Opinion

Kano’s Protracted Developmental Inequality And The Need For Alternative City

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2021

By Muhammad A Haske

The tenure of Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu as Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) recently ended in February 10, 2021. He bows out as a rare educational superman and radical reformer even as his exit was greeted with avalanche of eulogies, commendations and celebrations.

During his stewardship, apart from transforming the university rating to all-time high, he has also expanded access to quality educational opportunities for the most marginalised and remote areas nationwide. In his home state, Kano, Prof. Abdallah has through collaboration with state legislators at the National Assembly made a bold attempt to break an age-long jinx of Kano city monopoly of educational access points. He was able to astonishingly increase the number of NOUN study centres in Kano State from only one to seventeen, a development that re-inscribed his name in gold in Kano hall of fame.

However, this unprecedented feat achieved by Abdallah has not only brought to the fore the lingering marginalisation of the Kano south senatorial district but further exposed the total lack of commitment of our political leaders in zone particularly members of the National assembly towards changing the narratives of lopsidedness in spacial distribution of projects.

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It seems to suggest that the plight of our people and neglect of the area was almost a self –inflicted. Of the seventeen established new centres; Kano South senatorial zone, the largest and most rural with sixteen local government areas(LGAs) has no single study centre while Kano North senatorial district has thirteen study centres; one in each of its thirteen LGAs of Shanono, Bagwai, Rimin Gado, Dawakin Tofa, Kabo, Tofa, Bichi, Danbatta, Gwarzo, Kunchi, Makoda,Gabasawa and Tsanyawa. Kano Central zone has four mega centres in Dakata, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge and Kwaciri study centres. It’s worthy to note that Dawakin Kudu study Centre is the biggest in Nigeria. All of the facts above are verifiable @ www.nou.edu.ng.

While commending Sen. Barau I. Jibrin, Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki and Hon. Aminu Goro of Kano North senatorial zone, DawakinKudu/Warawa and Fagge Federal constituencies respectively for such unparalleled achievements that led provision numerous jobs and educational prospects for their constituents, I would like to respectfully draw the attention political stakeholders from the Kano South particularly Federal Lawmakers to wake up from their slumber and be strategic in bring more dividends of democracy to their people. How this could happen to an area that produces some of the best, longest and most influential national assembly members; Sen. Kabiru Gaya and Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa must take largest share of the blame.
Even though optimistic, I speculatively heard and doubt the viability of a bill to establish a Federal College of Education, (FCE), Tudunwada Dankadai being sponsored by Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa, because currently Kano hosts two FCEs and only miracle can make it the only state in the federation to have three FCEs. Similarly, for more than three years, the intrigues on where to site the proposed Federal polytechnic in Kano are compounding by the day and its proposed establishment bill is still pending in the air. It’s proposed to be sited in Kwaciri, later changed to Kabo then to Rano. Now nobody knows where.

Kano State as the Nigeria’s centre of commerce, most populous state and prides herself as the giant of the North. In terms of mega infrastructures, cosmopolitan composition, population, economic potency, rich cultural heritage and history, Kano is unmatched to any state in the north. Even with Kano’s superiority slogan of “Ko da me ka zo an fika, there exist a protracted neglect and infrastructural inequality in the state. It’s such a huge irony where the city is rated the best in the North while its rural LGAs are some of the remotest. Also, on critical state-by-state comparison, factoring into cognisance the one-city nature of the state, one could easily realise that Kano state not Kano city is only an overcharge that most of the so called rural states are far better than it. Most of our neighbours were able create at least one city/semi city in their state. For example; Kaduna state has two other alternative cities of Zaria, Kafanchan, Katsina (Daura, Malumfashi, Dutsin-ma), Jigawa (Hadejia, Kazaure and Birnin Kudu), Yobe (Potiskum and Gashua) and so on. Residents of these sub-cities could live their places without putting much pressure on the capital. And it was on this note even Lagos state conceived the idea and developed the Atlantic City.

Successive state governments in Kano have paid little or no attention on the need for fair distribution of development. Although, Kano as a state has been united but there are still unnoticed agitations in the state over political dominance particularly in the extreme southern part of the state. The defunct Movement for the creations of Tiga and Ghari States out Kano were indeed classical examples of existence of such agitation. The euphoria that greeted the recent balkanization of Kano emirate was also relevant.

All previous efforts to create cities far away from Kano have failed; from Governor Shekarau’s effort to urbanise Rano, Bichi and Wudil to Kwankwaso’s five kilometre project up to Ganduje’s Karkara salamu alaimu aialikum. While almost all LGAs headquarters in Jigawa state could boast of effective network of township roads, not a single non- metropolitant LGA could do so in Kano. The earlier we realised the extreme need to develop alternative city in Kano state with view the ultimate aim of decongesting the city, the better for us. Previous efforts of expanding the city have not yielded the desired result as Amana, Kwankwasiyya and Bandirawo cities are still empty. While expansion of the city should be sustained, the need to have second state capital in the state is imperative and sacrosanct.

