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COVID-19: Don’t attend Eid-el-Fitr prayers if you have health problems–Kano Council of Ulama
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama has warned people with preexisting health problems to avoid attending the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Kano so as to protect themselves from contracting coronavirus.
Elderly people and those with underlying health challenges are at risk of developing serious complications if they contract coronavirus–the pathogen that causes COVID-19–a deadly respiratory illness.
Sheikh Khalil, an eminent Islamic scholar, gave the warning in an interview with KANO FOCUS on Wednesday.
Mr Khalil was responding to the decision of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to allow the conduct of the Eid and Friday prayers across the state.
He also clarified that the Ulama council did not object to the Kano government’s decision even though they were not consulted.
“Our advice is based on three things: First, the Kano government should provide items such as face masks, hand sanitizers that people can use to protect themselves at the Eid grounds.
“Secondly, people should also make efforts to ensure that they follow health regulations and guidelines such as keeping social distancing while performing the prayers.
“And thirdly, anyone who has any serious health problems should either avoid attending the Eid prayers or stay away from other worshipers if he decides to attend,” Sheikh Khalil explained.
The cleric also urged Imams that would lead the Eid prayers to deliver short sermons so that worshipers can quickly disperse.
Ganduje issues guidelines on Eid, Friday prayers
Meanwhile Mr Ganduje has issued fresh guidelines to Imams on how to conduct both the Eid and Friday prayers safely.
The governor announced the measures on Wednesday following a meeting with some Imams in the state.
“Part of the protocols handed over to them were, that prayers be conducted within a period of one hour, so as to allow people to disperse quickly, who gathered for prayers. The one hour includes that of sermon and the prayer itself. Packets of face masks were distributed to them also.
“It is necessary for whoever wants to enter into a Mosque or its surrounding to wear a face mask. To protect himself and others. Water and soap will be placed at entrance. Anyone attending must wash his hands. Sanitizer will also be there,” he said, in a statement by his spokesperson, Abba Anwar.
Mr Ganduje also appealed to the Imams to enlighten worshipers on COVID-19 and its protocols, like the use of face masks, hand washing with soap and running water, use of sanitizer among others.
“People must follow protocols for us to get rid of this global pandemic called COVID-19. That is why we decided to call you and intimate you about these protocols,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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