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DSP Barau : Strength in the Senate, Results at Home

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4 months ago

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By Abba Anwar

As multi-sectoral and impactful, His Excellency, the Deputy Senate President, Dr Barau I Jibrin, CFR, is, his impact as a good and responsible representative, is felt across the entire Kano state, particularly, his primary constituency, Kano North. It isn’t an over-streched statement or boastful presentation, to say, Kano has never produced, a productive and people – oriented Senator like him. I stand to be corrected.

His expertise goes beyond being an orator, on the floor of the Senate, this important quality touches his constituents with multi-sectoral interventions across all the local governments. His quietness, discipline, leniency, humane posture, regional and global understanding, and intellectual capacity, are not only intimidating, they are the engine room of his domineering effect among contemporaries. No doubt about this. He who doubts, at his own peril.

On the floor of the Senate, DSP Jibrin, commands respect among colleagues. As he believes respect is reciprocal. Not only his Distinguished colleagues, even staff of the National Assembly, Senate precisely, know that, His Excellency is a rallying point for true patriotism and disciplined citizenship. His detribalised posture, earns him more respect among colleagues. He doesn’t look down at fellow human beings. An attribute that is naturally his.

The first Deputy Senate President from Kano state, since the return of democracy. It is an open secret that, His Excellency, Senate President, Senator God’swill Akpabio, enjoys working with the DSP very well. He finds an informed, highly educated, well versed, down-to-earth, an excellent human manager and brilliant Deputy, in DSP Jibrin. So also other Distinguished colleagues. Kano is proud of you Sir! Adieu Senator!! Adieu!!!

His strength in the Senate lies on the shoulders of its leadership and all other Distinguished colleagues. The kind of cooperation and mutual understanding he enjoys from his colleagues, became defining moment in his legislative life and selfless representation.

His unrelenting effort in respectfully engaging with all Senators, coupled with his brilliant understanding and contributions in the legislative process, earn him extra goodwill and well wishes from his colleagues. He is one of the leading principal officers, who listens the demands of colleagues and attends to them.

His multi – sectoral interventions back home, made it necessary for him to look at many sectors and sub-sectors, for the good of his people. Let me refer back to few months ago. This enlightened Senator, was, according to a research then, the most visible and one of the most productive legislators across Northern Nigeria. His, is beyond Kano.

As his legislative influence and recognition, go beyond Nigeria. Remember? He is the First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament. A position he holds with passion, confidence, strategic engagement, vivid understanding of the global politics and Pan African posture. He has already been identified as one of the most vibrant legislators across Africa. Barau Ikon Allah!

What results are there at home from this gentleman? This space cannot take all his interventions back home. But I manage to list some of the fundamental projects and programmes from the Distinguished Senator. Let me start with his interventions for Kano North, 2015–2026, at a glance, if you wish.

Under Education he initiated Foreign scholarships. Fully funded Postgraduate Scholarships Abroad for indigent students through Barau I. Jibrin Foundation. Where seventy (70) students from across all the local governments under his Kano North zone benefited. All the sponsored students, that I earlier called BARAU SCHOLARS, got admission to study modern courses of greater value and substance. Such as Software Engineering, Robotics Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Engineering, among others.

Just few days back, some of the Barau Scholars came back home after successfully completing their postgraduate studies abroad. They were received well by Barau’s Foundation and their respective families. They promised to give their quota in the development of the state as a whole. And the country in general. This is selfless, meaningful and patriotic engagement of our youth. One like no other.

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It is all there for all to go and search, he gave scholarships for hundreds of thousands for Kano North students, across our tertiary institutions in the state. Which was also extended statewide, for other students from Kano Central and Kano South senatorial zones. Under this our people – oriented Senator also sponsored 300 hundred students to some selected Nigerian universities across the nation. All the stories are there for one to search.

He sponsored and facilitated for the establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo (FUST, Kabo). Which has since taken-off. Renaming of Federal College of Education, Kano, (FCE, Kano) to Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

He facilitated the establishment of Satellite Campuses of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) across all the local governments under his constituency, Kano North. He did that to ameliorate the suffering of our students going to other places for the NOUN programmes. With this, many more students got enrolled to further their education.

