Residents of Dorayi Karama and surrounding communities in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano have formally petitioned the Kano State Censorship Board over plans to establish a Film House within their neighbourhood, citing concerns about security, social values and the welfare of young people.
SolaceBase reports that the concerns were raised during a media briefing on Tuesday by Dr Yusuf Ibrahim, a lecturer at Northwest University Kano, who spoke on behalf of community groups, religious leaders, elders and other stakeholders in the area.
According to him, the petition was submitted under the leadership of the Centre for Community Support and Human Development (CCSHD), alongside the Kano Muslim Women’s Foundation, Community Build and Raise Initiative Hub, Arewa Mu Tashi Mu Farka and Danfodiyo Islamic Centre.
Dr. Ibrahim said residents were worried about the potential impact of the proposed facility on the security and peaceful coexistence of the community, particularly in view of security challenges previously experienced in the area.
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“We are not against development or investments that improve the lives of our people, but such projects must take into consideration the nature of the community and the concerns of residents,” he said.
The petitioners argued that existing regulations governing film-related activities in Kano require authorities to ensure that such projects are compatible with the environment, cultural values and interests of host communities before approval is granted.
They further urged the Kano State Censorship Board, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough assessment of the proposed project and suspend further work until all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
The community leaders maintained that their position was not intended to obstruct development but to ensure that any project undertaken within the area aligns with the aspirations and values of residents.
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“Our appeal is for due process to be followed and for the relevant authorities to carefully examine the implications of the project before allowing it to proceed,” Dr. Ibrahim added.
It was gathered that the copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Chairman of Gwale Local Government Area, the Kano State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kano State Hisbah Board, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Kano State Legal Aid Council, the Council of Ulama, the Palace of the Emir of Kano, district and ward heads, as well as mosque and community leaders in the area.
The residents reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law and continued collaboration with government authorities to promote sustainable development while preserving the moral and cultural values of the community.
Among those who endorsed the petition were Professor Yahaya Imam of Bayero University Kano, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim of Northwest University Kano, Malam Ilyasu Sulaiman of Riyadul Quran, Dr Idris Dan Fodiyo, Sheikh Muhammad Bukhari Ibrahim of Anas Bin Malik Academy, Barrister Wada Bashir, Imam Ibrahim Muhammad of Salafussalih Juma’at Mosque, Malam Aliyu Yahaya Dorayi, Malam Abdurrahman Rabiu Bukar Dorayi, Malam Abdurrahman Said Dorayi and Malam Mujahid Ilyasu Sulaiman.
