AD MaiHoto | Sulaiman AD

Argungu Durbar On the second day of the festival, as evening approached, everyone prepared for the durbar. Honestly, I was very exhausted. I even questioned myself. Is it not the same durbar I always shoot? Should I just rest? But something pushed me. I picked my backup gear and headed to the durbar square. The moment I stepped into the square, all I saw was beauty. It reminded me of the durbar in my own town, but this one felt different. Back home, durbar usually flows through the wide streets of Kano. Here in Argungu, everything happened in one large open space. The horses, the riders, the crowd, all moving together in harmony. Then the sun caught my attention. It was glowing softly, low in the sky, casting warm light across the square. That was when my mind clicked. Silhouette. This is the moment. This is the chance to create something different. I positioned myself. I trusted the light. I trusted the instinct. I tried. And it worked. The results surprised me. Frames I did not plan for. Shapes, shadows, and movements that told a deeper story. What started as doubt turned into one of my most fulfilling moments. At the Argungu Durbar, I was reminded again that sometimes, the best stories come when you are tired, unsure, but willing to show up anyway. #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad #unesco @undpnigeria #argungufishingfestival @canoncnafrica @pixieset @africa @undpnigeria @thebrightcontinent @dgntdc @honhannatumusawa @fmactce_nigeria @aishaak49

A colourful collection of some of @ad_maihoto favourite photographs... Join Us today, link in the bio 🔗 #imperfectdistrict #photography #festival

Photography wasn’t just a medium; it was the key to my identity. It gifted me a voice, a purpose, and a new lens on the world, allowing me to find my truest self and my calling. Without hesitation, I would choose this path again in any lifetime. #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad

Once upon a time, this was him. No pressure, no schedules, no responsibilities weighing him down. Just dreams, silence, and a mind trying to understand life. But if you look closely through his eyes, you’ll notice something many people lose along the way, focus. A quiet determination. A reason to keep moving even when the road gets difficult. Today, things are different. He stands still so things around him can work. He carries pressure, responsibilities, and expectations. Yet one thing never changed: that focus. And truthfully, that very focus is what keeps him going. So, my dear friends, “FOCUS”. #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad

Sannunku Bil’adama, A lot of people have been asking me why I drastically stopped reacting to social issues trending on social media the way I used to before. Well, to be honest, I later understood that we are often more concerned about trending issues than the deeper systemic problems affecting us. At some point, I realized that solving trending issues is not the responsibility of individuals alone, but also of governments and relevant stakeholders. Since then, I gradually stepped back and focused more on preparing for the future with people who are willing to build it. The real question should not be, “What are you doing about the trending issues?” It should be, “What are you doing today to prevent these things from happening again in the future?” So to all fellow youths… what are you doing, my friend? Beyond reposting problems, beyond reacting for a moment and moving on with the trend, what are you contributing towards building a better future for the next generation? Are you creating opportunities, sharing knowledge, supporting your community, mentoring younger ones, building platforms, promoting peace, encouraging creativity, or simply trying to become a better human being for society itself? Because the future will not change by noise alone. It will change through intentional actions, no matter how small they may seem today. For that reason, February I created the Craft to Company Workshop under my creative community, @creative_corner_community ; an initiative designed to help young creatives understand how to transform their talents, crafts, and passions into sustainable opportunities and long-term value. The workshop was not just about creativity, but about growth, self-development, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and helping young people see beyond survival towards building something meaningful for themselves and their communities. Because empowering the next generation is not only about speaking on problems, but also about creating platforms, opportunities, and systems that prepare them for a better future. Assalama Alaikum Sunana AD Maihoto Anchor: @maryam._dauda Photo Credit: @rabioukabeer @portrait_ace Partner: @elevateher_space_

We met by coincidence through our creative journey, but it’s our shared passion, values, and principles that have kept us connected. He sent me this, and I felt like sharing it so you all can see how deep that connection has grown in just a few months. I met @_mkage in person towards the end of last year, and now he is completely part of my story. What started as a simple connection has grown into something real and meaningful. We go places, we create, we tell stories, and now we are building something that will last. And yoooh… it’s my birthday 🎉 Grateful for life, growth, and the people who have become part of this journey. More wins, more stories, more impact. #admaihoto #viralvideos #thecreativeexplorer

Alhamduliilah Ala kulli’hal 🥹♥️ Another year around the sun, and this one carries weight. Not just in time, but in everything I showed up for. The workload that stretched me beyond comfort. The late nights, the early mornings, the constant push to do more, be more, create more. I did not always feel ready, but I showed up anyway. The exhibitions. Spaces where my work left my hands and met the world. Where ideas turned into visuals, and visuals turned into conversations. I did not just create, I contributed. The contests. I put myself out there, again and again. I chose courage over fear, even when the outcome was uncertain. That alone is a win. The successes. The moments that reminded me that the work matters. That growth is real. That I am moving, even when it feels slow. And yes, the rejections. The emails, the silence, the “no.” They came, but they did not stop me. If anything, they refined me. They sharpened my focus and forced me to dig deeper. This year, my achievements are not just trophies or recognition. My achievements are: Showing up when it was hard. Continuing when it was easier to stop. Creating even when I doubted myself. Learning through every loss. Building something real, step by step. I travelled, I explored, I stepped into new spaces. I took risks with my work and with my ideas. I grew not just as a creative, but as a person. I am proud of the effort. Proud of the resilience. Proud of the fact that I did not give up. This is what winning looks like for me. And I am just getting started. I am grateful for growth. The kind that happens quietly. The kind that shows in how I think, how I move, how I respond to life. I am grateful that I am still building. Still learning. Still becoming. Ya Allah, thank You for the journey so far. For the seen and unseen blessings. For where I am, and for where I am going. Happy Birthday to me.🎉 #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad #unesco #celebrateafrica @canoncnafrica @pixieset @vsco @africa @undpnigeria @thebrightcontinent @dgntdc @undpnigeria @fmactce_nigeria