I do not talk of how he facilitated for the establishment of Satellite Campuses of the Federal University, Dutsinma, across many local governments in Kano state. With this initiative, many Kano students got admission and have started their studies comfortably. He believes in education being the key to human and societal development.

Under Agriculture & Food Security, DSP allocated the sum of Two Billion Seventy Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (N2.79b), under Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the Northwest (BIARN), scheme. Where interest-free N5m loans would be given to each of the 558 young farmers across Northwest. Though the project is still batting hard to be implemented.

He developed another agricultural strategy for 132 beneficiaries, under special programme of Crop Focus, for maize and rice cultivation to boost yields and cut food cost. An initiative to promote food security. In the same line, he distributed over 400,000 bags of rice as palliatives to over Two Hundred Thousand households across Kano. This is just an estimate.

Under Economic Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation, he recently launched programme for grant distribution of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000), only as monthly capital to 1,300 individuals per month, from Kano North zone for 12 months. Which means a total of 15,600 beneficiaries. While the total disbursement will be over Two Hundred Million Naira (N218.2m) in one year.

He distributed the sum of N20,000 cash grants to 10,000 beneficiaries across 44 local government areas. Where 6,500 selected from Kano North, his constituency. At 500 per local government. Plus 112 beneficiaries per local government in Kano Central and Kano South. A Senator like no other.

Under the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for our small businesses, he purchased and distributed working equipments, like 1,300 sewing machines, 1,300 grinding machines, 1,300 deep freezers, 1,300 noodle-making machines and bags of flour, for women and youth across the state. A multi-purpose Senator if you like.

In his patriotic intervention in the transport sector, as his support, he distributed 1,300 bicycles for students in his constituency, especially in the rural areas, where the means of transportation is hard and harsh. He gave out 1,000 motorcycles to beneficiaries who came from different communities. With130 vehicles to transport unions.

In his unmatched effort to boost commercial activities around transport business, he initiated and launched Kano North Transport Service (KNTS), with 107 buses. It hardly takes you over 10 or 20 minutes, as one is plying major roads in Kano North without spotting such commercial buses with their tags and names decorated. This is human development per excellence.

For Sports and Youth Development, in his effort to boost sporting activities among youth, to keep them busy and drive them away from any form of drug abuse, he provided Jerseys for 1,950 teams across Kano North. Apart from other sport kits.

Under security, Distinguished Senator Jibrin, provided dozens of operational vehicles to Kano State Police Command to help them access nooks and crannies of the state. Some few months back, he donated over One Thousand (1,000) motorcycles to the Command for distribution to other ranks and file for easy and accessible operations across the state.

He gave out other logistics support to all the security agencies across the state. Apart from other security assistance to all security services in the state. Some of such donations cannot be disclosed for security reasons. As some security issues are not meant for public eyes.

For Legislative and regional projects he dearly facilitated projects across Kano North LGAs. His primary constituency. He hosted ECOWAS Parliament 2nd Extraordinary Session in Kano with 12 African countries in attendance, in April 2024. With that he was able to bring to the fore, for the participants to know the value of Kano culture, alongside the culture of the nation as a whole.

Distinguished DSP is not only a bridge builder between old and upcoming politicians in the North, he is one of the few legislators, who struggle to become embodiment of virtue, discipline, respect, hardwork, foresight, open-minded with sterling qualities, fearlessness and total commitment to welfare state.

With politicians like DSP, up North, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) needs a few press of some carefully selected buttons, ahead of 2027. If you want victory embrace those who see themselves as servants of the people.

Anwar writes from Kano
Tuesday, 21st April, 2026

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Opinion

Rabe Darma’s First 100 Days: Laying the Foundation for Nigeria’s Housing Renaissance

