KADUNA – May 11, 2025 — The 10th Annual Authentic News Daily Lecture and Awards held at Arewa House, Kaduna, spotlighted both humanitarian leadership and the urgent call for national unity, with Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, receiving the prestigious “Humanitarian Governor of the Year” award for his outstanding commitment to uplifting the lives of vulnerable populations across Kano State.
Governor Yusuf was lauded for initiatives including the adoption of 96 orphans, monthly empowerment of women across all 44 local government areas, targeted palliatives for widows and families of fallen heroes, and the introduction of AbbaCare — a health insurance scheme designed for the poor, persons living with disabilities, and those suffering from chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia.
The award was received on his behalf by Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, Commissioner for Water Resources, who led a delegation of top government officials. Delivering the Governor’s message, Doguwa said the recognition reaffirms the administration’s vision to “build an inclusive Kano where no one is left behind.”
Managing Editor of Authentic News Daily, Mr. Jacob Dickson, praised Governor Yusuf for his “consistent and impactful humanitarian gestures that have touched the lives of thousands,” describing him as a “true servant of the people.”
Other prominent figures honoured at the event included former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), Senator Lawan Usman, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, Rev. Father Joseph Hayat, and the NNPP presidential candidate and Kwankwasiyya leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The event also featured a keynote lecture by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, who urged Nigerians to use religion as a force for peace rather than division.
Speaking on the theme, “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity,” Rev. Hayab emphasized that true religion must promote love, justice, reconciliation, and empathy. “Religion must not be used to incite hatred or sow discord. Rather, it should build bridges across ethnic and denominational divides,” he declared.
Citing growing threats to national cohesion from religious and ethnic manipulation, Hayab called on clerics, traditional rulers, and political leaders to embrace a “language of reconciliation” and to prioritize inclusive governance, education for girls, and youth empowerment.
“Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice and trust,” he said, stressing that national unity cannot exist without fairness and the rule of law.
Hayab also praised Authentic News Daily for fostering national dialogue and responsible journalism over the past decade, saying such platforms are vital to civic consciousness and democracy.
The event brought together religious leaders, scholars, civil society actors, and journalists from across the northern region, all united in the shared goal of building a more inclusive and peaceful Nigeria.
