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$95 million Kano Agro-Pastoral project to improve 1.2 million lives–Gov’t

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Muktar Yahya Usman

The Kano state government has formally inaugurated the $95 million Kano Agro-Pastoral Project in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), saying the initiative will improve the lives of at least 1.2 million people in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the 5-year project will be funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF).

Unveiling the program. Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said the project will contribute to reduce poverty and strengthen food security in the state, which is the most populous in Nigeria, by developing agro-pastoral production systems.

He added that the project aims to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness through access to input and credit, value addition and market access, extension services delivery and capacity building.

It was learnt that the program is an initiative through which the IsDB and other organizations provide concessional financing to member countries.

Speaking at the event the regional manager, Regional Hub of Abuja, Mr Mayoro Niang explained that the project is aligned to the bank President’s five year plan and the Federal government’s Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction Strategy.

He said the program is to ensure that the quality of the project is maintained and to guarantee proper orientation on its specifics, under applicable policies and procedures of the bank.

Also in a remark, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the state deputy governor explained that “the project emphasizes enhancement of agricultural production, productivity and competitiveness of both crop and livestock, with expected reduction in the number of people living below the poverty line in the state”.

“In quantitative terms, it aims to improve the living conditions of over 1, 260, 000 people across the 44 local government areas of Kano state, and that is quite a large number of people,” he said.

Mr Gawuna added that the project also aims to address incessant conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

“The project will initiate an unprecedented development momentum in Kano. As it unfolds, it will have tremendous positive impact on our environment and will contribute immensely towards improving the management of our natural resources.

“It is a significant component of the project management that will serve as an advisory body, comprising stakeholders. It will review project annual work plans and budget, implementation progress reports and provide guidance on different issues that could affect the project,” he noted.

On his part Mr. Jena Jacques, a Lives and Livelihood Funds representative, said his organization, a partner of the Islamic Development Bank group, is glad to work with the Kano state government to make positive impact on the lives of the poor.

“The fund is delighted to support not only Kano state but also other IsDB member countries to address community health, agriculture and basic infrastructure challenges”, he stated.

He however maintained that, “our concessional financing comes with obligations including abiding all our rules and regulations, accurate procurement plan, clear disbursement plan and having maximum project impact, among others”.

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Tears, Prayers, and Riyals: A Hajj to Remember with Gov. Yusuf

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By Ibrahim Adam

In the sacred valleys of Mina, where millions gather seeking divine mercy, something unusual happened.

It wasn’t the rituals or the crowd—it was the sight of a Nigerian governor moving quietly from tent to tent, pressing warm greetings into pilgrims’ palms alongside 250 Saudi Riyals, and whispering “Barka da Sallah” like a father would to his children.

That governor was Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. And for the over 3,345 Kano pilgrims under his care, this was more than a religious journey—it became a deeply human experience of being seen, valued, and loved.

“He walked with us,” said Alhaji Musa from Gwale, his voice trembling with emotion. “Not as a politician. As one of us. As a brother.”

A Leader Who Showed Up

Governor Yusuf’s Hajj story didn’t start in Saudi Arabia. Months earlier, in Kano, he stood before hundreds of hopeful pilgrims and made a promise:

“We will not let the burden of cost block your path to the House of Allah.”

Initially, he pledged 200 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim. But upon arrival in the Kingdom, he increased it to 250 Riyals, further surprising the pilgrims with a gesture that felt both generous and personal.

When currency instability threatened the Basic Travel Allowance, he released over ₦376 million in emergency support to ensure each pilgrim received their full $500.

“He didn’t leave us at the airport. He followed us to Makkah, to Mina, to Arafat,” said Hajiya Rabi from Dala.

“He came before everyone, inspected our hotels, tasted our meals, asked about our beds.”

He wasn’t just preparing for the cameras. He was preparing for the people.

In Mina, a Governor Turned Father

Under the scorching Saudi sun in Mina, where sleep is brief and emotions run high, the governor emerged quietly with his team a day after Eid.

No sirens. No announcement. Just warmth.

He moved from tent to tent, personally distributing 250 Riyals to every single Kano pilgrim—3,345 in total. The joy was instant. The emotion, overwhelming.

“When he announced the money, I started crying,” said Hajiya Safiya, an elderly widow from Dawakin Tofa.
“I didn’t expect him to even visit, let alone remember us.”

It wasn’t just about the money. It was the humility of the gesture. The human touch.

