Category: Daily Trust

As Kano emerges among the world’s most populous cities, questions abound on how history has shaped this trajectory and what the future holds. In this interview, a Kano-based historian and independent researcher, Dr Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, spoke on the root of Kano’s demographic expansion, the resilience of its cultural identity and the risks and opportunities of its rapid growth.

Right from the pre-colonial period, Kano played a major role as a sub-Saharan trade route. How did that shape its population over time?

Kano population has always been large because the area supported agriculture and craft industries long before colonial rule. Security and governance were strong, which attracted settlers. After the jihad of Shehu Usman Danfodio, raids from Maradi in the present-day Niger Republic depleted some Hausa lands, but many people moved into Kano.

The fertile agricultural zone around Kano continued to draw people. Kano became the largest producer of textiles in sub-Saharan Africa, producing cloth of such high quality that European travellers compared it to Manchester’s output. Historians like Elisabeth Esetji documented this, and it was part of the reason Europeans recommended colonising Kano. Even after colonialism destroyed much of the industry, Kano thrived on agriculture. At one point, it produced half a million tonnes of groundnut, half of Nigeria’s total.

So, this makes it very special and it continued to attract people because of peace and tranquility. So it is not surprising that Kano is still making rounds as the largest, the most populous state in Nigeria. Now, we are also witnessing a lot of security challenges in the North-East and in North-West. This economic strength kept attracting people.

Is there any correlation between the recent population surge in Kano with insecurity in other northern states?

Of course, there is. The insecurity in the North-East and North-West drives migration into Kano. Every day, new people arrive, fleeing banditry in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of Kaduna, or Boko Haram violence in the North-East. Entire neighborhoods are now populated by migrants from those regions. It is not surprising that Kano is now regarded as the second largest city in West Africa.

Many farming communities in some of these states have deserted their villages, and their most preferred relocation option is Kano due to its relative stability, fertile land and economic prosperity. Many neighbourhoods in Kano today have been populated by some of these people in the last 15 years and most of them are relocating permanently and not going back to their states.

With so many people relocating and different cultures coming together, do you see Kano’s cultural identity being diluted?

There is no dilution; what happens is assimilation. This has always been the case. Before colonial rule, Kano had settlements like Dandalin Turawa and Dandalin Gwari populated by Arabs, Tudun Nufawa by Nupe, Ayagi by Yoruba. They all became Kanawa.

Today, you find southeastern Nigerians in Panisau and Kofalua, many of whom have become billionaires in Kano. They identify as Kano people. So, rather than dilution, we see assimilation and integration. Kano’s cultural identity is resilient. It absorbs newcomers and makes them part of the city.

This resilience is one of Kano’s greatest strengths. It explains why the city has remained stable despite waves of migration. People do not come to Kano and remain outsiders; they become part of the fabric of the city. That is why, even with millions arriving from different regions, Kano continues to thrive without losing its cultural essence.

Historically, governments and emirs responded to population growth. What lessons should present leaders learn?

The most important lesson is education. If people are educated, they gain social mobility. Without education, their possibilities are limited. Expanding agricultural production is also vital because it remains the most important productive sector.

Kano was once the most prosperous province in black Africa, producing textiles and leather goods like 10million sandals annually. That level of productivity created wealth. Today, we must revive agriculture and industry, adding value through processing. Education, agriculture, and industry are the pillars for managing population positively.

The projection puts Kano city’s population at 17.5 million now, rising to 20 million by 2030. What risks or opportunities do you foresee?

There are both risks and opportunities. If education and productive economic activities are not provided, we will face crises, crime, social unrest and overstressed infrastructure. But if government is careful and inclusive, and if productivity is prioritised, the opportunities are immense.

The danger is that Nigeria invests more in services than production. Manufacturing is low, agriculture is neglected and energy is insufficient. Without electricity to power industries, Kano will struggle. In the next four years, if we do not invest in agriculture, manufacturing and energy, the risks will outweigh the opportunities.

What should Kano learn from other megacities in the world to put this population to its advantage?

Environmental health and sanitation are fundamental. Waste management is critical. Without it, we risk health hazards and damage to the city’s image. Public health management must improve.

Transport infrastructure is another area. We cannot rely on tricycles and informal systems. We need innovative public transport. Major cities across the world have clean environments, efficient transport and strong education systems. Kano must learn from them.

