Abbas Yushau Yusuf
On the morning of Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Secretariat at Farm Center, Kano, was adorned with decorations as preparations were set for the inauguration of the first online media chapel in Kano—and by extension, across the 19 Northern states.
This development aligns with the NUJ constitution, which was amended and ratified in Kano in 2022 to incorporate the online media chapel into its framework.
The Journey to April 27, 2025
Before delving further, let’s reflect on the events that paved the way for the establishment of the chapel.
Between late 2016 and early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic disrupted global activities, many traditionally analogue journalists found themselves compelled to master the rudiments of online journalism.
However, even before this shift, Kano—renowned as a center of learning and civilization in Northern Nigeria—had already begun making strides in the online media space.
The state has long been at the forefront of education, culture, politics, and digital journalism, with local practitioners taking the lead in the evolving media landscape.
Pioneers of Kano’s Online Journalism
Several Kano journalists pioneered the development of news websites, including:
-Muhammad Buhari Abba( Labarai24)
– Jafar Jafar (Daily Nigerian),
operating from Abuja
– Dawud Nazifi Khalid(Daily Focus)
– Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu(Prime Time)
– Abdullateef Abubakar Jos (Solacebase)
These individuals ventured into online journalism between 2017 and today.
From 2018 to around 2020, additional journalists launched their own platforms, such as:
– Dr. Maude Rabiu Gwadabe (Kano Focus)
– Abbas Yushau Yusuf (Nigerian Tracker)
– Hisham Habib (, Newstunnel)
– Isyaku Ahmad (Stallion Times)
– Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo (White
Blood Multimedia)
– Abubakar Dangambo(Independent Post)
-Maikudi Ibrahim ( Daily news 24)
The Efforts Behind the Inauguration
With the surge in online media platforms, the NUJ Kano Council, under its former chairman, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, made significant efforts to secure approval for the inauguration of the Kano Online Media Chapel.
However, for reasons known to the NUJ leadership, the dream was not realized at the time.
In response, practicing journalists formed an independent association: The Association of Kano Online Journalists, led by Hisham Habib, former MD of Radio Kano.
However, when Habib ventured into politics, internal divisions arose within the association, leading to the formation of the yet-to-be-registered Online Media Guild, under veteran journalist Abdullateef Jos, publisher of Solacebase.
The appointment of Comrade Ibrahim Waiya as Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf marked a turning point.
Waiya worked to reconcile the various factions within Kano’s online media space, ensuring the state retained its reputation as a leader in media innovation.
The Chapel’s Inauguration
Thanks to the efforts of Comrade Waiya, former Kano NUJ chairman Comrade Abbas Ibrahim*l, and the current NUJ Kano Council leadership under Comrade Suleiman Dederi, April 27 was set for the official inauguration of the chapel.
During the ceremony, Comrade Dederi administered the oath of office to the elected executives, who will steer the chapel’s affairs for the next three years:
1. Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo – Independent Post (Chairman)
2. Isyaku Ahmad – Stallion Times (Secretary)
3. Zahrau Nasir – Daily Watch 24 (Assistant Secretary)
4. Abbas Yushau Yusuf– Nigerian Tracker (Treasurer)
5. Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo– Kakaki24
6. Musa Ahmad Durumin Iya– Alfijirnews (Auditor)
A Milestone in Kano’s Media History
With this event, Kano made history as the first Northern Nigerian state to establish an online media chapel.
Surveys suggest that Kano boasts the highest number of online media practitioners who transitioned from traditional journalism—a testament to the state’s progressive approach to digital media.