Al-Mizan Marks 35th Anniversary with Three-Day Event in Kano

By Auwal Isah and Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar

Al-Mizan, a long-established Hausa-language newspaper based in Zaria, Kaduna State, commemorated its 35th anniversary with a high-profile, three-day event in Kano. The celebration, held from January 10 to 12, 2025, brought together key stakeholders, representatives, and supporters from across the country.

The event opened with an interactive session aimed at strengthening relationships among the newspaper’s representatives and distributors, who traveled from various regions to participate.

Spotlight on Journalism and Technology

Day two featured a series of lectures addressing pressing issues in the journalism industry. Topics included:

• "Maintaining Professional Standards in Contemporary Journalism"
• "Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks"
• "The Role of Journalism in Shaping Society"

The lectures were delivered by leading experts, including Malam Al’ameen Chiroma (Abuja), Engineer Abbas Abdullahi (Kaduna), and Professor Isah Hassan Mshelgaru.

The final day concluded with discussions reflecting on Al-Mizan’s legacy and future. Key themes included:

• "Al-Mizan at 35: Milestones, Current Position, and Future Goals"
• "Modern Challenges in Journalism"
• "A Critical Review of Al-Mizan’s Contributions"

These discussions were led by experienced professionals who examined the publication’s impact and the challenges it has faced over the years.

Honoring Contributors

Al-Mizan recognized five individuals and institutions as “Al-Mizan Champions” for their significant contributions to its growth and resilience. The honorees were:

1. Malam Ibrahim Musa
2. Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo
3. The late Dr. Yusuf Ali
4. Media Trust Limited
5. Singer Sa’idu Sakafa Potiskum

Prominent Figures Attend

The event drew a distinguished audience, including academics, media professionals, and civil society leaders. Among those in attendance were:

• Professor Mohammad Israr, VC of Maryam Abacha American University (MAAUN).
• Professor Muhammad Sabo, Chancellor of Franco British University, Kaduna.
• Dr. Sanusi Abdulkadir, representing the Islamic Movement, with Professor Dauda Nalado of Bayero University, Kano, as his delegate.
• Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, President of MAAUN, Africa.
• Sheikh Misbahu Yusuf Ali and Malama Bilkisu Yusuf Ali.

Other notable attendees included Naziru Mika’ilu Abubakar, former Director of Daily Trust, Alhaji Danjuma Katsina, Chairman of Katsina Times and Taskar Labarai, and Barrister Haruna Magashi. Activist Comrade Shehu Sani, represented by Comrade Musa Baban Iya, and PDP local government chairmanship candidate Hon. Abdullahi Usman Tumburkai, also participated.

Overcoming Challenges

Since its inception, Al-Mizan has navigated significant challenges, including repeated clashes with authorities. Staff and distributors have faced arrests and detentions. In one notable incident in September 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) detained the newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Malam Ibrahim Musa, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as he prepared to travel for Umrah.

Despite these obstacles, Al-Mizan has maintained its commitment to delivering independent, community-focused journalism. The anniversary celebrations highlighted its enduring influence in promoting Hausa-language media and amplifying underrepresented voices.