It has now been over two weeks since the last edition of Triumph Newspapers reached the newsstands, a troubling development that reflects the increasingly unfriendly posture of the Kano State Government toward the press.
What once stood as a consistent and reliable source of information and training ground for most prospective journalists in Kano and beyond has now fallen silent, not due to lack of capacity or professionalism, but seemingly because of deliberate neglect and lack of support of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This situation raises serious concerns about press freedom and the government’s commitment to transparency and public accountability.
This is because a thriving media is essential to any democratic society, and when institutions like Triumph, are left to struggle or fade away, it sends a discouraging message about the value placed on independent journalism.
If urgent steps are not taken, this prolonged absence may become permanent, depriving the public of a vital voice and platform for information and expression.
Without doubt, the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has committed a grave misstep, one that many would consider both unpardonable and unforgettable.
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This action of closing the Triumph is not just a routine policy failure; it strikes at the heart of public trust and collective memory.
For many discerning indigenes of Kano, it represents a moment of deep disappointment, one that is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Such a decision risks leaving a lasting stain on the administration’s legacy, as people tend to remember not just the promises made, but the critical institutions neglected and the voices silenced.
This is because in a society that values accountability and progress, actions of this magnitude are not easily overlooked or erased, no matter how much time passes.
It could be recalled that the printers of The Triumph, Media Trust, had weeks ago written to the government, demanding the payment of a staggering sum of over ₦80 million, being outstanding production costs owed by the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The letter reportedly highlighted the growing financial burden caused by the unpaid debt, which has severely disrupted the printing and distribution of the paper.
This unresolved obligation not only threatens the continued publication of The Triumph but also raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to sustaining public media institutions under its care.
Rather than taking steps to settle the outstanding debt, the government, through the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, directed that the paper be converted to an online-only publication.
This decision has been widely criticized, as it fails to take into account the realities on the ground.
Not everyone, even within the city, owns an Android phone or has reliable internet access to read a digital version of the paper.
Beyond that, the high cost of data faced by those who do have access to smartphones is another critical issue the government appears to have overlooked.
At a time when many citizens are already grappling with economic hardship, shifting a traditionally accessible print medium entirely online only serves to exclude a large segment of the population from vital information.
At this critical moment, the government needs to rethink its approach and take decisive steps to rescue the paper and not to kill it.
One practical solution would be to invest in modern printing equipment for the company, thereby reducing the heavy cost of outsourcing production.
By providing up-to-date printing machines, the government would not only cut long-term expenses but also restore the paper’s independence, efficiency, and regular circulation.
Such an intervention would demonstrate a genuine commitment to preserving a vital public media institution and ensuring that it continues to serve the people effectively.