It’s unfortunate that Kano is a one-city state where almost all the higher institutions in the state are concentrated either within the city or within the radius of 50km from the city, a development that put unwarranted pressure on the city and caused unprecedented rural-urban migration with attendant economic and social consequence on the city. It also has the potency of exploding further the city’s population that grows almost exponentially.

For the sake of emphasis, I would like to re-echo again that, in addition to multi-billion naira flyovers, underpasses and bridges, there are presently no fewer than twenty three (23) higher institutions of learning located either within the city or at least 50km radius from the city. In Kano metropolis alone, we have Bayero University, Kano (both old and new campus), Federal College of Education (FCE), Kano, Yusuf Maitama Sule University (Northwest), Kano Polytechnics, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education(SRCOE), School of Nursing, College of Health Technology, School of Hygiene, Aminu Kano college of Islamic and legal studies(ACKCILS), Aminu Kano teaching Hospital(AKTH), Digital Bridge Institue, Stored Products Institute and Aminu Dabo College of Health Technology. Others are the newly established private universities of Skyline, Maryam Abatch Univesity of Nigeria, City Capital University, At-tanzil University. Other institutions that are within the radius of 50km from the city are Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi (41km), Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil (41.2km), Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta (47km), School of Midwifery, Danbatta(47km) School of Nursing, Madobi (37.6km), National Police University (Police Academy) Wudil (41.2km). Why wouldn’t the city be overstretched?

Kano’s lack of alternative city was one the main reason for its exploding urban-rural migration, population, poor town planning and congestion. According to IQ Airvisual, Switzerland, Kano is one of the most polluted cities with 53.4% pollution.
Against this background that I would like to reiterate that I am not against the idea of constructing mega structures in Kano, in fact I would advocate building for more. However, I only want to advocate for fair distribution of social infrastructure and urge the relevant political stakeholders to see reason in the idea for developing Kano’s rural LGAs especially the one far away for this is only way to decentralize development and creation of alternative city for the betterment of our people.

Muhammad A.Haske,No.018 Jos Road Tudun-wada Dankadai Kano State ,muhdhaske2007@gmail.com .

Opinion

Minimum Wage Increment: Be Proactive My Governor.

Published

19 hours ago

April 30, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By-Abba Hamisu Sani

1st of May every year is a special day for workers in Nigeria working with the government or with the Private sector.

The main issue ahead of this year’s celebrations is the expectation of the new minimum wage Increment.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce the new salary scale as Vice President Senator Kashim Shatima hinted recently that by the 1st of May, the new minimum wage will be ready for implementation.

Here I want to salute the courage exhibited by the Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki who has increased the minimum wage for workers in the state from 40,000 naira to 70,000 naira ahead of the 2024 Workers Day celebrations.

This prompted my attention to urge my state governor Abba Yusuf to follow the suit of Edo State governor in this direction.

Kano workers suffered a lot in the hands of the immediate past administration, ranging from different kinds of deductions which causes uncertainty on the amount to be collected by a worker and even pensioners every month.

Governor Abba if you do the same as Obasaki, the Kano people will be happy with you as it will boost the state economy and currency circulation.

It is very imperative at this time to be proactive and not wait for the Federal government announcement before taking your step in making Kano workers happy.

Infrastructural development is quite needed but at this time social security is the most critical as it has been said “A hungry man is an angry man”.

Workers’ salaries are too low to cater to their basic needs, such as food, rent, transportation, and school fees for their children while they see politicians cruising in jeeps and other expensive cars.

Finally, Governor Yusuf remember that these workers have sacrificed a lot during the 2023 elections to see that you emerged as Kano governor.

Is very important to consider their plight at this moment of critical economic hardship.

I urged all comrades in different forms of struggle including civil society Forum to join me in pushing the Kano State government to implement a new minimum wage in a dignified manner as the Edo State governor did.

Abba Hamisu Sani is a
Media Consultant /CEO Time Base TvAfrica & Africa Press.
Can be reached via timebasetv@gmail.com

Opinion

As Prominent Nigerians Pour Encomiums on the Late Sidi Ali-Dembo

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Late Sidi Ali

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

I was not in my regular station in Minna as I took a brief trip to Abuja for an all important matter. In the night of Thursday, 25th April, 2024, I was reading in the news that Alhaji Sidi Ali had passed on. Innalillahi waiina ilaihi rajiun

He was the father of the current Spokesperson of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs). According to the news, he was among second Republic Parliamentarians.

