It is deeply troubling that the only surviving state-owned newspaper in Northern Nigeria, The Triumph, is now on the verge of disappearing from newsstands.
This looming unfortunate collapse is not due to a lack of relevance or history, but rather the apparent indifference of the Kano State Government towards its survival.
This comes at a time when the disappearance of several state-owned newspapers, including The New Nigeria, The Standard of Jos, which I learnt was recently revived by the state government as it sunk millions of Naira for the revival of the organization to serve the state only and which was for years dead; The Herald of Kwara and a few others, has become a growing source of concern for many people across the Northern region.
For decades, The Triumph has served as a vital voice in the region thereby documenting history, shaping public discourse and providing a platform for Northern perspectives.
Allowing such an institution to fade away reflects not just administrative neglect, but a disregard for heritage, journalism and the role of the media in a democratic society.
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At a time when credible information is more important than ever, abandoning a legacy publication like The Triumph sends the wrong message.
It raises serious concerns about priorities and the commitment to preserving institutions that inform, educate and unify the public.
That is why if urgent steps are not taken, Northern Nigeria risks losing a significant part of its media identity, one that may not easily be replaced in the near future.
The Triumph is also notable for being the only newspaper to produce content in Arabic script (Ajami), attracting a significant readership, particularly among those who do not read Hausa or English.
This unique offering has made it an important cultural and educational resource, helping preserve linguistic heritage while ensuring access to news for communities often overlooked by mainstream publications.
But it is unfortunate that the same neglect shown by successive governments in the North led to the disappearance of other state-owned print media from the newsstands, an action that continues to drag the region backward day after day.
It is also sad to note that thehundreds of readers who flocked to the newsstands along Galadima Road, eager to purchase a copy of their favorite newspaper, were forced to return home disappointed.
Many had made special trips with the expectation of staying informed, only to be told that the paper was now on recess.
The sudden unavailability not only frustrated loyal readers but also highlighted the growing uncertainty surrounding the newspaper’s future, leaving the community concerned about losing a trusted source of information and the broader implications for public access to local news in the region.
The troubling situation worsened when the paper’s printers (Trust Media) appealed to the government to supply newsprint for publication, citing the steeply rising cost of importing Newsprint amid the ongoing Gulf War.
This is because without government intervention, the printers were unable to continue production, leaving the newspaper unable to reach its readers and underscoring the fragile state of state-owned media in the region during times of economic and geopolitical strain.
It was further revealed that the Kano State Government has yet to settle a previous debt exceeding ₦80 million, a situation that prompted The Trust management to take a firm new stance.
This unresolved financial obligation has added to the paper’s operational difficulties, fueling uncertainty about its ability to continue publishing and maintain its role as a key source of news and information in the state.
An investigation by this platform reveals that since the current administration under Abba Kabir Yusuf assumed office three years ago, the newspaper has not received the attention it deserves, despite its significant contributions in giving wide publicity to government policies, activities and projects.
However, despite these predicaments, the managers of the company have not stopped production for all the more than three years, using the resources available to them to continue to produce the papers under such harsh and unfriendly condition.
This is why many stakeholders have strongly appealed to the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene, support The Triumph, and restore it to the newsstands.
Stakeholders expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s continued neglect in appointing a political head to oversee the operations of The Triumph.
They argued that without clear political leadership or guidance, the paper lacks direction, accountability, and the strategic oversight needed to navigate the challenges it currently faces.
Many believe this inaction has contributed to operational inefficiencies and has left the management struggling to make critical decisions, further threatening the newspaper’s survival and its ability to serve the public effectively.
Observers contend that this failure signals a worrying lack of commitment to the survival and development of The Triumph.
By leaving the newspaper without a designated political head, the government has deprived it of clear leadership, strategic direction, and proper accountability.
This vacuum, they argue, undermines the institution’s ability to function effectively, hampers decision-making, and threatens both its operational stability and its role as a vital source of information for the public.
They further argued that the lack of a dedicated overseer and qualified staff has led to administrative drift, weakened editorial coordination, and ultimately impaired the paper’s ability to operate efficiently and fulfill its mandate.
Another major concern is the government’s persistent failure to provide operational funding to The Triumph on the same basis as it does for other government agencies.
Observers note that while other departments and institutions receive regular budgetary allocations to support their day-to-day activities, The Triumph has been left to struggle financially, relying on irregular payments or accumulated debts.
This lack of consistent funding has not only hampered the newspaper’s ability to maintain equipment, pay other staff, and cover production costs but has also stifled its capacity to innovate, expand its reach, and serve the public effectively.
Some people argue that without equitable financial support, the institution’s long-term survival and contribution to informed citizenry remain at serious risk.
Many have therefore urged Abba Kabir Yusuf, popularly known as Abba Gida-Gida, to recognize the urgency of the situation and take decisive action.
According to these stakeholders, failure to address the challenges facing The Triumph could have far-reaching consequences, negatively impacting not only Kano State but the entire northern region, given the newspaper’s role as one of the key source of information and public discourse.
However, some observers have sharply criticized the governor, accusing him of treating the company and its staff in an inhumane manner, allegedly prioritizing the interests of his political mentor over the welfare of the newspaper and its employees.
They argue that such actions reflect a disregard for the institution’s historical significance and the livelihoods of those who depend on it, further fueling concerns about the government’s commitment to sustaining The Triumph.
They note that the same political mentor was responsible for the newspaper’s disbandment in 2012, only for it to be revived a few years later under the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
It was further revealed that, instead of settling its outstanding debt with The Trust, the company to which it owes funds, the government is now pressuring The Triumph’s management to revert to online publication, a move that has drawn widespread criticism from stakeholders and media observers alike.
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