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3 days ago

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August 5, 2026

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By Ahmad Danyaro
Housing is more than bricks and mortar. It is about dignity, economic opportunity, social stability, and national development. Countries that have transformed their housing sectors have not merely built homes; they have built systems that make homeownership accessible, urban development sustainable, and investments attractive. Nigeria has long struggled to achieve these ideals, but the first 100 days of Engr. Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development have offered encouraging signs that a new era may be unfolding.
Since assuming office on 27 April , Dr. Darma has approached Nigeria’s housing challenge with a clear understanding that lasting solutions require more than commissioning housing estates. Rather, they demand comprehensive reforms that address the structural barriers responsible for decades of inadequate housing delivery. His administration has focused on land administration, investment promotion, institutional coordination, industry regulation, and social inclusion—areas that form the bedrock of a sustainable housing sector.
One of the defining initiatives of his first 100 days is the proposed nationwide Social Housing Programme, designed to extend affordable housing to all 774 Local Government Areas of the federation. The programme represents one of the most ambitious efforts to decentralise housing delivery in Nigeria’s history. If effectively implemented, it has the potential not only to reduce the country’s huge housing deficit but also to stimulate local economies through construction activities, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Equally significant is the programme’s emphasis on social inclusion. By prioritising women, children, victims of insecurity, internally displaced persons, and communities affected by natural disasters, the Minister has demonstrated that housing policy must also serve as social policy. In a nation grappling with displacement caused by insecurity and climate-related disasters, such an approach reflects both compassion and strategic thinking.
Within his first 100 days, Dr. Darma has also underscored the indispensable role of private-sector participation in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit. Recognising that government resources alone cannot meet the nation’s housing needs, he has actively engaged international investors and development partners. His discussions with Japan’s CHODAI Company Limited and other prospective partners signal Nigeria’s renewed commitment to attracting global expertise, innovative technology, and long-term financing into the housing and infrastructure sectors.
Across the world, successful housing programmes are anchored on strong Public-Private Partnerships. By assuring investors that Nigeria remains open for business and committed to creating an enabling environment, the Minister is laying the groundwork for increased investment capable of accelerating housing delivery and modern urban development.
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of his reform agenda is the renewed focus on land administration.
For decades, access to land has remained one of the greatest obstacles to affordable housing in Nigeria. Lengthy registration processes, insecure titles, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ownership disputes have discouraged investment while placing homeownership beyond the reach of many citizens. Dr. Darma’s commitment to the Nigerian Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme (NLTRDP) represents a bold effort to tackle these long-standing challenges.
The proposed digitalisation of land records, deployment of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), electronic documentation, and the establishment of a more efficient land administration framework promise to improve transparency, shorten processing timelines, and restore confidence in land ownership. These reforms may not generate the excitement of housing commissioning ceremonies, but they are precisely the institutional changes capable of transforming the sector over the long term.
The Minister has also demonstrated commendable resolve in addressing the persistent challenge of building collapses through stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment. His insistence on ending quackery, enforcing professional standards, and strengthening regulatory oversight reflects a commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring confidence in the construction industry.
By advocating a coordinated regulatory framework involving all professional bodies and stakeholders, Dr. Darma is reinforcing the principle that sustainable development must be underpinned by professionalism, accountability, and strict compliance with building standards.
Institutional efficiency has equally featured prominently in his first 100 days. Through engagements with Federal Controllers of Housing across the federation, the Minister has emphasized improved project monitoring, stronger inter-agency coordination, and enhanced accountability in project execution. These administrative reforms may receive less public attention, but they are essential to translating policy into measurable outcomes.
Naturally, the true test of any administration lies not in policy announcements but in implementation. Nigerians have witnessed ambitious programmes in the past that faltered due to inadequate funding, bureaucratic delays, weak political will, or inconsistent execution. The reforms initiated during these first 100 days must therefore be sustained through transparency, measurable targets, stakeholder collaboration, and rigorous monitoring.Even so, the direction being charted deserves recognition.
For perhaps the first time in many years, national conversations on housing are moving beyond the mere construction of houses towards broader institutional reforms encompassing land governance, digital transformation, investment attraction, professional regulation, and inclusive urban development. This holistic approach aligns more closely with global best practices and recognises housing as both a social necessity and a catalyst for economic growth.
Housing remains one of the strongest multipliers in any economy. It drives manufacturing, construction, transportation, financial services, and numerous small businesses while generating employment across multiple sectors. A vibrant housing industry strengthens communities, improves living standards, and contributes significantly to national development.
In his first 100 days, Engr. Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the sector. His priorities are becoming increasingly clear, and his early interventions suggest a willingness to confront some of the most difficult structural challenges that have hindered Nigeria’s housing development for decades.
The journey ahead will undoubtedly be demanding. Expectations remain high, resources are limited, and implementation will ultimately determine the success of these reforms. However, if the momentum generated during these first 100 days is sustained with consistency, professionalism, and accountability, Nigeria’s housing sector could be on the threshold of a genuine transformation.
For millions of Nigerians who still dream of owning a decent and affordable home, that is a vision worth supportingand one that deserves every opportunity to succeed.
Danyaro is a Media and Public Affairs Analysts based in Abuja.

