Kano elders and prominent figures across social, economic, religious, and political spheres have formed a united front to address pressing socio-economic challenges confronting the state.
Meeting under the aegis of the Kano State Elders Advisory Council, coordinated by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kano Chapter, the leaders expressed concern over rising social vices in the state and northern region, calling for collective efforts to combat crime.
The council highlighted the collapse of family values as a root cause of drug abuse, robberies, and indecent behaviour, and urged a revival of honesty, respect, tolerance, hard work, and decency in society. To drive solutions, a 34-member committee was inaugurated, chaired by Prof. Shehu Galadanchi with Dr. Faruk Umar, Chairman of ACF Kano, as Secretary. Members include Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, General Halliru Akilu, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar Tanko Yakasai, Alhaji Mahe Bashir Wali, Prof. Sani Zahraddeen, former governors Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, alongside several academics, clerics, business leaders, and traditional figures.
In his remarks, Dr. Faruk Umar said the elders’ council would serve as an unbiased, non-partisan advisory body, making useful contributions to the state’s affairs. He explained that urgent attention would be given to issues such as drug abuse, phone snatching, child trafficking, and human rights abuses. He also commended contributions to the AKHUWAT Initiatives designed to tackle root causes of social ills.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised the initiative and pledged support, stressing the need to fight poverty, unemployment, and other challenges confronting Kano. He urged northern elders to work together for regional development.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in a letter of endorsement, expressed “full endorsement” of the council, commending the leadership of the ACF Kano. He described the elders’ resolutions as timely and essential, pledging readiness to collaborate with the council to strengthen governance and restore moral guardianship.
Former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau said the absence of such a body had contributed to hooliganism and crime, urging political leaders to put Kano above partisan interests. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by Alhaji Usman Alhaji, also pledged support, calling for unity among elders.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), represented by Alhaji Lawan Hamisu, lamented the high rate of drug abuse in Kano and emphasized that the fight against social vices required joint efforts by stakeholders.
Prof. Galadanchi stressed that problems such as unemployment, drug abuse, poverty, and political instability could only be resolved through restoring values and ethical reorientation. Citing Qur’anic verses and prophetic traditions, he called for unity, compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect to build social cohesion.
National Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, praised the elders’ initiative, warning that insecurity in the North-West could only be solved through unity and commitment. Alhaji A. A. Rano pledged further support, donating an additional ₦20 million to AKHUWAT Initiatives, having earlier contributed ₦30 million, to boost small businesses and tackle poverty.
Other speakers, including Mukhtar Gashash, lamented the erosion of community bonds and the prioritisation of wealth over values of honesty, brotherliness, and hard work, stressing the need for cultural revival to address the challenges facing Kano.
