Banning social activities in Kano

The decision of Abdulllahi Umar Ganduje led Kano State Government to cripple social activities in Kano is a total declaration of war on the social welfare of the teeming youths population of the state. This is a total betrayal of our youths and reintroduction of religious chauvinism in a state that is battling to fix […]

The decision of Abdulllahi Umar Ganduje led Kano State Government to cripple social activities in Kano is a total declaration of war on the social welfare of the teeming youths population of the state. This is a total betrayal of our youths and reintroduction of religious chauvinism in a state that is battling to fix its economy through tax and attracting investors. The economic consequences are highly disastrous and will further cripple the commercial activity of the state.
I was shocked when I heard from Freedom Radio that Kano state government banned most of the Sallah celebration activities in Kano including the widely anticipated meeting with popular novel reader, Ahmad Isah. In his popular RAI DANGIN GORO programme monitored by Express Radio, Ahmad attracts millions of listeners across the state because of his exceptional talent in novel reading.
It could be recall that former Kano state Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau launched similar anti social activity in Kano under the guise of his failed ‘Adaidaita Sahu’ policy that gulped billions of looted Naira. At the end, he was vehemently rejected by Kano people and lost popularity amongst the political class. Hausa film makers were force out of the state but their ‘uncultured’ movies find its way into the Kano film market. So many people lost their lives while travelling to neighbouring places for social activities.
When I visited Arab Countries like Saudi, Jordan, UAE and Egypt, I observed that social activities are going on in line with their culture and religion. I was amazed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the reference place of Kano people), when I discovered the existence of highly organised recreational and event centres across the country.
During the second tenure of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano witnessed multi billion Naira investments in recreational and event centers. The La Sultana Sporting facility, Meenah Event, Afficent, The Avenue, Minjibir Park etc are among the numerous social centres in the state. Thousands of job opportunities were created when the embargo on social activity was lifted in the state. Makeup, event decoration, catering services, music, fashion design and so on were among the numerous job opportunities that made our youths gainfully employed.
I understand the religious and cultural implication of social activities in conservative Kano but government interference to gain cheap political points is not in any way helping matters. Hisba, Police, Islamic scholars, academicians and relevant stakeholders should put heads together to find a permanent solution that will have wider acceptability and will also accommodate some of the contemporary social activities.
Fahad Ibrahim Danladi, Chairman, Active Kano Citizens [email protected]