Over 5,000 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) from all 44 local government areas of Kano State have received support through a wide-reaching empowerment program spearheaded by Abdussalam Abubakar Zaura known as A.A. Zaura.

The beneficiaries converged in Kano metropolis, where the empowerment forms were officially distributed.

Speaking at the event on behalf of AA Zaura, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Zaura said the initiative was designed to discourage street begging and promote self-reliance among PWDs across the state.

He added that program was designed to enhance economic inclusion and improve the quality of life for marginalized communities across the state

He noted that the gesture was part of a broader commitment to support vulnerable groups and integrate them into productive economic activities.

Alhaji Ado, a former Deputy Chairman of Ungoggo Local Government Area, emphasized that years of neglect and lack of adequate support from both government and well-meaning individuals had pushed many PWDs into street begging.

He stressed that the empowerment programme aims to reverse that trend by providing sustainable means of livelihood.
According to him, AA Zaura resolved to come to the aid of PWDs by offering various empowerment opportunities, including start up capital for small-scale businesses, sewing machines, scholarships, and other forms of assistance tailored to individual needs and interests, including education.

He further disclosed the introduction of a new initiative tagged “AA Zaura Aqidah Programme,” under which 27 participants will be selected from each ward across the state to benefit from further empowerment, with special focus on youths.

Also speaking at the event, Garba Nuhu Darki, former member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Wudil Constituency and Director-General, Political Contact and Mobilization of the AA Zaura Movement, described the large turnout of PWDs as a clear indication of AA Zaura’s vision and leadership direction.

“To me, the gathering I witnessed today reflects the direction of AA Zaura’s ambition, especially considering that this empowerment programme is exclusively for persons living with disabilities,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support provided and to continue supporting the movement in order to achieve its broader political aspirations.

Earlier, Chief Protocol of the movement, Abubakar Yawale (popularly known as Baba Yawale), said PWDs occupy a special place in the heart of AA Zaura, adding that for over 20 years, AA Zaura has consistently supported persons with disabilities to enhance their wellbeing and productivity in society.

In his remarks, Isa PA assured the beneficiaries that more empowerment programmes were underway.

He revealed plans to procure hearing aids for persons with hearing impairments, walking sticks for the visually impaired, and electric wheelchairs for physically challenged persons. He, however, encouraged beneficiaries to ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

In her remarks, Hajiya Maimuna Shitu, popularly known as Uwar Marayu, commended A.A. Zaura for his initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities and, by extension, orphans.

She urged the beneficiaries to rally behind Zaura’s vision of advancing the socio-economic welfare of the populace.

Hajiya Maimuna noted that all his efforts in capacity building and economic empowerment have been carried out independently, without external assistance.

She highlighted that Zaura has been funding these initiatives from his personal resources, acting in his capacity as a businessman rather than a government official.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed their happiness for the gesture and affirmed their loyalty to AA Zaura.

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme in Kano State on Wednesday has organised a one-day media sensitisation training on Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for improved nutrition, aimed at strengthening the role of the media in promoting positive nutrition practices across the state.

The training, themed “From Information to Action: Media’s Role in Driving Nutrition Behavior Change,” brought together media practitioners and key stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the SAPZ concept, its development objectives, and its nutrition intervention programme.

Introducing the programme, the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer of the SAPZ Programme, Kano State Coordination Office, Rabi Mustapha Sadiq, explained that SAPZ is a collaborative initiative involving the Kano State Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). She noted that IFAD and IsDB are the co-founders of the Kano State SAPZ initiative.

She also stated that the programme was initiated by the Kano State Government to support smallholder farmers, small-scale agro-processors, and community-based service providers, with the overall goal of boosting agricultural productivity, value addition, and food and nutrition security.

Highlighting the progress recorded so far, he revealed that over 2,000 farmers benefited from the programme during the 2024 wet season under the merchant grant implementation scheme. She added that plans are underway to support more than 9,000 farmers during the 2026 dry season, covering rice producers, processors and marketers, as well as tomato, groundnut, and sesame value chains.

