By Ibrahim Adamu, Kaduna
Kano State made a strong impression at the 10th edition of the Authentic News Daily Awards and Lecture held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with a high-powered delegation of top politicians and administrators who captivated the audience and stole the spotlight at what many attendees described as Kaduna’s most significant event of the month.
The event, which honoured the 2024 recipients of the prestigious awards, was anchored by veteran broadcasters Elizabeth Anche of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) and Mary Mathias Kaza of Supreme FM. Among the dignitaries representing Kano were the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, who led the delegation, and Dr. Ajuji Ahmad, National Chairman of the NNPP, who stood in for Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Others included Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano State Government House; Dr. Kabiru Sani Yakubu, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO); Ambassador Yunusa Yusuf Hamza Falakin Shinkafi; and Comrade Kabiru Sa’id Dakata.
The keynote address was delivered on behalf of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), by Major General Bulama Biu (Rtd), who hailed the award as a symbol of discipline and national service. He commended the organisers for selecting a timely and significant theme: “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity,” stressing that every religion inherently promotes peace and should be used as a unifying force in the country.
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, who was named Authentic Man of the Year 2024, expressed gratitude through his representative, Samaila Usman, Manager of Ahmadu Bello Stadium. He praised the high calibre of participants and the relevance of the papers presented at the event. Similarly, Honourable Amos Gwamna Magaji, member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Committee on Healthcare Services, described the annual lecture as a brilliant initiative. He also reiterated that his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was inspired by the developmental strides of Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Kana Ahmad Abukakar, General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, also shared his delight at being honoured and urged Nigerians to reflect on the key messages of the lectures. Delivering the first paper, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and FCT, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence. He lauded General Buratai’s handling of the Shiite crisis as a model of responsible leadership.
In the second presentation, Islamic scholar Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya underscored the teachings of Islam on peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, especially in interfaith interactions. He noted that the foundation for peace and unity lies in the acceptance that religious belief is a matter of personal choice, as acknowledged in Islamic doctrine.
Goodwill messages flowed throughout the event. The Dangote Group, represented by National Assembly Liaison Officer Mallam Abdulraman Abubakar, applauded the organisers and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth. Dr. Matthew Oluwaseyi Moses, founder of the Dr. Matt Foundation and AU Agenda 2049 Youth Ambassador, called the lecture timely and pledged to continue making a positive impact through his organisation.
The awards honoured a diverse group of individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to governance, humanitarian services, education, journalism, youth development, and corporate leadership. Attendees left the venue inspired, with many calling for continued use of platforms like this to foster unity and national development.