What you didn’t see 🎬. MIC DROP BTS 🎤✨ Credit to @explorewithad___ @maryam._dauda @mustavison @skot.ng @jvst_abm @meek_africa

@ad_maihoto also known as Sulaiman Abdullahi Danladi, is a documentary photographer and cultural storyteller based in Kano, Nigeria. His work focuses on Northern Nigeria—capturing its people, traditions, and everyday moments often left unseen. Drawn to photography through curiosity and a deep love for culture, what began as interest grew into purpose. Today, his lens is more than a tool—it’s how he connects with people and tells stories that matter. Inline with his creative work pursuit came @creative_corner_community A community dedicated to amplifying voices and showcasing artworks of creative individuals, in Kano State... At Imperfect District, we’re proud to feature his work and grateful to have him share this journey with us. Join us today, link in the bio 🔗 #imperfectdistrict #admaihoto #photography

Kontagora | Nagwamatse Well About 10km before reaching Kontagora, I set foot at the famous sacred Nagwamatse Well, believed to be the first settlement of Umaru Nagwamatse before he later moved into Kontagora town. Despite being located in the arid landscape of northern Niger State, the well remains constantly filled with water, almost defying the dryness of its surroundings. The surrounding community depends on it for their daily activities, and over time, it has come to hold deep spiritual significance. There is a quiet stillness around the well, a kind of calm that makes you pause and take it all in. You don’t just see it, you feel it. A place where history, belief, and everyday life meet. For generations, this well has served not just as a source of water, but as a symbol of survival, origin, and identity for the people around it. Stories passed down over time continue to keep its legacy alive. Quiet, timeless, and rooted in history, the well stands as one of the most iconic landmarks of the region, a place that truly deserves notable heritage recognition. Travel Guide: @binta_bitv #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad #unesco #celebrateafrica @canoncnafrica @pixieset @vsco @africa @undpnigeria @thebrightcontinent @dgntdc @undpnigeria @fmactce_nigeria

KONTAGORA: On my way to Argungu, I made a stop in Kontagora, where I spent a few days at the barracks. Kontagora is a historic town in Niger State, in the north-central part of Nigeria, known for its strong royal heritage and military presence. The home for one of the largest military barracks in Nigeria. Historically, it was founded in the 19th century by Umaru Nagwamatse, a warrior and leader linked to the Sokoto Caliphate. Because of him, the town became the center of the Kontagora Emirate, which still exists today. During my stay, I visited the famous Nagwamatse Well, a place tied to the early days of the emirate, and the Kontagora Palace, the seat of the Emir, representing authority, tradition, and centuries of history. The palace… calm, majestic, and deeply rooted in culture. Standing there, you can feel the presence of history and the weight of generations before us. Kontagora is also known for its cultural diversity, with Hausa, Fulani, and Nupe communities living side by side. Farming remains a major occupation, and the presence of military formations adds another layer to the town’s identity. What makes Kontagora stand out is its balance between tradition and modern life. Deep-rooted culture exists side by side with everyday Nigerian life. Every stop on this journey keeps reminding me, our stories are everywhere. You just have to move to find them. Travel Guide: @binta_bitv #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad #unesco #celebrateafrica @canoncnafrica @pixieset @africa @undpnigeria @thebrightcontinent @dgntdc @undpnigeria @fmactce_nigeria

Alhaji Mai Deribe He was one of the most influential businessmen to come out of Northern Nigeria, especially prominent during the 1970s and 1980s. He was widely known for his wealth, influence, and larger-than-life lifestyle, which made him a legendary figure in Borno and beyond. He built his fortune mainly through the oil and gas sector at a time when Nigeria’s petroleum industry was booming. Beyond oil, he also had strong business interests in construction, real estate, and general commerce. His success placed him among the richest Nigerians of his era, and in the North, his name carried serious weight. One of the most talked-about symbols of his wealth was his mansion in Maiduguri. The house reportedly took about 10 years to complete and was said to cost around $100 million at the time, which was an enormous amount. It was famous for its luxury and unique design, with claims that parts of it were decorated with gold. The mansion became a landmark, representing both ambition and the peak of elite living in that period. He was also known to own a private jet, something extremely rare in Nigeria at the time. That alone showed the level he had reached in business and status, especially coming from Borno, a place not commonly associated with that level of global wealth. Beyond wealth, Mai Deribe was also recognized for his influence and generosity. Like many prominent Northern businessmen of his time, he supported community development, religious causes, and helped people around him, although much of this was not formally documented. His life tells a bigger story about Borno that many people do not often hear, a story of economic strength, ambition, and global connection long before the challenges the state later faced. Figures like him are part of why it is important to keep telling Borno’s story from different angles, not just the difficult chapters, but also the ones filled with achievement and legacy. Travel Buddy @_mkage Tour Guide @suwaiba_abdulrashediliyas #admaihoto #thecreativeexplorer #explorewithad #unesco #celebrateafrica @canoncnafrica @pixieset @africa @undpnigeria @thebrightcontinent @dgntdc @undpnigeria @fmactce_nigeria