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Opinion

WARAKA: The Story of Kano Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Published

5 days ago

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August 3, 2026

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A Story by Nurse Ekwem Chinwendu Blessing (BNSC, RPHN, RM, RN)

I was out on my routine duty at Murtala Specialist Hospital for my ambulance service when I decided to take a walk to a centre I had heard about from Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit. The centre is called WARAKA–SARC — ‘Waraka’ meaning ‘healing’ in the English language. It is housed in the same building with the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA), a beautiful block within Murtala Specialist Hospital. The centre comprises three offices and two toilets. Inside, the offices are adorned with colourful posters of alphabets, numbers, GBV survivors support, pathway for initial care after sexual assaults and domestic animals and pets, creating a quiet and therapeutic atmosphere. The staff are warm and friendly.

The centre was sponsored by non-governmental organisation’s (NGOs) and championed by four ministries in the state: the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the State Police Force. Unfortunately, the NGOs have since pulled out. WARAKA–SARC attends to cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence for both males and females. I was informed that between 7 and 12 September 2015, training was conducted for doctors, nurses, and counsellors on the management of such cases. Due to the high rate of reported incidents, the NGOs and the four aforementioned ministries pushed for the official opening of the centre.

During my visit, I met several members of staff: a nurse nearing retirement, counsellors, a receptionist, and a volunteer who also serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. She conducts serological tests such as pregnancy test (serum), HIV, HBsAg, HCV, and VDRL. I had expected to see a doctor trained to assist with forensic examinations, but none was present. I was told that doctors had indeed been trained to provide evidence-based care to clients; however, due to the high demand for medical personnel, they were redeployed to other hospitals and units. Due to that, When a client presents — whether as a case of domestic violence or assault — they are referred to the Gynaecology Emergency Unit, the Gynaecology Ward, the Accident and Emergency Unit, or the Paediatric Unit, depending on the client’s age and the nature of the assault. Following examination, the client returns to WARAKA–SARC for further management, including counselling and serology. On average, the centre sees about fifty clients per week.

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Notwithstanding these challenges, this is the only functioning centre in the state that attends to cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence. I noted that all services rendered to clients are free of charge, and the centre also provides continuous follow-up care.

Based on my observation, WARAKA–SARC is a sensitive and vital centre. I therefore suggest the following measures to improve the care and services provided to clients:

· The deployment of medical personnel — including doctors, nurses, and counselling psychologists — to the centre.

· The four ministries should consistently include the centre in their annual budgets.

· Continuous engagement of staff through training, rural outreach programmes, community sensitisation, and the provision of incentives.

· NGOs should resume and sustain their collaboration with the centre.

· Proper referral pathways for clients to the centre must be established and maintained.

· The Ministry of Justice should make it mandatory for all cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence to pass through WARAKA–SARC before trial. This will enhance the centre’s visibility among individuals and communities.

· Additional centres should be established in strategic local government areas to bring services closer to rural communities far from Kano town, thereby improving access and utilisation.

· Community enlightenment on the importance of the centre and the need to seek help freely when necessary.

· Religious and community leaders should partner with the centre to promote peace and encourage community members to utilise its services.

 

Speak out, get help — end the cycle of violence.

WARAKA SARC: Your path to healing and justice.

Stop GBV. Support survivors. Strengthen justice.

WARAKA SARC: Restoring dignity, rebuilding lives.

Supporting survivors with care, dignity, and compassion.

WARAKA SARC — A Safe Space for Healing.

