Business
Abba Yusuf and His Misadventure in Kano* By Aliyu Maina
*Abba Yusuf and His Misadventure in Kano*
By Aliyu Maina
Oh, our majestic Kano! A land renowned for its rich history, resilient hustle, and unwavering hope. Alas, a dark and foreboding shadow has descended upon our beloved city, casting a pall of despair over its inhabitants. This ominous shadow is the result of a man’s broken promises and misguided leadership, a man who pledged to usher in an era of prosperity but instead unleashed unmitigated chaos upon us.
This individual, Abba Yusuf, our governor, a stranger in our midst, callously disregards the plight of our city as it burns, his actions a stark betrayal of the trust placed in him. For the sons and daughters of Kano, the past few years have been an interminable ordeal of suffering and shattered dreams, a direct consequence of Abba Yusuf’s governance. Our once-thriving metropolis, teeming with life and commerce, has been reduced to a desolate ghost town, a mere shadow of its former vibrant self.
Abba Yusuf, a man who professed to bring prosperity, has instead inflicted upon us a reign of unrelenting hardship. He dons the guise of a leader, but beneath this façade lies a puppet manipulated by invisible forces, ensnared in a sinister political game of power and control. His actions have brought our city to its knees, leaving its people to suffer the consequences of his misguided leadership.
As a Kano indigene, I am compelled to express my deep disappointment and anguish at the actions of Governor Abba Yusuf, who has utterly failed to prioritize the welfare of the poor masses in our beloved state. His tenure has been marked by a series of misguided decisions that have inflicted immense suffering on the very people he swore to protect.
You see, I have lived in Kano for over 50 years. I’ve seen governors come and go, each with their own vision for our beloved city. But Abba Yusuf? He’s a different breed altogether. He came in with a broom, they said, sweeping away corruption. But instead of sweeping away the dirt, he ended up uprooting the very foundations of our lives.
The first blow came barely a week into his tenure as Governor when he revoked the certificate of occupancy of several properties, claiming they had been acquired illegally from the previous administration. With nary a thought for the countless families who called these properties home, he ordered their demolition. The dust had barely settled when he delivered yet another blow – the suspension of thousands of civil servants employed by his predecessor, Gadunje, on the shaky premise of false recruitment allegations. Which has left countless families without a breadwinner. Thousands of families left jobless overnight. How do you explain that to a man who just put his children through school, hoping for a brighter future, only to see it snatched away by the stroke of a vindictive pen? This callous move has exacerbated poverty and hardship, pushing many to the brink of despair.
The actions of Abba Yusuf have not gone unnoticed. The Federal High Court, first in Abuja and then in Kano, ordered the Kano State Government to pay hefty sums in compensation for the unlawful demolition of properties, further proving the government’s egregious violation of fundamental rights. But has he paid? Not a kobo. Court orders? Pah! Yusuf cared little for the law.
However, these court orders represent a hollow victory for the victims. They are but a small salve on the deep wound inflicted by a ruler who has lost touch with the people he promised to serve. Rather than uplift our city to the heights of prosperity he promised, Abba Yusuf has left Kano in ruins. The rubble of demolished buildings is a stark reminder of the homes and livelihoods that have been lost. People who’d saved for years, invested their life savings – their dreams turned to dust. The man who promised to clean up Kano has become the biggest stain on our city’s reputation. Thousands have been directly and indirectly affected by his actions, their lives upturned without warning or justice. Tears flow in the streets of Kano, a once proud city brought to its knees by a man lost in the labyrinth of political games. The cries of the poor and disenfranchised echo through the city, a haunting reminder of the promise of prosperity that was but a fleeting illusion.
It is a bitter pill to swallow, realizing that the man at the helm of our city’s destiny is far removed from the realities on ground. Instead of using the opportunity God has given him to guide Kano towards a brighter future, Abba Yusuf seems set on a course that only deepens our despair. In the face of this adversity, the spirit of Kano remains unbroken. Instead of using the state’s resources for the good of the people, Abba Yusuf has been busy gallivanting around, using the state’s funds to hunt down political oppositions and past administration leaders.