Are you satisfied with what the government at different levels is doing to make this population more productive?

Government has limitations. Even in developed countries, citizens complain. But compared to Nigeria, they live in paradise. Here, the challenges are enormous. Whatever the government does, more is needed. Institutions must work harder. The problems are complex and require continuous effort.

As a megacity, what kind of Kano do you hope to see in the next 20 to 30 years?

I want to see a better Kano, a commercial and cultural centre, the largest Muslim city in sub-Saharan Africa, protecting Hausa culture and language. I hope Kano becomes the best place in black Africa, rivaling Kinshasa but without its political turmoil.

Kano must promote culture, Islam, peaceful coexistence, prosperity and a clean, smart environment. That is the vision: a city that is both modern and rooted in its heritage, offering prosperity to its millions.

The President of the Kaiama Development Association (KDA), Yakubu Salihu, has disclosed that only 163 of the 176 people earlier confirmed abducted by terrorists from communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom.

Salihu, who spoke in an interview with Daily Trust on Thursday, said the association was yet to ascertain whether the missing 13 victims died in captivity or were not among those released.

He urged security agencies to establish their whereabouts.

His disclosure comes after the Federal Government secured the release of 308 captives from terrorist camps in the Kainji forest axis spanning parts of Kwara, Niger and Kebbi states.

According to him, the freed victims have been moved to the military cantonment in Wawa for preliminary screening and are expected to be transferred to Ilorin for comprehensive medical evaluation before reuniting with their families.

‘We hope that between tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, they will be reunited with their families,’ Salihu said.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding the number of abductees, the KDA president maintained that both the terrorists and the victims had confirmed that 176 people were taken away during the attacks.

‘What they told us, and what the abductees themselves confirmed at the time they were kidnapped, was that they abducted 176 people. But when they were returned yesterday, only 163 were confirmed.

‘So, we have a shortfall of 13 people. We are still at a loss as to whether those people died in captivity or whether the original figure was incorrect. We want the security agencies to help us determine exactly what happened to the 13.’

Salihu stressed that the association’s position had never been about disputing statistics but ensuring that everyone held by the terrorists was rescued.

The KDA president said preliminary information from those who had visited the victims indicated that many of them were in poor physical and emotional condition after months in captivity.

‘They are not in the best of health because of the trauma they went through. One of the women gave birth while in captivity, while some others are maybe still pregnant.

‘We are hopeful that when they arrive in Ilorin, the state government will ensure they receive proper medical attention and that all their health needs are taken care of,’ he noted.

Salihu also dismissed reports that ransom was paid by the community to secure the captives’ freedom.

According to him, although residents made efforts to raise funds, the amount realised was insignificant and was never handed over to anyone.

He described the release as a huge relief to the affected communities after months of anguish.

While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release, Salihu warned that the success would be short-lived unless the root causes of insecurity in the area were addressed.

An agricultural firm, Al-Qaryah Agro Allied Ltd has tabled a landmark $1.295 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal to the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) to convert the Challawa Gorge Dam into Nigeria’s flagship agro-industrial hub.

The company’s management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Abubakar M. Nagwamatse, presented the plan at HJRBDA headquarters in Kano to Managing Director Engr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and his technical team.

Nagwamatse explained that the initiative seeks to deploy modern aquaculture and floating agriculture methods already in use across Asia to maximise the dam’s underutilised water body.

‘We plan to introduce crop production on water surfaces, alongside aquaculture and irrigation farming. This project will create at least 10,000 jobs and significantly boost food supply, which in turn will lower prices and open export opportunities,’ he said.

He lamented that the arrangement will help maximise the dam, which he said is presently not being put to its maximum capacity, leaving it only to subsistence small-scale farming.

He said the project is multi-dimensional and will integrate deep-water cage aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, rice-fish farming, duck farming, aquatic plant cultivation, floodplain irrigation, and land-based infrastructure, including a 150,000 metric tonne per year feed mill and a 50-million-fry hatchery.

Al-Qaryah stressed that the investment aligns with national food security goals, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, and the Komadugu-Yobe Basin SAP.

Responding, Engr. Bichi welcomed the proposal, noting that the Authority had long awaited private sector participation in PPP ventures.

He described the plan as a major step toward unlocking the socioeconomic potential of Northern Nigeria’s water infrastructure.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery delivered over 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in July.