 

WARAKA–SARC HOTLINES

0903 042 4123

0902 894 4933

SAY NO TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

END VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

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Opinion

How Kano Digitized Land Turns N50m to N750m Monthly

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5 days ago

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August 3, 2026

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– Abba Ka Cika Gwarzo…

By Abba Anwar

Land administration, safety and security of land documents are dancing gorgeously to the gallery, as the administration of His Excellency, Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf digitalized and institutionalized land administration and ownership in the last three years.

Study tour to Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), by states like Abia, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, among others is a clear testimony that Kano is making headway with excellent innovations in land administration and management. Analog to digital development.

Before now, KANGIS was a small unit /department under the state Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. But when Governor Yusuf came on board, the agency turned into full-fledged and autonomous agency with the establishment Law. Normal legislative procedures were followed. And now an independent agency. This makes seamless operations possible. With clear mandate and global taste.

Billions of Naira injected in overhauling and modernizing the agency, were recovered within six months of becoming an autonomous agency. With full Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure which turned the face of the agency via digital and GIS infrastructures, pave the way for that.

Employing GIS enterprise, that is modernizing land administration, beginning from land application to the level of acquiring Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) has now become a seamless operation. Where slow operation fades away.

For Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) the agency was generating a maximum of Fifty Million Naira (N50m) monthly. With the new Law in place and dedicated leadership, from His Excellency down to the Director General of the agency, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, and dedicated staff, KANGIS can now boost of generating a maximum of up to Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N750m) monthly.

Racketeering of land documents by touts and weak minded internal elements, has significantly minimized. A system has now been in place for a land applicant to monitor the movement and progress of his or her application from the comfort of one’s room.

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There is an improved manpower, who are always undergoing training and retraining. To cope with the global best practice. With this and the digitalization of the agency, corruption is being reduced to minimal level in the administration and management of land. So also laziness from the part of the staff, unproductive posture, double allocation and insecured process for land ownership are all shelved aside.

Under the wisdom of His Excellency, the Governor, the agency, KANGIS, works hand in hand with the state ministry for land and physical planning. Unlike in some other states, where such agencies wall out ministries of land. Not only maintaining the two institutions, in Kano, both the agency and the ministry work harmoniously in rancour-free atmosphere.

Though land ministry is the mother ministry, but rivalry between them is significantly at the lowest level. It may interest one to know that all payments of the ministry are paid through KANGIS.

The Director General of KANGIS Dr Sani is a renown scholar of geographic information system of global repute, who was invited by Governor Yusuf from far away Turkey, to come and serve his state. Without hesitation, Dr Sani responded positively to His Excellency’s request. Here he is, Dr Sani brought many strategies and innovations to KANGIS. The political will of the Governor helps much in this development. That has eluded the agency since its creation in 2012.

Understanding the genuine political will and commitment of the Governor towards the spirit development of the agency, the good working relationship between all the political appointees and staff of the agency and the mother ministry, is strengthening day in day out. They all understand what team work is to the development of the state.

Ranging from the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abudujjabar Muhammad Umar, Adviser to the Governor on Land Matters, Hadiza Gadanya, Director General of KANGIS, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Land Matters, Alhaji Ahmad down to the Senior Special Reporter Nanu Kankarofi, all believe and understand what team work is and what Governor Yusuf wants in reshaping land administration, control and ownership in the state. Kudos to them all.

Another important picture of Governor’s genuine love for a new Kano is his non-interference in KANGIS’s operations and technical decisions. Being an autonomous with competent hand as the Director General, Governor Yusuf believes he puts a square peg in a square hole. At KANGIS and the mother ministry, modernization with global touch is quite visible. It was this visibility, I guessed, that prompted other states to come to Kano and start shopping for ingenious land administration.

I can still remember vividly clear, when the immediate past Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Dangiwa visited KANGIS sometime back, he informed the DG that when he returned back to Abuja, he would inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to kindly urge other states of the federation to come to Kano and visit KANGIS for them to replicate Kano model of land administration. I don’t know if that really happened.

With the full operation and commitment of KANGIS and Land Ministry, Kano Master Plan of over 30 years is now being undusted and ready to be revisited word by word. This is possible as a result of Governor Yusuf’s political will and commitment.

Anwar writes from Kano
Monday, 3rd August, 2026

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