Muhammad Sani Uba

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has appointed Professor Sule Yau Sule of Bayero University, Kano, and Dr. Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu, also of Bayero University, Kano, to head two of its strategic committees as part of efforts to bolster press freedom and professionalism in the media space.

Professor Sule, a renowned communications scholar and respected academic, will serve on the Advocacy Committee as member, while Dr. Ruqayyah chairs the Membership Committee, highlighting IPI Nigeria’s commitment to intellectual depth and diversity in its leadership structure.

The appointments were announced by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, in a statement issued by the institute’s Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, on Sunday in Abuja. In total, 30 seasoned media professionals were named to serve across four standing committees – Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership.

Mojeed said the reconstitution of the committees would “accelerate efforts to safeguard press freedom and promote ethical journalism practices in Nigeria.”

The Fundraising Committee is led by Ms Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), with Alhaji Yusuf Alli as secretary. Members include Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, Garba Shehu, Juliet Bumah, and Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist.

Other members are Victoria Ibanga, Olufunke Fadugba, and Gbemiga Ogunleye, a former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

Prof Sule Yau Sule

Mr Oladotun Oladipo, Managing Editor of Premium Eagle Ltd, chairs the Programming Committee, with Hajia Sani of Voice of Nigeria as secretary. Members include Zainab Okino, Dayo Aiyetan of ICIR, Catherine Agbo of 21st Century Chronicle, Emma Agu, and Ahmed Shekarau.

Tobi Soniyi, Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, chairs the Advocacy Committee, assisted by Ochiaka Ugwu of Peoples Daily. Other members include Danlami Nmodu, Laide Abbas of NTA, David Ajikobi, and Fred Ohwahwa.

On the Membership Committee, Linda Kpum of IPI Nigeria will serve as secretary, with members including IPI Nigeria Deputy President Fidelis Mbah, Naziru Abubakar, and Dr Bolanle Ismail of Crescent University.

Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has donated 20 hecters of land to Nigerian Navy for the construction of a boarding senior secondary school in Sumaila loca government, Kano state.

Speaking while conducting the representatives of the Nigerian Navy round the land, Sen. Sumaila said the donation was to complement the Federal government’s efforts towards boosting education system.

Representing Kano South Senatorial Districtin, Sumaila said already the FG has earmarked N5.2bn in the 2025 budget for the construction of the school.

“The school is for both males and females and was to admit students from all over the country. The move will boost education system in Sumaila local government and Kano state.

“We thanked Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the gesture. I donated my land to the Nigerian Navy as part of my contribution to the project. As a representative, it is duty bound upon myself to contribute to this project because it is meant to help my constituents.

“Besides the donation of the land, I will continue to do follow ups to ensure that the project sees the light of the day. I will be part and parcel of any project that concerns my constitutes,” he assured.

In another development, Sen. Sumaila also assured consistent follow ups on the Kano-Wudil-Shuwarin road project, saying the project was critical to his constituents.

Sumaila, who stated this when he received a delegation from the Triactor Construction Company, also said he will liaise with federal ministry of works and the Traicter to ensure completion of the project in time.

It can be recalled that the Kano Wudil Road the Kano-Maiduguri dual carriage project was awarded by the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration but about 20 years, but the project was not completed.

Though the Buhari-administration commitment to improving road transportation led to the award of so many road contracts to restore the dilapidated roads in the country and among these roads was the renew contract of the dualization of the Kano-Maiduguri road yet the project was not completed.

However, following a motion by Sen. Sumaila on the Section One project, the Federal Executive Council terminated the contract and re-awarded same to Triacter construction company.

This particular portion of the road which has long been a death trap—causing frequent accidents, loss of lives, and persistent traffic congestion— will now receive the urgent attention it deserves.

The new contract, valued at One Hundred and Twenty-Four Billion, Four Hundred Million Naira (₦124,400,000,000), comes with a completion timeline of three years.

Kano State’s unity and progress took center stage as Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi, Director General of One Kano Agenda (OKA), addressed the press at the Kano NUJ Centre.

In a speech, he called for respect for the authority of Kano State as a recognized federating unit, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in the face of recent challenges.

Ambassador Abdullahi began by extending condolences to the family of the late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sunusi, and the entire Kano community. “A respected elder and custodian of our traditions has departed,” he said. “We pray that Allah SWT grants him eternal peace and gives his family the strength to bear the loss.”

The Director General highlighted the recent tensions surrounding the Emirate issue, which have sparked public debates and fueled discord. “While discussions on matters of history and tradition are important, we must be careful not to allow misinformation or political manipulation to erode the unity we have built over generations,” he warned.

Ambassador Abdullahi underscored the significance of Kano’s traditional institutions, describing the Emirate as a symbol of governance, values, and leadership. He cautioned against politicizing or exploiting this heritage for personal or partisan gain, stating, “The peace and dignity of Kano must never be sacrificed for any agenda.”

In a call to action, he urged youth, civil society groups, religious leaders, political actors, and traditional stakeholders to rise above divisions and prioritize Kano’s unity. “The strength of Kano has always been in its people—diverse, resilient, and united,” he affirmed.

Ambassador Abdullahi also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kano State Governor, and the respected elders of Arewa to encourage peaceful dialogue among all stakeholders. “National peace begins with local harmony, and the restoration of calm in Kano is a matter of national interest,” he said. He emphasized the need for non-partisan mediation to maintain mutual respect between state and federal institutions.

Addressing Kano’s royal fathers and traditional leaders, he called on them to provide wisdom and guidance during this critical time. “The people of Kano look up to you. Let your leadership guide us through this time with dignity and foresight,” he urged.

The Director General concluded with a message of hope and unity, encouraging all citizens to become promoters of peace. “Kano’s greatness lies ahead of us, not behind us. It is not too late to rewrite a new future together, with courage, wisdom, and a deep love for our land,” he said.

Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi’s address serves as a rallying cry for unity, peace, and progress, reaffirming the commitment of One Kano Agenda to safeguarding Kano’s traditions and fostering a brighter future for all.