This, my friends, is not the Kano we know. The Kano we know, is the city that embraced all, and gave opportunities to those who strived. Yusuf has turned it into a place of fear, a place where the powerful prey on the weak. We, the ordinary people, the ones who make Kano tick – we are the ones suffering. Yusuf, blinded by his vendetta, has forgotten his duty. He’s become a puppet in a political play, more interested in settling scores than serving the people. He promised prosperity, but delivered misery. Promised hope, but brought despair.
We are a resilient people, forged in the crucible of hardship but never bowed. We continue to hope for a leader who will truly serve the interests of the masses, a leader who will lead us out of this darkness and into the light of a prosperous future. Until then, we bear witness to the misadventure of Abba Yusuf, a man clearly lost in the intricate web of politics, using his position to punish the very people he swore to serve. In the end, we, the people of Kano, are the true custodians of our city’s destiny. We will rise from these ruins, stronger and more united than ever, holding onto the hope that one day, justice will be served. Until then, we stand firm, refusing to be silenced, our voices echoing through the heart of Kano, a testament to our resilience in the face of adversity.
As a Kano person, I have witnessed firsthand the anguish and despair that Abba Yusuf’s actions have caused. His policies have punished the poor, rewarding only his political allies. We, the people of Kano, won’t stay silent. We will raise our voices, louder than the roar of the bulldozers. We will not let him turn our city into rubble. We will fight for the Kano we know and love, the Kano that gave us a future.
On behalf of the thousands of Kano people who have suffered this hardship, I say, “enough is enough”. We demand justice and an end to this misadventure, lest our beloved Kano be reduced to nothing but rubble and tears. This is our story. The story of a city betrayed. The story of a people yearning for a leader, not a destroyer. The story of Kano, waiting to rise from the ashes.
Maina, an anthropologist wrote this piece from Gidan Kofar, Kano.
Governor Dauda Lawal Set To Unlock Zamfara’s Economic Potentials with Tinubu’s UK State Visit
By Oladapo Sofowora
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commences his landmark state visit to the United Kingdom the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, the inclusion of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal in the presidential entourage is not a fluke; rather, it signals a strategic opportunity for the northwest state to transform its economic fortunes. Beyond the ceremonial pageantry, this high-level diplomatic engagement holds concrete prospects for Zamfara, particularly in agriculture and solid minerals development, sectors where the state possesses a comparative advantage but has struggled to attract meaningful investment. With Governor Lawal working assiduously to generate more IGR for the state and also position it as an economically advanced hub within the region with the construction of a Cargo Airport, this ushers in an era where the state is about to witness a great turnaround championed by Governor Lawal.
The timing of the bilateral engagement between the UK and Nigeria is significant, as the trade surplus between the two countries has reached a record £8.1 billion annually, and both nations are intensifying collaboration under the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) framework.
According to economic pundits, key sectors targeted for cooperation include trade and investment, energy transition, solid minerals development, and security collaboration – all areas with direct implications for subnational governments like Zamfara. For Governor Lawal, being part of this engagement provides direct access to British investors and development partners that could reshape Zamfara’s economic landscape.
Governor Lawal arrives in London with ambitious development plans to corroborate the budget he presented in December 2024, a ₦861.3 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year submitted to the Zamfara State House of Assembly, a document he described as “a roadmap for transformation and a declaration that Zamfara will rise stronger.” The budget allocates ₦714.05 billion (83 per cent) to capital expenditure, with sectoral allocations including ₦86 billion for agriculture and significant provisions for infrastructure development. However, these ambitious plans require corresponding revenue streams and investment partnerships to allow them to materialise and reach their full potential.
The governor has been implementing domestic reforms to strengthen the state’s fiscal position. In March 2025, he abolished cash revenue collection across Zamfara, directing all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to adopt digital systems for revenue collection. His administration set an Internally Generated Revenue target of ₦38 billion to ₦42 billion for 2025, building on 2024’s revenue performance of ₦358.9 billion. With all these impeccable performance indicators, domestic resource mobilisation alone cannot fund the scale of transformation he envisions for the state. The only way to scale up is through Foreign Direct Investment, particularly in agriculture and mining, which represents the missing piece of Zamfara’s development puzzle.
Zamfara State is predominantly agrarian, with the majority of its indigenous population engaged in farming. The state’s favourable climate and vast arable land position it as a potential breadbasket for northern Nigeria. However, the sector remains largely subsistence-based, with limited processing capacity and weak linkages to export markets.
