“We Die Here” – Court Defied as FGCKOSA Vows All-Out Fight to Save Federal Government College Kano Land

The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) has issued a fiery declaration of war against what it calls the illegal encroachment on its alma mater’s land, accusing unnamed parties of continuing construction work in brazen defiance of a court order.

In a passionate press statement released on Wednesday, the association declared that the land of the historic unity school is “not for sale, not for trade, not for negotiation,” and vowed to fight “legally, socially, and institutionally” without retreat or surrender.

According to FGCKOSA, the association acted swiftly after the encroachment came to light, engaging the Federal Ministry of Education, mobilising across media platforms, and securing an ex parte court order in Suit No. K/323/2026 before Honourable Justice Ubale Yusuf Muhammad of the Kano State High Court. The order, served on all parties by Saturday, April 11, 2026, commanded an immediate halt to all activity on the land.

However, the association reports that on Monday, an officer of the Kano State High Court, accompanied by alumni members, visited the site and found workers still present. The court order was served directly to school authorities, yet, FGCKOSA alleges, work has continued unabated.

Describing the act as “a brazen, shameless, and reckless act of impunity,” the association’s national president, Shoyinka Shodunke, said in the statement: “This is not development. This is racketeering. This is not enterprise. This is greed masquerading as progress.”

The statement reminded Nigerians that unity schools are “cradles of leadership, crucibles of character, and cathedrals of national unity,” warning that to violate them is to “vandalise Nigeria’s future.” It called on citizens, the federal government, and the press to declare where they stand, noting that “nations do not collapse from a lack of gold; they collapse when those entrusted with power lose their moral compass.”

FGCKOSA further announced that it has established a foundation to raise funds for upgrading the school’s infrastructure—but stressed that this would be done “without conceding a single inch of land.” The statement ended with a fierce vow drawn from the school’s anthem: “On that glorious day… I vow to revere and thee adore,” adding, “As we say in Nigeria, we die here.”

Shodunke signed off on behalf of the association, declaring: “We will not relent. We will not forget. We will not forgive any assault on our alma mater.”

*NATION MOURNS: 22 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF RENOWNED ISLAMIC SCHOLAR SHEIKH SIDI ATTAHIRU SOK

Today marks twenty-two years since the demise of one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto, whose legacy continues to inspire millions across the nation and beyond.

Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto passed away on Friday, April 16, 2004, corresponding to the 28th of Safar in the Islamic calendar. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, his son, Sheikh Aliyu Sidi Attahiru founder of the ASAttahir International Foundation, established in honour of his late father recalled the scholar’s life of piety, scholarship, and service.

Accompanying the tribute was a cherished photograph taken on Monday, December 2, 2002 (27th Ramadan 1423 AH), during the naming ceremony of Sheikh Aliyu’s son, Muhammad. The image captures a rare moment of familial joy and spiritual significance, reflecting the scholar’s deep commitment to faith, family, and community.

Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto was widely respected for his contributions to Islamic education, interfaith dialogue, and moral leadership. His teachings emphasised peace, unity, and the pursuit of knowledge, values that remain pillars for many Islamic institutions and followers today.

The Assattahir International Foundation, named in his memory, continues to propagate his vision through educational programs, humanitarian projects, and religious outreach, ensuring that his intellectual and spiritual legacy endures.

As the nation reflects on his passing, Muslim communities and leaders have called for prayers in his honour, with many echoing the plea: “May Allah have mercy on him, amen.”

Sheikh Aliyu Sidi Attahiru, in his online remembrance, urged the public to uphold the virtues his father championed compassion, integrity, and devotion as the most fitting tribute to a life well-lived.

Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto may have departed this world, but his influence remains a guiding light, reminding all of the enduring power of faith and scholarship.

Security, Economy in Focus as Buratai Chairs Aminu Kano Memorial Event

KANO, NIGERIA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), will chair the 24th Annual Symposium commemorating the 43rd memorial anniversary of Aminu Kano, with a strong focus on regional security and economic cooperation in West Africa.

The high-level event, scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Sa’adu Zungur Auditorium, Mambayya House in Kano, is expected to convene policymakers, academics, and security experts to examine the evolving role of Economic Community of West African States in maintaining peace and stability across the subregion.

With the theme “ECOWAS and Regional Peace in West Africa: The Security and Economic Implications for Nigeria,” the symposium comes at a critical time when West Africa continues to grapple with security threats, political transitions, and economic pressures.

Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, is expected to bring his extensive military and diplomatic experience to bear in steering discussions around collective security, cross-border threats, and the strategic importance of regional alliances. His leadership as Chairman of the Occasion underscores the significance attached to the symposium’s deliberations.

The event will be hosted by the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Haruna Musa, while the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, will serve as Chief Host.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, is billed as the Special Guest of Honour, adding further political weight to the gathering.

The symposium will also feature a keynote address by Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a former Commissioner for Internal Services at the ECOWAS Commission, who is expected to provide insights into the bloc’s internal mechanisms and policy direction.

Other notable discussants include former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, and Professor Samaila Suleiman of the Department of History, Bayero University, Kano.

Organised by Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, the annual symposium remains a key intellectual platform dedicated to preserving the legacy of Aminu Kano while addressing contemporary governance and security challenges.

Analysts note that Buratai’s central role as Chairman is particularly significant given Nigeria’s frontline position in regional security dynamics. His presence is expected to shape robust conversations on how ECOWAS can better respond to insurgency, military coups, and transnational crime while strengthening economic integration among member states.

The symposium is slated to commence at 9:00 a.m., drawing participants from across government, academia, and civil society in what promises to be a timely and impactful engagement on West Africa’s future.