Disclosing this in its latest data, a global commodities intelligence firm Kpler, said shipment accounted for about 20% of the continent’s total jet fuel imports for the month.

The development comes on the heels of a record 466,000 tonnes exported to Europe in June – the month Nigeria first overtook the United States as Europe’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.

According to the firm, the back-to-back performance signals a major milestone for the refinery, proving it can consistently meet the stringent quality standards of one of the world’s most demanding fuel markets.

Europe imported approximately 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with Dangote accounting for the single largest share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States and the Middle East.

Industry observers say the refinery is rapidly reshaping established Atlantic Basin fuel trade flows by offering a competitive alternative to long standing suppliers. While European buyers have traditionally relied on refiners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia, Dangote’s strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, combined with its scale, modern technology and export capability, has enabled it to become an increasingly important source of aviation fuel for European markets.

The refinery’s export momentum has been supported by steadily rising production. Jet fuel loadings at Dangote’s Lekki export terminal reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the throughput required to sustain growing exports of refined petroleum products to international markets.

The company said the latest figures come at a time of shifting global energy flows.

Although Europe received limited volumes of jet fuel from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, market disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical dynamics have encouraged buyers to diversify supply sources. Against this backdrop,

Dangote Refinery has emerged as a reliable and competitive supplier, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing importance in global refined products trade against this backdrop.

David Bird, MD/CEO, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, noted that: ‘Beyond aviation fuel, the refinery has continued to expand exports of diesel, gasoline and other refined petroleum products to destinations across Europe, Africa and other international markets, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of high value petroleum products.’

The Kano State Government has suspended its Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, SMC, programme activities and constituted a committee to investigate its implementation.

Public Relations Officer of the state’s Ministry of Health, Nabulisi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa, said this in a statement.

According to him, the suspension is to allow for a comprehensive review of the planning, distribution and implementation processes of the SMC programme in the state.

The statement further directed that all ongoing field operations, distributions and community engagement activities under the programme be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The ministry said the investigative committee will examine programme operations, documentation, personnel records and all related implementation activities.

According to the statement, the committee is chaired by Director General of the State AIDS Control Agency, SACA, Usman Bashir, with Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim: Director General, State Primary Healthcare Management Board, (SPHCMB); Ghali Sule, Director General, Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, (DMCSA); Mansur Mudi Nagoda, Executive Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, (HMB); Muhammad A. Abbas, Director General, Kano Centre for Disease Control, (KNCDC); Fatima Usman Zahradden, Executive Secretary, Kano Health Trust Fund, (KHETFUND); Rahila A. Mukhtar, Executive Secretary, Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, (KSCHMA) and Khadijah Hussein Said, Acting Director General, Private Health Institutions Management Agency, (PHIMA) as members while Nazeer Tanko Kyaure, Director Administration and General Services, Ministry of Health will serve as Secretary.

The ministry also directed the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, implementing partners and other stakeholders to report to the ministry headquarters with approved work plans, distribution records and candidate lists for verification.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in health programmes, and assured development partners and the public that the review was aimed at strengthening programme delivery.

Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has dismissed as false reports alleging that he and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are plotting to replace the party’s 2027 governorship candidate in the state, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah.

Ortom, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide, described the social media report as mischievous, misleading and a deliberate distortion of facts.

He explained that the meeting in question involved himself, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, and the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Aondoakaa, alongside prominent Benue stakeholders, including Chief Simon Shango, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, Dr. Pius Akutah, Engr. Emmanuel Ameh and Dr. Matthias Byuan.

Ortom said the gathering formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at building a broad strategic alliance of Benue stakeholders in the overall interest of the state and not to discuss any change in the party’s governorship ticket.

He stressed that at no point during the meeting was the issue of replacing Aondoakaa raised, considered or included on the agenda, describing claims to the contrary as political mischief intended to mislead the public.

The former governor reaffirmed that Aondoakaa remains the duly nominated PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election, adding that the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice enjoys the confidence and full support of the party’s leadership.

He expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s experience, competence and capacity to tackle Benue’s security and economic challenges and provide purposeful leadership if elected.

Ortom warned those spreading what he described as fabricated reports to desist from disseminating false information capable of creating confusion among party members and the public.