The UK state visit offers opportunities to change this dynamic. British companies have demonstrated growing interest in Nigerian agriculture, as evidenced by Twinings Ovaltine’s £24 million manufacturing facility launch in Lagos its first in Africa creating over 100 direct jobs. Similar investments could be directed toward Zamfara’s agricultural sector, which would be a boost and also create more income for farmers in the production of specific crops with value-addition potential. These include:
Zamfara lies within Nigeria’s cotton belt, but the state lacks ginning and textile processing facilities. Partnerships with British textile companies could establish local cotton processing capacity, capturing value currently lost to exports of raw lint. Groundnut is also a major export commodity from northern Nigeria, but production has declined due to neglect of the sector. British confectionery and food processing companies represent potential off-takers for processed groundnuts.
With growing demand for animal feed and industrial starch, Maize and Sorghum crops offer processing opportunities. British agribusiness firms with expertise in agro-processing could establish milling and processing facilities in Zamfara.
With Sesame Seeds already an export crop, sesame production could benefit from improved processing and certification to meet international standards, particularly for the UK market.
For Zamfara, “opportunities for Nigerian businesses” translates directly to potential agricultural partnerships that could modernise farming practices, establish processing infrastructure, and create export linkages.
Perhaps the most significant potential gains for Zamfara lie in the solid minerals sector. The state is renowned for its gold deposits, which have historically attracted both licensed operators and illegal miners. However, the sector has been characterised by informality, environmental degradation, security challenges, and loss of revenue to the state.
Recent developments at the federal level underscore the growing importance of the minerals sector. The Federal Government recently announced the commencement of operations at a high-purity gold refinery in Lagos – a private-sector initiative led by Kian Smith in partnership with UAE-based Suvarna Royal Gold Trading. For Zamfara, this means advocating for gold processing facilities within the state, not merely exporting overseas, but creating a gold refinery which helps create more jobs within the mining value chain. Governor Lawal’s presence in London provides an opportunity to position Zamfara as a preferred location for one of these gold refineries, particularly with British investment partners.
In a bid to redefine the regulatory framework and investment readiness, Zamfara has been taking steps to create an enabling environment for mineral investment. In February 2025, the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), convened a stakeholders’ meeting with quarry operators, mineral processors, and gold dealers to promote safety and regulatory compliance. The Federal Mines Officer in Zamfara State emphasised that both the federal and Zamfara State governments are determined to promote responsible mining practices that enhance security, safeguard the environment, and ensure that solid mineral resources contribute meaningfully to economic development.
This regulatory clarity is essential for attracting foreign investors. British mining companies and equipment manufacturers require assurance that their investments will operate within a predictable legal framework. The UK–Nigeria ETIP discussions in London provide a platform for Governor Lawal to articulate Zamfara’s investment readiness and regulatory improvements directly to potential partners.
No discussion of Zamfara’s economic potential can ignore the security challenges that have plagued the state. Banditry, kidnapping, and community conflicts have disrupted farming, hindered mining operations, and deterred investment. Governor Lawal’s 2025 budget allocates ₦45 billion to public order and safety, recognising that security is foundational to economic development. The UK visit offers opportunities for security collaboration. Improved security cooperation between Nigeria and the UK could translate to enhanced capacity to protect farming communities and mining sites, creating conditions for agricultural and mineral investments to flourish.
As Governor Lawal engages with British investors and policymakers, he would do well to study how other resource-rich regions have successfully attracted investment while ensuring local benefits. For Zamfara under Governor Lawal, the lesson is clear: attracting investment in extraction must be accompanied by deliberate strategies to build local processing capacity. Simply exporting raw gold or agricultural commodities perpetuates the “resource trap” that has left many African regions impoverished despite abundant natural wealth.
If Governor Lawal’s participation in the UK state visit yields tangible results, Zamfara could experience, in agriculture, British investment in agro-processing facilities, creating jobs for local farmers and capturing value from crops like cotton, groundnuts, and sesame. Technical partnerships to improve farming practices and access to UK markets for certified organic or fair-trade products.
