By Murtala Uba Mohammed PhD

Kano’s recent ranking as the number one city for safely raising a family has sparked widespread debate across social media, prompting renewed conversations about the city’s image and reputation. Many people, especially those who frequently encounter negative news about Kano, question whether the city truly deserves such recognition.

Indeed, Kano is often portrayed as a hotspot for crime, theft, political hooliganism, and social unrest. The outspoken nature of its people has also made the city less appealing to some observers. Yet, Kano is not just another city; it is a civilization in its own right, historically deep, socially vibrant, economically resilient, and culturally influential.

The high number of reported crimes in Kano should not automatically be used to label it as unsafe or undesirable. Rather, such visibility is partly a consequence of its large population, cosmopolitan character, and strong media presence. Compared to many cities in northern Nigeria and even across the wider Sahel region, Kano remains one of the most socially and economically active urban centres, naturally attracting greater public attention.

Kano has long served as a safe haven for migrants, traders, workers, and entrepreneurs from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Ironically, many of the high-profile criminal incidents reported in the city involve non-indigenes residing in Kano. The viral case of the woman (whose origin is Zamfara State) allegedly killed by a Chinese national in Jan Bulo, the incident involving a woman from Sokoto and her husband in Naibawa, or the more recent killing of a trader in Sheka allegedly linked to an individual from rural Katsina State, all reflect the city’s openness and diversity rather than a uniquely “Kano” problem.

If anything, Kano’s ranking speaks to the resilience, adaptability, and dynamism of the city. Great cities, especially mega and emerging mega cities like Kano, naturally experience social shocks and pressures. Yet, despite these challenges, they continue to stand strong, recover, reinvent themselves, and outlive waves of criticism and negativity.

People may say many things about Kano, but very few can truly resist Kano. The city possesses a magnetic force rooted in its history, commerce, culture, and human energy. Kano is like a beautiful flowering lady — hardly does a healthy young or old man pass by without turning to admire her beauty.

Continue to shine, Kano, our dearest Kano. Hold the flag high, keep rising, and continue to inspire generations.Misliki ka alfin.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence on Thursday, following the conclusion of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries.

He was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and other party chieftains.

The visit comes amid political discussions and reactions surrounding the ADC primaries, in which both Atiku and Amaechi played prominent roles.

According to party sources, the meeting is part of ongoing consultations aimed at fostering unity within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the party’s presidential primary.

As of the time of this report, details of the closed-door meeting had not been made public.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, securing a commanding majority of the votes cast, according to official results announced by the party.

Mr Abubakar polled 1,846,370 votes out of a total of 2,527,977 votes cast, defeating his two main challengers: former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatudeen.

Mr Amaechi finished a distant second with 504,117 votes, while Mr Hayatudeen came third with 177,120 votes.

However, the primary election was immediately mired in controversy, as both Mr Amaechi and Mr Hayatudeen rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice. The two candidates had earlier condemned the process even before the final results were announced.

The result positions Mr Abubakar as the ADC’s flag bearer for the upcoming presidential election, though the dispute over the credibility of the primary could foreshadow legal or internal party challenges in the days ahead.