He stated that , the awardee has continued to champion the values of unity, service, development and progress within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

According to him, Governor Yusuf has been an evangelist of the importance of strengthening relationships between party members and supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora.

 

Danja said that the award was earned owing to the sacrifices of the people of Kano State, alongside those working towards a united, prosperous and progressive Nigeria.

 

He commended Hon. Tunde Doherty and the APC UK leadership for promoting party solidarity and strengthening political engagements within the Nigerian diaspora community.

 

 

Danja conveyed the Governor’s appreciation to the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom for remaining actively connected to Nigeria’s political and developmental aspirations.

 

He affirmed that Kano State Government under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf has remained focus towards its commitment to youth empowerment, sports development, creating economic opportunities and pursuing the general wellbeing of the good people of Kano.

 

Our correspondent reports that , the occasion also featured the inauguration of the Tinubu Must Stay Organisation, UK Chapter, marking another step in organising the supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the United Kingdom and strengthening diaspora engagement in their support of the President’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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