On Monday, November 4, 2024, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, the Kanwan Katsina District Head of Ketare, celebrated 24 years of leadership over the Ketare district in Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State. This anniversary marks a milestone in community service, developmental strides, and cultural preservation under his reign.

The Katsina State branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Chairman Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan'ali, paid a special visit to the Kanwan Katsina’s residence. The visit aimed not only to congratulate him but also to discuss key developmental issues, particularly in the areas of security, education, and healthcare advancements within Ketare and beyond.

Reflecting on his connection with the District Head, Comrade Dan'ali recounted his early days reporting in Kankara for Katsina State Radio, when he first encountered Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara during his enthronement ceremony. “I was sent as a correspondent to cover the historic installation of the district of Ketare. I still recall the late Emir of Katsina, Kabir Usman, acknowledging the importance of his appointment to the Customs service and the Katsina community. That moment defined the enduring impact the Kanwan Katsina would have on our state,” Dan'ali shared. He also expressed his hope to witness the Kanwan Katsina's upcoming 25th anniversary in a grand Silver Jubilee celebration next year.

In response, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara expressed gratitude for the support shown by the NUJ, noting his own background as a former journalist and public relations officer. He highlighted his extensive service with the Nigeria Customs Service, where he reached the rank of Comptroller, overseeing several southern and northern zones, before retiring in 2017.

The Kanwan Katsina also discussed his developmental contributions to the Ketare district, particularly in the area of education. One of his achievements includes establishing the first secondary school in Ketare, facilitated by the late Katsina State Governor, Umaru Musa Yar’adua. “After conveying our community’s need for a secondary school, Governor Yar’adua quickly sent the Commissioner of Education, and a site was selected for the school, which has since become an educational hub in Ketare,” he recounted.

Over the years, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara has supported the Katsina NUJ, given his extensive experience as a journalist at Kaduna Radio and a former Customs public relations officer. Now with 24 years on the throne, he has championed significant initiatives in healthcare, access to clean water, and security improvements for the Ketare community. His leadership has left a lasting legacy in enhancing community welfare and peace within the district.

Although retired from Customs, the Kanwan Katsina continues to serve his community with dedication and vision, focusing on sustainable development and harmony. This 24th anniversary offers a special occasion for Ketare and its people to recognize his substantial contributions as a traditional leader, former journalist, and community advocate.