The Chairman of Kano Facebook Connect, Isma’il Lamido, has expressed deep concern over the persistent disunity among political leaders in the state, warning that the division is slowing development and weakening critical institutions.
In an exclusive interview with SolaceBase TV, Lamido said the unhealthy rivalry among politicians has further trickled down, causing cracks among religious leaders and traditional rulers.
He stressed that these divisions are harmful to Kano’s progress.
“The crisis among our political leaders is not only affecting governance but has also created division among our religious and traditional institutions, which is dangerous for the state,” he said.
Lamido, who also chairs the organising committee of the annual Kano Facebook Connect event, said the gathering aims to tackle such challenges by promoting unity, job creation, and curbing religious extremism and intolerance through dialogue and awareness.
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He explained that future editions of the event would serve as platforms to bring together stakeholders—political leaders, traditional rulers, and religious clerics—for constructive dialogue in the interest of Kano’s development.
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“Although political differences are inevitable, we must learn to set them aside for the sake of development. Leaders should come together regardless of party affiliation and focus on Kano’s progress until another election season arrives,” Lamido said.
He lamented that the state has not fully benefited from federal projects due to the inability of its leaders to speak with one voice.
(L-R) Isma’il Lamido and Uzair Adam
“If they were united, they could confront the presidency with a list of demands. Even if they request ten things and get five or seven, it’s still progress,” he added.
Lamido also commended the positive use of Facebook in the state, noting that such digital gatherings contribute to Kano’s image and youth empowerment.
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He said Facebook Connect alone has reached about 70% engagement among Kano’s online population.
He emphasized that the event was designed to promote unity among the youth, especially as social media often fuels political and religious tensions.
“Facebook has the highest number of users among social media platforms in Kano. That’s why we chose it for this initiative—it’s where people deeply engage in cultural, political, and religious discussions,” he said.
He further explained that the program has started yielding results. “Even at the first edition, individuals with serious misunderstandings reconciled and dined together at the event,” he said.
Legal and religious awareness
According to Lamido, the event also featured paper presentations by experts from legal and religious sectors to guide the youth on the responsible use of social media.
He said Human rights Lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima, has been part of the program across its three editions, educating attendees on the legal implications of online speech and how to avoid breaking the law.
“Many people have faced arrests or lost jobs due to unlawful posts. That’s why we bring experts like Barrister Hikima to enlighten our youth,” Lamido noted.
Also present at the event was the Kano State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who spoke on how social media users can be tracked and held accountable for harmful posts.
From the religious perspective, the Kano State Deputy Commander General of Hisbah, Dr. Mujahiddeen Aminuddeen, urged participants to fear God and avoid sinful usage of the internet.
Youth empowerment and marriage support
Beyond unity and education, Lamido said the Facebook Connect initiative has also served as a platform for job creation.
“In one edition, a company offered remote jobs to youths who had videos with at least 5,000 views on their profiles.
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“Some now work from home and earn well without even revealing they’re employed,” he revealed.
At the most recent event, three youths secured jobs through participating companies, Lamido added.
According to him, in a unique gesture, Dr. Mujahiddeen also offered 50 marriage slots to participants during the event for the upcoming Kano State mass wedding.
Lamido said several people have already submitted their names and would be screened by Hisbah for eligibility.
Organised and subsidized
Lamido highlighted the organised nature of the program, which requires participants to register with a token fee of N3,000. Upon payment, they receive personalized flyers with their names and photos, granting them access to the venue.
He clarified that the fee is not for profit. “Each participant receives food and drinks worth over N5,000, excluding the cost of renting the venue,” he said, adding that sponsorship from partner companies helps cover the remaining expenses.
Lamido concluded by reiterating the program’s central mission: to unite, empower, and enlighten the people of Kano, especially the youth, using social media as a force for good.
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