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.

By Abba Anwar

It is in rare cases that you spot individual politician like the Deputy Senate President and First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Dr Barau I Jibrin, CFR, who enters the new year of 2026 with a profound human development engagement.

On Thursday, First January, 2026, he distributed 129 federal government employment offers for his people. An event that took place at Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

Senator Barau was represented at the occasion by Honourable Minister of State, Housing, Yusuf Abdullahi Atah, who urged all the beneficiaries to remain committed and steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities.

This at the very beginning of the new year, gives an insight into his relentless effort in developing his people with vigor and unwavering commitment. My readers could be witnesses in one way or another, of how difficult it is in today’s Nigeria to get access to federal government appointments.

This effort speaks volumes about how deeply rooted is the DSP in the welfare of his people. Being a highly responsive leader with special interest in building the capacity of his constituents, his love for skills development is concrete and unassuming.

What interests all about this New Year resolution process of the Deputy Senate President, is the selection process of the newly recruited beneficiaries. The procedure was characterized by due process as all applicants were given equal opportunities to compete.

Believe it or not, his unique interventions in the past instances, before now, helped in acknowledging him as one of the few identified productive politicians who always put the electorate first before any other consideration. Public interest first before personal identification.

The year 2026, could be a pregnant of many interpretations and divergent outcomes to many people. But from the look of things, as DSP opens the new year with the distribution of 129 federal government employment opportunities, his, will be a scenario of happy, happier and happiest. Making 129 families happy, the first day of a year, isn’t an easy task. He didn’t give these families fish, but he facilitated their knowledge and accessibility to learn how to catch a fish. A whole lot life saving engagement.

I read, listened and watched new year messages from individual politicians and non-politicians alike, not only across Kano state, or North West, but across the entire 19 Northern states, if not across Nigeria, as a whole, from yesterday to this morning, I couldn’t spot any, who opened a new chapter of 2026 with such style as DSP does.

I know if you can ask him one-on-one, he will tell you that, this is not his making but a Divine process and implementation. But I stand to be corrected. While individual preferences are always allowed in daily engagements, but the fate and outcomes are the fundamental power of The Creature. To the normal mind, DSP’s first public engagement in 2026, catalogues victory, safety and protection. That only discerning minds see the flipside.

During the event of the distribution of appointment letters, a great number of the beneficiaries attended the event with their families, friends and well wishers. All praying for happy and prosperous life for the DSP. For putting smile in their faces. Emphasizing that, this is what democracy and its dividends should be.

As one of the strongest pillars of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country, Senator Barau, as reserve and calm, as he appears, maintains that, human development first before any other consideration. Hence his many years of meaningful interventions. While his approach strengthens his political base, his exposure places him above many of his contemporaries. Not to say a word on late comers.

Distinguished Senator’s name alone, is synonymous with hard work, selfless service, informed exposure, unwavering commitment, enduring political relationships, communal togetherness, focus, ingenuity, enhanced expertise in governance, collective responsibility and political independence.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 2nd January, 2026

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.