By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has announced the release of N5 billion to support victims of the recent fire disaster at the Singer Market in Kano. Additionally, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum has pledged N3 billion to assist those affected by the incident.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the donations during a sympathy visit to the market on Monday. He was accompanied by the governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, and Imo states.

Speaking to traders and officials in Kano, Shettima stated that the intervention was aimed at helping victims rebuild their businesses and restore economic activity in the commercial hub.

“Your Excellency, we join you today not only to sympathise with you over the fire outbreak at the Singer Market that has disrupted the commercial life of this great state, but to come bearing the promise of the Federal Government that we stand firmly with the good people of Kano,” he said.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N5bn to the Government of Kano State as palliative towards this incident. And the Progressive Governors Forum, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has also pledged N3bn in support of the victims. Together, we have collectively contributed N8bn to the victims of the fire disaster.”

The Vice President described the incident as a national tragedy, emphasizing that the loss extended beyond Kano State to the entire federation. He offered prayers for the victims and prayed for the prevention of future occurrences.

The fire broke out on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, in the Gidan Glass section of the market along Ado Bayero Road. It raged through the night into Sunday morning, affecting over 1,000 shops. Reports indicate that seven traders are still feared missing.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Fire Service, eventually contained the blaze. Preliminary investigations by officials suggest the fire may have been triggered by a solar battery explosion.

In response to the support, the Chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaid Zakari, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for what he described as a timely and generous gesture. He assured that the funds would be used judiciously to support affected members and help restore business activities in the historic market.

This incident marks the second major fire at the Singer Market in less than two weeks.

The Freedom Radio Kano NUJ Chapel has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged harassment and intimidation of its sports reporter, Aminu Halilu, by Barau FC head coach Eugene Agagbe during a post-match media engagement in Kano.

In a statement signed by Chapel Chairman Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai, the union described the incident as “unprofessional conduct” and an affront to press freedom.

The Chapel emphasized that Halilu is not only a reporter but also the Secretary of the Freedom Radio NUJ Chapel and a registered member of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). “An attack on him is therefore an attack on organized journalism and the professional institutions that uphold ethics, accountability, and press freedom,” the statement read.

According to the union, journalists are stakeholders in sports and democracy, not adversaries. The Chapel stressed that asking legitimate questions about performance is part of a reporter’s duty, and responding with abuse or intimidation violates professional conduct. “Passion is not a license for misconduct,” the statement added.

The NUJ Chapel described the episode as a direct assault on press freedom and warned that it sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecked. It insisted that sports arenas must remain safe spaces for journalists to carry out their work without fear or favor.

In its demands, the Chapel called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation by relevant football authorities, appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations are proven, a public apology to Halilu and Freedom Radio, and concrete guarantees from clubs and league organizers to protect journalists’ safety and dignity.

The statement further urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and SWAN at all levels to treat the matter with utmost seriousness. “Silence is not neutrality; it is complicity,” the Chapel declared, reinforcing its commitment to ethical and courageous journalism.

Freedom Radio affirmed solidarity with Halilu, vowing not to be intimidated into silence. “An injury to one journalist is an injury to all,” the Chapel said, underscoring its stance that accountability in sports and journalism is non-negotiable.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday publicly commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing his performance in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges as commendable.

Speaking during an official visit to Adamawa State, Ribadu’s home state, the President expressed confidence in the NSA’s leadership and commitment to restoring peace across the country.

“The National Security Adviser, the son of the soil, Nuhu Ribadu, I must say clearly here that you are doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the results,” Tinubu said.

Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to combat insecurity, the President added: “With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists. You are a good National Security Adviser — honest, courageous, and committed to the job.”

Tinubu’s remarks come against the backdrop of a public disagreement between Ribadu and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai recently alleged that the NSA was behind moves to have him arrested through security operatives and further accused Ribadu of involvement in the importation of dangerous chemicals into the country.

Ribadu has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. He challenged the former governor to substantiate his claims before the State Security Service and insisted that due process should be followed.

The President’s public endorsement of Ribadu is widely interpreted as a vote of confidence in his security architecture at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-East.

By reaffirming his trust in the NSA, Tinubu signaled continuity in his administration’s security strategy and underscored his determination to confront criminal elements destabilising the country.

Political observers say the development could further heighten tensions surrounding the dispute, even as the presidency maintains that its primary focus remains the fight against insecurity nationwide.