By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Celebrated Nigerian poet and visual artist Ayo Ayoola-Amale has won the 2024 Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize for African Literature.
The prestigious honor, conferred by the Sial Pigmalión Publishing Group, acknowledges her exceptional literary career and her acclaimed poetry collection, The Suns Chased Us.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Folusho Ogar, Country Director of the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation, Ayoola-Amale was praised for her unique ability to weave African and universal themes into her work.
Her poetry collection, The Suns Chased Us, explores the intersection of nature, culture, and human emotions through evocative and accessible language, presenting a shared vision of humanity.
Since its inception in 2017, the Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize has celebrated African and Afro-descendant writers who excel in poetry, narratives, essays, and translation. Named after the distinguished Spanish-African scholar Justo Bolekia Boleká, the award aims to amplify African voices in global literature.
Ayoola-Amale’s literary contributions include six poetry collections, such as Where the World Sings, Life Script, and The Weight of the Rat’s Nest. Her works are featured in the Casa de África collection and have been presented at international platforms like the Madrid Book Fair, Berlin Literature Festival, and COP27.
Known for blending art and activism, Ayoola-Amale is the founder of the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation and co-founder of Poets of the Planet. Her work addresses critical issues such as social justice, racism, and violence, using art as a vehicle for global understanding and transformation.
The international jury for the 2024 prize, chaired by Justo Bolekia Boleká, praised Ayoola-Amale’s lifelong commitment to promoting peace and unity through literature. The jury included experts from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, who recognized her ability to create compelling art that transcends cultural boundaries.
Mrs. Ogar described The Suns Chased Us as a profound work comprising 100 poems in seven parts. “It invites readers to journey through the complexities of human emotions while celebrating the beauty of our shared existence,” she stated.
Ayoola-Amale’s achievement is a significant milestone for African literature, demonstrating its power to shape global narratives. The Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation hailed her accomplishment as a beacon of hope for writers, readers, and advocates of social change.
“We celebrate Ayo Ayoola-Amale’s creative journey, which continues to inspire a more inclusive and just world. This recognition solidifies her place as one of Africa’s most impactful literary voices,” Mrs. Ogar concluded.

In a decisive move to enhance governance and improve service delivery, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed five commissioners from his cabinet and nominated replacements.
The development was announced in a press statement on Tuesday by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor. According to the statement, the reshuffle reflects the administration’s commitment to injecting fresh ideas and energy into governance to tackle emerging challenges effectively.
The commissioners affected by the shake-up included Commissioner of Education Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim –

Governor Mohammed expressed gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication and contributions to advancing key policies and initiatives of his administration.
He commended their efforts in promoting growth and development across the state.
In a bid to maintain momentum, the governor has submitted the names of eight nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as commissioners.
The nominees are:
Babayo Tilde – Toro Local Government
Abdullahi Mohammed – Misau Local Government
Bala Lukshi – Dass Local Government
Usman Shehu – Shira Local Government
Iliyasu Gital – Tafawa Balewa Local Government
Titus Ketkukah – Tafawa Balewa Local Government
Babayo Gabarin – Darazo Local Government
Lawal Rimin Zayam – Toro Local Government
Gidado emphasized that the reshuffle aligns with the governor’s vision of strengthening the machinery of government to deliver impactful development and improve the welfare of all citizens.
Governor Mohammed reassured the people of Bauchi State that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and sustaining developmental progress through innovative and people-centered governance.

By Lamara Garba

In a heartwarming and historic milestone, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has promoted a couple to the rank of professor, marking a rare and remarkable achievement in academia.

Prof. Suleiman Mainasara Yar’adua and his wife, Aisha Haruna, were both elevated to professorial ranks in their respective fields—Development Communication and Public Law—on the same day. This achievement comes after 24 years of marriage and dedicated service to the university.

Their simultaneous promotion is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for academic excellence. It is not only a milestone in their individual careers but also a celebration of their partnership and commitment to each other.

The university community is thrilled to celebrate this rare feat, hailing it as a double celebration.

Prof. Yar’adua, a renowned expert in Development Communication, has made significant contributions to the field through his research and publications. His wife, Aisha, a distinguished scholar in Law, has also made notable contributions, particularly in the areas of human rights and gender studies.

Their academic endeavors have enriched the university and positively impacted the broader academic community.

The couple’s achievement exemplifies BUK’s commitment to academic excellence and its support for faculty development. The university, known for fostering a culture of scholarship, has once again proven its success in nurturing and recognizing outstanding academics.

As they celebrate their achievement, Prof. Yar’adua and his wife serve as an inspiration to their colleagues, students, and the wider academic community. Their dedication to their fields and partnership offers a model for aspiring scholars and couples alike.

The university community has congratulated the couple, commending their hard work, passion, and dedication to academic excellence. Their joint promotion is a celebration of their contributions to the university and the academic world.

Looking ahead, Prof. Yar’adua and his wife are committed to making further contributions to their fields and the university community. Their promotion is a testament to the power of partnership, commitment, and hard work, serving as an inspiration to all who aspire to academic excellence.

Speaking to BUK Bulletin, the Yar’aduas expressed their excitement, noting that their simultaneous promotion would inspire them to deepen their commitment to the university. They also highlighted the uniqueness of being the first couple in recent times to attain professorial ranks on the same day at this prestigious institution.