Three Square Meals and a Human Connection

For many pilgrims, this was also the most comfortable Hajj they had ever experienced—not in luxury, but in dignity.

• In Makkah, pilgrims received two hot meals daily.

• In Mina and Arafat, where pilgrims often struggle for food, they enjoyed three full meals per day—fresh, consistent, and culturally familiar.

And it wasn’t just the quality of the food. Meals were brought directly to the pilgrims’ doorsteps—ensuring no one was left out or delayed.

This small but thoughtful gesture meant every pilgrim ate on time and with ease.

“I have been to Hajj before,” said Malam Bala, a retired teacher.

“But this time, I was never hungry. I didn’t fall sick. I felt cared for.”

The governor’s presence ensured clean toilets, mobile clinics, and direct coordination with Saudi authorities to ease the movement of pilgrims—especially the elderly.

Words of Guidance, Not Just Gifts

Even amid his generosity, Governor Yusuf remained focused on purpose. He addressed pilgrims in a heartfelt sermon, urging them to pray for peace in Nigeria and to uphold Kano’s good name.

“You are not just here for yourself,” he said.

“You are here for your family, your state, your country. Conduct yourself with humility. Saudi law is strict—stay away from anything suspicious.”

His warning was gentle but firm. His tone—not that of a boss, but of a leader who cares enough to correct you with love.

A Memory Etched in Spirit

What made this Hajj unforgettable wasn’t just the money, the food, or the logistics. It was the presence of a leader who chose to be among his people, not above them.

“When I tell my children about Hajj 2025, I will say: ‘We went with a governor who stood by us, prayed with us, cared for us,’” said Malama Hadiza, her voice cracking.

The phrase “Ya yi mana kamar uba”—He was like a father to us—echoed from tent to tent.

Final Thoughts: A Hajj Beyond Rituals

In the end, it wasn’t the rituals alone that defined this Hajj for Kano pilgrims.

It was the tears shared, the prayers offered, the Riyals gifted—not from a government account, but from a governor’s heart.

Governor Abba K Yusuf reminded everyone watching that leadership is not about distance, protocol, or pride—it’s about presence.

About walking among your people when they are at their most vulnerable. About reminding them they are not alone.

And that—more than the meals, the money, or even the smooth logistics—is what they will remember.

He walked with us. And we will never forget.

Ibrahim Adam is a Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information and Head of Hajj Media Team 2025.

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Barka da Sallah:Governor Yusuf Touches Hearts in Mina with ₦361 Million Support for Kano Pilgrims

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In a moving display of compassion and leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reached across borders to extend a generous hand of support to 3,345 pilgrims from Kano performing the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

During a surprise visit to the pilgrims’ tent in Mina, one of the holiest sites of the Hajj, the governor personally distributed 250 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim — a heartfelt gesture totaling ₦361,087,500, calculated at an exchange rate of ₦430 per riyal.

The atmosphere in Mina shifted from solemn to joyful as pilgrims received not just money, but a message of solidarity and care from home.

“You are our ambassadors in the holy land,” Governor Yusuf told the pilgrims.

“This small gesture is to show that your state stands with you, prays for you, and appreciates the spiritual sacrifice you are making.”

The governor’s visit, made in the midst of the intense rituals of Hajj, was seen as symbolic — a leader humbling himself among his people in their moment of spiritual devotion.

For many of the pilgrims, the gesture wasn’t just about the money, but about being remembered, honored, and supported far from home.

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board oversaw the smooth and transparent distribution of the funds, ensuring that all 3,345 pilgrims received their share.

In a time when many leaders are accused of being distant from the people, Governor Yusuf’s gesture in Mina stands as a powerful symbol of connected leadership, faith in action, and governance with a human face.

 

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Emir Sanusi cancels Sallah durbar 

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Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II

 

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has cancelled the planned Sallah durbar activities by the Emirate. 

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Sanusi announced the cancelation while addressing journalists at the Kofar Kudu palace.

 

According to him, the cancellation followed his meetings with the Kano State Government, which showed him a lot of evidence of nefarious plans to use his movement to create tension in the state.

 

“After a series of advice, the emirate council has cancelled the Sallah Durbar activities.

 

“Therefore, we are directing all our district heads, wards and village heads to strictly adhere and stay in their location to avoid any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.

 

It will be recalled that the joint security agencies in Kano had on Tuesday insisted that the ban on all forms of Sallah Durbar activities in the state is still in force.

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