He urged PDP members, supporters and the people of Benue State to disregard the report, insisting that no amount of misinformation would derail the party’s efforts to build a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Crown Takaful Insurance Limited Board has approved the distribution of N100.9 million in surplus to participants, setting a new benchmark in the country’s Takaful insurance industry.

The surplus distribution followed approval from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), marking a significant achievement for the company within its first year of operations.

The development reinforces the core principle of the Takaful insurance model, which is built on mutual cooperation, shared responsibility and equitable benefit among participants.

Under the Takaful model, participants contribute to a common fund used to support claims and operational expenses.

Any remaining surplus after payment of claims, Re-Takaful expenses and required reserves is distributed back to eligible participants.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Crown Takaful Insurance Limited, Nasir Abubakar Song, described the approval as a fulfilment of the company’s commitment to fairness, transparency and mutual benefit.

He said the achievement reflects the confidence participants have placed in the company’s leadership and operations, adding that the surplus distribution demonstrates the practical value of the Takaful model in providing both protection and shared financial benefits.

‘Receiving regulatory approval to distribute surplus is our most direct and tangible way of honouring the trust placed in us by our participants. We are proud to be among the pioneers delivering the true promise of Takaful to Nigerians,’ Song said.

The company noted that the FY2024 surplus distribution represents more than a financial reward, describing it as evidence that ethical insurance can serve as a platform for shared prosperity and inclusive financial protection.

Since receiving its licence from NAICOM and commencing operations in 2024, Crown Takaful Insurance has recorded strong growth, achieving approximately N1.935 billion in gross contributions during its first year.

The company has continued to focus on providing ethical insurance solutions for individuals, families an businesses, guided by principles of transparency, responsible finance and mutual support.

Muslim women have been encouraged to play more active roles in leadership and governance as part of their Islamic responsibility to promote justice, accountability and the welfare of society.

The Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Dr. Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, made the call during the inaugural summit of the Egba Muslim Women Forum (EMWOF) held in Abeokuta.

Addressing participants, Sowunmi-Kolapo stressed that although the forum must remain non-partisan, Islam encourages believers to be actively engaged in promoting the common good and supporting righteous leadership.

‘Leadership is an amanah (sacred trust), and Muslim women should be prepared to serve with integrity in education, healthcare, public institutions and other sectors where they can positively impact society and contribute to the growth of Islam,’ she said.

She noted that responsible civic engagement, advocacy for justice and support for accountable leadership are consistent with Islamic teachings, adding that Muslim women should understand public policies and contribute to shaping a society founded on moral values.

Sowunmi-Kolapo described the inauguration of the Egba Muslim Women Forum as the beginning of a movement to empower Muslim women to become agents of positive change within their homes, communities and the wider society.

She urged Muslim women to embrace unity above personal, organisational or political differences.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate also identified growing social challenges-including drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, declining family values, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship-as issues requiring greater attention from Muslim mothers.

She urged Muslim women to nurture children with sound Islamic morals, integrity and discipline, emphasising that strong families are the foundation of a righteous and prosperous society.

Also speaking, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the inauguration of the forum as a significant step toward strengthening the collective voice and influence of Muslim women across Egbaland.

She said bringing together women from different Muslim organisations under one umbrella would foster unity without erasing their individual identities.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Deputy Director at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mrs. Rasheedah Ibrahim, also called on Muslim women to rise above organisational differences and work together in the interest of the Ummah.

‘We want to rise above organisational differences and embrace collective responsibility. Let us speak with one voice on matters affecting our community,’ she said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State on Thursday unveiled Abba John Abba, a lawyer, as its deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The State Chairman of the party, Samson Okwu, made the announcement during an unveiling ceremony in Makurdi.

He urged aggrieved party members to set aside their grievances to ensure victory for all candidates at the polls, stressing the need for the party faithful to ‘close ranks’ in the interest of the bigger picture. The party’s governorship candidate, Herman Hembe, described Abba’s selection as a strategic decision endorsed by the national leadership, led by former Senate President, Dr. David Mark.

Expressing full confidence in his running mate, Hembe stated, ‘From my running mate to the next Deputy Governor of Benue State, we will work together for the development of Benue.’

Hembe urged party members to mobilize within their communities to secure victory in 2027, pledging that an ADC administration would improve healthcare delivery, strengthen security, and accelerate rural development. He noted that widespread insecurity has prevented residents from farming and trading, promising that his administration would implement urgent interventions to end the menace.

