News
Kano girls married off from orphanage home abandoned by husbands, abused, seek alms
The Nassarawa orphanage home in Kano serves as a sanctuary for abandoned children, some of whom discovered on roadsides, orphaned by the death of their parents, or left behind after accidents.
For many years, the orphanage has been supported by the Kano State Government, which provides for their feeding, clothing, and education until they reach adulthood.
The boys often find employment in government agencies or start their own businesses, while the girls are typically married off to interested suitors.
Hundreds of girls have been married off since the orphanage started, but some women who voiced their frustrations, revealed that they were abandoned after their husbands divorced them.
They also face abuse and mistreatment with little recourse for reporting their struggles.
Hadiza Muhammad, 40, and Halima Muhammad, 45, are two such women who have endured domestic abuse for more than two decades of marriage, having children along the way.
“I grew up in the Nassarawa orphanage home. I was told I was found along the Kaduna road after a car crash, and I was the only survivor. I grew up there until I was old enough to marry,” Hadiza Muhammad narrated her past and current struggles.
“When we grew older, they pressured us to get married and leave the orphanage because new children kept arriving and they needed the space. We were told we had to go so things could balance out.”
“Before then, a woman took me in and sponsored most of my schooling, but we later had a fall-out, and she returned me to the orphanage when I was 17. I was just beginning to become a young woman.”
Hadiza eventually married a man from the Republic of Niger. “After almost 15 years of suffering, hardship, and abuse, we had two children.
Then, he divorced me and threw me out with the kids. Now, he doesn’t even sleep at home, living like a street person. I’m helpless. I don’t know what to do. I returned to the orphanage home where I grew up, but they told me there was no space for us since we are now mothers,” Hadiza added sadly.
Halima Muhammad, who grew up alongside Hadiza, has faced a similar fate. Her husband also divorced her, leaving her with five children.
“Now, our landlord wants to evict us because we can’t pay rent. I have no one to fight for my rights against my ex-husband. I’m also battling diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma due to stress and constant worry,” she explained.
Both women have called on the Kano State Government to establish a system that supports women in similar circumstances, as many others continue to endure abuse and mistreatment, some still trapped in abusive marriages.
Comrade Hafiz Sanusi Sanka, the Kano State Chairman of the International Human Rights Commission, also confirmed that they often receive similar complaints and are in communication with relevant stakeholders to find solutions. He expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts by the Kano State Government.
“We visited the orphanage regarding this matter and had in-depth discussions. They seem to be taking meaningful steps.
Personally, I’m satisfied and confident that the issue will soon be resolved,” he stated.
“There is a house designated for women in these situations, but it is too small. As we speak, the Governor has ordered the construction of 20 new houses specifically for them—whether their marriages end or their husbands pass away,” he added.
Sanka also mentioned that the government is making efforts to provide employment for those who grew up in the orphanage home.
“The head of the home told me that just last week, the Governor offered jobs to 22 orphans in the house—both men and women—in government positions,” he noted.
The government’s actions are seen as a positive step towards resolving the issue.
“We must continue pushing for these initiatives to be carried out to support these women,” Sanka said.
When reached out to the authorities at the Nassarawa orphanage home for further comment. However, the head of the home, Hajiya Maimunatu, stated that she was not authorized to speak to the press.
But she confirmed the statement of Kano IHRC Chairman, Comrade Sanka.
Every year, dozens of children are abandoned or found across Kano State and its surrounding areas.
By law, the care of these children falls under the responsibility of government-established institutions, ensuring they are given the chance to grow up and live a fulfilling life.
News
NGE Condemns Arbitrary Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Gov Bago for allegedly promoting violence
Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.
• Eze Anaba, NGE President
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State.
In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, NGE President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, they said that the closure of the radio station was a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.
Ohibaba.com garhered that Governor Bago accused the owner of the Station for incitement of the people against government and directed that the license of the Radio station be revoked.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for the security operatives to profile the owner of the radio station as his station promotes violence”, Ibrahim Said
According to the Guild, this act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.
The association referred to section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.
The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression.
Said the statement : ” The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.
The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.
The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.
Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.
Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken.
We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.
We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.
The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”
News
NLC rejects FG’s new policy stopping frequent industrial strikes
” We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache.
• Joe Ajaero, NLC President
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy by the Federal Government.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.
NLC considers the statement by the Federal Government that the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy is aimed at stopping frequent industrial actions, particularly strikes by trade unions, as very reprehensible.
“The statement was part of the press release by the Federal Government at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which took place on 31st July 2025.
“We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache,” he said.
News
Olumuyiwa Adejobi Becomes Deputy Commissioner of Police
The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the elevation of its Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.
Adejobi was first appointed in acting capacity on 16th February 2022 as a CSP and took over from then CP Frank Mba. He was later confirmed by then IGP Usman Alkali (Rtd).
DCP Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction.
Since his appointment as FPRO, he has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, improve accountability, and modernize the force’s communication channels.
DCP Adejobi studied Archaeology and Geography (Combined Honours) from the University of Ibadan.
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