On her part, Dr. Rukayya Aliyu Yusuf of the Department of Information and Media Studies, Bayero University Kano, delivered a presentation on understanding the basics of behaviour change towards improving nutrition in Kano State.

She stated that journalists have a critical role to play in improving nutrition among the population by creating awareness and producing programmes that can help change people’s behaviour towards eating a balanced diet.

Dr. Rukayya noted that although changing people’s behaviour is often difficult, journalists can influence it by applying wisdom in their programmes and write-ups. According to her, behaviour change is the process of modifying how a person acts, thinks, or responds—moving from old habits to new ones. She described this as a significant task but stressed that with wisdom and strategic communication, it can be achieved.

She further explained that in Kano State, as in many parts of the country—particularly in the North—malnutrition and poor dietary practices remain serious challenges. However, she emphasized that through sustained advocacy and accountability, journalists can use investigative journalism to expose issues such as food wastage, corruption, and policy failures that contribute to poor nutrition outcomes.

Dr. Rukayya also highlighted the importance of community engagement and data-driven reporting.
SolaceBase reports that she advised journalists to first understand the behaviour of the people they are engaging with before attempting to influence or change it.
According to her, nutrition is not merely about food; it is about choices, habits, and the social and cultural contexts that shape those choices—making it fundamentally a behavioural issue.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Bashir Muhammad Sunusi, thanked the organisers of the programme, noting that the government cannot achieve its objectives alone and that the media must play an active role.
He emphasized that the Kano State Government is fully committed to improving agriculture across the state.
He disclosed that the state government has approved the construction of 11 dams to enhance irrigation and boost farmers’ productivity. According to him, the government has also procured a large number of tractors and combine harvesters as part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and increase agricultural output.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Bauchi State Government has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what it described as political misuse of state institutions and abuse of legal procedures following the arrest and arraignment of its officials on allegations of terrorism financing.

Recall that on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the anti-graft agency arraigned the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three senior civil servants before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing–an accusation the state government insists is unfounded and malicious.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, the government expressed “deep concern” over the EFCC’s recent actions, describing them as targeted attempts to criminalise public service and smear the governor’s reputation.

According to the state, the accused officials acted strictly within constitutional and financial regulations, insisting that no offence was committed beyond the lawful discharge of official duties.

“To criminalise routine governance functions is to criminalise government itself and to endanger public administration across the federation,” the statement read in parts.

The government particularly frowned at what it called the “belated introduction” of terrorism and money laundering allegations, noting that such claims surfaced only after judicial scrutiny questioned the legality of earlier procedures.

It said no terrorist organisation or act had been linked to the state, nor had any credible evidence been presented to warrant such grave accusations.

“The timing and manner of these allegations raise fears they were introduced as an afterthought, intended to intimidate, scandalise, and damage reputations rather than advance justice,” the statement added.

The government also dismissed the EFCC’s claim that the Accountant-General was “at large”, clarifying that he honoured invitations, was detained for days, and later released on bail.

Gidado expressed worries that, despite not being listed as a defendant, Governor Bala Mohammed’s name was repeatedly mentioned in the court filings — a move he described as an attempt to subject him to a “trial in the court of public opinion” and violate his constitutional immunity.

“The serial mention of the governor’s name is a deliberate attempt to indict him and politically destroy his image. This is unacceptable,” the statement continued.

The Bauchi State government further warned against actions that could endanger the safety of the governor, his staff, and their families, alleging that an atmosphere of fear and tension was being created around the issue.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability but insisted that the fight against corruption must be impartial, evidence-based, and devoid of political vendetta.

“Selective justice, retaliatory prosecutions, and the politicisation of law enforcement institutions weaken democracy,” the state warned.

Adding that the governor’s name must be removed from the charge sheet in line with immunity provisions, the statement further called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the EFCC’s conduct and ensure adherence to constitutional safeguards.

The government said it would continue to defend democratic norms and the dignity of the people, urging political actors to avoid weaponising state institutions.

“Bauchi remains peaceful, united, and focused on governance. No amount of persecution will diminish the confidence the governor enjoys across Nigeria,” the statement maintained.