In a sweeping move to reinforce public morality and strengthen regulatory oversight, the Kano State Censorship Board has banned all Kauyawa Day events—popularly known as Villagers Day celebrations—and suspended the operation of all event centres across the state until further notice.
The Executive Secretary of the Censorship Board, Abba El-Mustapha, made the announcement during a press briefing held on Saturday, May 17, 2026, following a high-level management meeting of the board.
El-Mustapha stated that the decision was taken in alignment with the amended law governing the board’s activities, which was passed by the Kano State House of Assembly in 2025 and subsequently signed into law by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“The 2025 amendment grants the board expanded powers to regulate and monitor the activities of DJs, event organizers, and event centres throughout the state,” El-Mustapha said.
He emphasized that all events categorized under Kauyawa Day now fall under prohibited activities and constitute a violation of state law. The Censorship Board’s action, he said, is intended to preserve societal values, promote decency, and ensure public order.
“Effective immediately, the organization of any Villagers Day Event—commonly referred to as Kauyawa—is a breach of the law. We urge full compliance from the public,” he declared.
To enforce the ban, the Executive Secretary called on traditional and community leaders, as well as security outfits such as Hisbah, the Kano State Vigilante Group, and other neighborhood watch groups, to collaborate with the board.
“The cooperation of all stakeholders is essential to uphold the cultural and moral standards of our society. This is a collective responsibility,” El-Mustapha added.
The development has generated mixed reactions across the state, with some residents supporting the decision for its focus on curbing immorality, while others have expressed concern over the social and economic impact of the closures.
As of now, the board has not provided a timeline for when the suspension of event centres will be lifted, signaling a potentially prolonged enforcement phase.