In solid minerals, partnerships with British mining companies for responsible gold extraction, potentially including a gold refinery within Zamfara. Technical assistance for artisanal miners to formalise operations and improve safety. Investment in environmental remediation of degraded mining areas.
For Zamfara State, Governor Lawal’s inclusion in the presidential entourage transforms a diplomatic milestone into a concrete opportunity for subnational economic development. The state’s abundant agricultural land, mineral wealth, and a population eager for economic opportunities hold immense potential. The journey from potential to prosperity is long, but it begins with a single step or in this case, a transatlantic flight carrying Zamfara’s hopes to the corridors of British power and finance.
*Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas LTD to appeal Federal High ruling over forfeiture assets*
Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited has said it will appeal to the recent ruling of the Federal High Court ordering the forfeiture of certain assets.
Barr. Nnenna Onyeaso, the Company Secretary said in a statement on Thursday insisting that neither the company nor its leadership was found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Onyeaso said that the firm has described the court’s decision as a civil asset forfeiture order based on suspicion rather than proof, stressing that the judgment did not establish any criminal liability against the organisation.
According to her, the company maintain that it has already directed its legal team to file an appeal, expressing confidence in the judicial process and the outcome of a thorough review of the case.
“To be clear, this ruling is a civil asset forfeiture order with no finding of wrongdoing against Oceangate or its leadership.
“The court’s decision rested on a legal standard of suspicion, not proof, and it is one we intend to pursue fully through the appeals process,” she said in a statement.
The firm secretary also said that Oceangate has reiterated its belief in the rule of law, noting that the appellate system exists to address such outcomes.
She added that the company remained confident that the facts of the case will ultimately affirm its integrity and business practices.
Onyeaso said that the firm also emphasised that its operations remained unaffected, stating that it continues to provide employment for many Nigerians while contributing to the country’s energy sector and broader economy.
“We have always believed in the ability of the judicial process, and that belief has not wavered,” she added.
She noted that Oceangate further expressed appreciation to its employees, partners, and clients for their continued support amid the development, assuring stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Secretary said that the company reaffirmed its confidence in Nigeria as a viable destination for investment, describing the country as a land of equity, growth, and opportunity.
“We remain committed to the continued growth of our business and the communities we serve as we are optimistic that justice will prevail at the end of the legal process.
FirstBank Empowers SMEs with AI-Driven Growth Strategies, Hosts SMEConnect Webinar
Lagos, 20 March 2026 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, is pleased to announce the upcoming edition of the SMEConnect Webinar scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The event will equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business growth.
This edition is strategically curated to inform and educate SMEs on how AI can be applied to scale their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The chosen theme, “AI for Business Growth: From Adoption to Integration and Scalable Impact,” reflects the growing importance and timeliness of AI as one of the most influential trends shaping the SME business landscape. The session will provide SMEs with actionable insights on how to leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline operations, strengthen customer engagement, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
The SMEConnect webinar will feature experts, including Temitope Odude, Senior AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft as a guest speaker. Odude will provide credible and globally relevant perspectives on how SMEs can successfully adopt and integrate AI into their everyday business operations. Other speakers include Abednego Ugwueke, Head of Digital Channels and Ibidun Adedewe, Head of SME Acquisition & Partnerships at FirstBank.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, said “SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and at FirstBank, we recognise that the economy cannot thrive without them. As a committed growth partner to SMEs, this session reinforces our strong focus on innovation, demonstrated through initiatives such as the use of AI‑enabled credit scoring to deliver fast, instant loans to micro‑SMEs, with over ₦1 trillion disbursed to support customers’ financial needs. Building on this foundation, we are equipping business owners with the right knowledge and practical insights on Artificial Intelligence to help them scale in the short term and drive sustainable growth. I encourage every business owner to participate in this session to gain hands‑on guidance on integrating AI into everyday business operations.”
SME owners and entrepreneurs can register for the webinar at https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cUr1LhWFQXymTqWtONOOVg
SMEConnect Webinar series is one of FirstBank’s signature platforms for supporting SMEs with practical knowledge and strategic insights. The Bank has consistently won awards for impacting businesses and for providing innovative solutions for customers and other stakeholders, including SMEs.
The Bank was named Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa by TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards for 2 years as at 2025. The Bank also won the SME Financier of the Year- Nigeria awarded by The Digital Banker.
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