Furthermore, the governorship candidate promised to grant full autonomy to local governments immediately upon inauguration, emphasizing that grassroots development would remain a cornerstone of his tenure.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hembe committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign focused on the party’s platform rather than personal attacks on opponents.

He also declared that he would serve only one four-year term if elected, after which the governorship would be zoned to Benue South. He noted that this arrangement would allow the party to align with the rotation of power, following the eight-year tenure currently being served by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Earlier, the party’s Campaign Director, Prof. Cletus Torkyaa, urged Nigerians to vote for the ADC in 2027, describing the party as a credible alternative for good governance.

Dr. David Olofu, the ADC candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District, added that the time had come to ‘rescue Benue’ from its current challenges. He characterized the choice of Abba as a strategic move that would significantly strengthen the party’s prospects.

In his acceptance speech, Abba thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged unwavering loyalty to the party’s vision and promised to work closely with Hembe to ensure the ADC emerges victorious in the 2027 governorship election.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining monetary and financial system stability, controlling inflation and ensuring price stability in line with its statutory mandate.

The assurance was given on Thursday in Bauchi by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, during a one-day stakeholders’ fair organised to promote financial inclusion, enhance public awareness of the Bank’s operations and obtain feedback on its policies and services.

According to a statement by the bank, Sidi-Ali was represented by the CBN Branch Controller in Bauchi, Michael Dalyop, who assured that the Bank remained focused on achieving sustainable economic growth through sound monetary policies.

She described the stakeholders’ fair as one of the apex bank’s strategic initiatives aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians through enhanced financial literacy and increased access to alternative payment channels.

According to her, Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose above $52.5 billion as of July 17, 2026, representing a 17-year high and surpassing the CBN’s annual target.

She attributed the increase to sustained foreign exchange inflows, renewed investor confidence and stronger participation across various asset classes, adding that the ongoing economic reforms were restoring stability to the country’s financial system.

‘The reforms introduced under the current leadership are beginning to yield measurable results, including improved macroeconomic stability, easing inflation and stronger confidence in the foreign exchange market,’ she said.

Sidi Ali noted that headline inflation declined marginally from 15.93 per cent in May to 15.91 per cent in June 2026, while food and core inflation also moderated, attributing the trend to disciplined monetary tightening, exchange rate unification and improved market transparency.

She added that the naira had continued to strengthen, with the gap between the official exchange rate and Bureau de Change rates narrowing to below two per cent, describing it as evidence of improved stability in the foreign exchange market.

He said the Bank had implemented several reforms over the past 34 months to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

According to her, the reforms include the unification and greater transparency of the foreign exchange market, banking sector recapitalisation, introduction of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN), the B-Match foreign exchange trading system and the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028.

She also highlighted the introduction of a 75 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio on non-Treasury Single Account public sector deposits to improve liquidity management and reduce inflationary pressures.

In addition, Sidi Ali said the CBN collaborated with the Financial Markets Dealers Association to introduce the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate as a transparent, market-based benchmark for short-term funding transactions in line with international best practices.

Speaking on the theme of the stakeholders’ fair, she said the initiative was designed to promote alternative payment channels, deepen financial inclusion and strengthen engagement between the apex bank and the public.

‘The Fair is one of the Bank’s platforms strategically designed to engage the public on the Bank’s policies and initiatives,’ she said.

She encouraged participants to actively engage with officials and seek clarification on issues relating to financial consumer protection, innovations in Nigeria’s payment system, microfinance, monetary policy and currency management.

The CBN also used the event to reiterate its warning against the abuse and misuse of the naira, urging Nigerians to obtain information on its policies only from verified official platforms.

‘I also urge you to uphold the cleanliness and respect of the naira. It is prohibited to spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit the naira,’ she said, describing the national currency as ‘an indispensable national symbol and a source of our collective pride.’

Earlier, the CBN Branch Controller, Michael Dalyop, represented by Assistant Director Salahu Bello Mohammed, said the Bank’s Strategy 2024-2028 was designed to ensure monetary, price and financial system stability as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable economic development.

He explained that the Bank’s policies were aimed at empowering individuals, small businesses and larger enterprises to access financial services, undertake productive activities and contribute to national economic growth.