Many mourners have trooped to his residence at the NNDC Quarters,Hotoro GRA, Tarauni local government area of Kano State for condolences. He was buried on Friday 26th April, 2024.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf in a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa described late Ali as a trusted public servant who made sacrifices to ensuring that Nigeria remains a united and indivisible country. The Governor acknowledged the positive contributions of the deceased as a Senator in the Second Republic in shaping the Parliament and the overall development of democracy in the country. He extended condolences to his families and prayed for those he left behind to have the courage to bear the loss.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the late author describing him as a creative writer. Part of his condolences reads: “I am pained by the demise of the noted journalist, author, and politician, Sidi H. Ali, who won my heart and that of many through his critical writings and the two books he wrote about me.” The former President equally expressed his condolences to his family and admirers.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin has extolled the virtues of the deceased, saying he contributed immensely to the development of the country in both political and media spheres.

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According to a statement from his Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir the deputy Senate President describes Ali thus: ” The death of our late elder statesman,Alhaji Sidi Ali,is not a loss to his immediate family alone, but a monumental loss to the country as a whole.He served our country meritoriously in different capacities and displayed his wealth of talent for the unity and growth of the nation.”

Barau was at their Hotoro GRA residence in Kano to commiserate with his family and urged them to remain united, and emulate the good virtues of their late father.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement described late Sidi Ali as a respected veteran journalist, prolific writer, and a politician whose contributions to the field of journalism, literature, and politics have left an indelible mark. He added that Alhaji Sidi Ali, throughout his career, exemplified high standards of professionalism and integrity and provided invaluable insights with historical references into the pressing issues of time.

The minister said that as the nation mourns the loss of Alhaji Sidi Ali, his wisdom, compassion, and dedication to his craft would continue to inspire generations to come.

In the words of Senator Shehu Sani, the mournful message reads:
“I received the sad news of the demise of a renowned Elder statesman, author, journalist, politician and historian, Alhaji SIDI ALI. Apart from Tafawa Balewa and Sardauna of Sokoto, no other Northerner was closely known by historic figures and World leaders in the 60s and 70s like the late SIDI. The late Elderstateman was personally known by President JF Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, Kwame Nkrumah and many others.
The late Sidi Ali was a human library and a prolific writer. He was one man who could recall every event that happened in Nigeria’s history from independence till date. A great loss. My condolences to his family and the good people of Kano State.
May Allah grant him Aljanna firdausi, Amin.”

In the same vein, Lauretta Onochie, the Former Personal Assistant to Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, on her Facebook post also mourned honourable Sidi Ali. According to her, he was a great journalist, a great writer and a father to her.

One of his daughters said “Baba was a people’s person , he loved people generally across all strata. A humanitarian to the core.
A true Nigerian.
We grew up wearing clothes from MKO Abiola, Oloye Olusola Saraki, and many others”

According to a family source”The late Senator Joseph Tarka family and the people of Benue state were at the deceased residence on a condolence call. The Sidi Ali family and the Tarka Family have a long standing decades of close relationship. Senator Joseph Tarka is the father of the SGF”.

The former Registrar/Chief Executive National Examinations Council NECO, and the current Vice Chancellor, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu University,Kano Professor Abdulrashid Garba also paid a condolence visit to the family.

Professor Hannatu Sabo, the Jigawa State Commissioner for finance, budget and planing also visited personally to sympathize with the family. Alhaji Sule Lamido, the former Jigawa State Governor,
Former Minister of State for works and Housing, Hon Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub , Senator Gumel,
A member of Federal House Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and others in the National Assembly from Kano State,Former Senator Aminu Inuwa, Professor Dandago,Kano Commercials ,traders and Academic communities were also fully represented during the condolence visit.

The elder statesman spent years serving the Nigerian International Press Centre, Ministry of Information and National Broadcasting Commission, among other critical institutions.

He travelled wide and his vast experience influenced his affection for journalism and communication. Ali authored 19 books, one of which is “Corruption in High Society”

According to Daily Trust Newspaper (27th April, 2023) “Ali was born in Kano but travelled to Ghana, where he met the country’s political leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who arranged for him to travel to London, and later, the United States to further his education”

In his 2018 birthday message, Former President Muhammadu Buhari established that Ali spent most of his life serving the country as a public affairs officer, “most remarkably for ensuring accurate and balanced information on government activities during and after the civil war.” (PR Nigeria news)

Personally, based on what I have read about late Sidi Ali, one can conclude that he was a fearless and pragmatic writer. It was reported that he was arrested by the regime of General Yakubu Gowon for writing an article against the Federal Government. A good writer is always sensitive and can’t look away when things are not properly done. To me, a coward can’t be a writer. The responsibility of an average writer is to use his pen to draw the attention of leaders to social anomalies in the society with a view to correcting them.

Honourable Sidi Ali was an APC Stalwart and a member of party’s Elders Committee in Kano State. He died at the age of 86 and was survived by children and grandchildren. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah firdaus.Ameen

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

07037813177

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.