Headlines
70% of Northerners are willing to accept COVID-19 vaccine – report
Nasiru Yusuf
A survey conducted on COVID-19 in Northern Nigeria indicated that almost 70% of respondents were willing to accept the vaccine.
Kano Focus reports that the cochairman of Kano state Task Force on COVID-19 AbdurRazaq Garba Habib revealed this at a one day symposium on the vaccine organised by Islamic Forum of Nigeria for Imam of Juma’a mosques.
The research titled ‘Knowledge, attitude and practice survey of COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Nigeria’ was jointly conducted by Mr Habib, Maryam AbdurRazaq Habib, Faruk Muhammad Dayyab and Garba Iliyasu.
Mr Habib, a professor of infectious and tropical diseases at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital/Bayero University Kano, said 39% of respondents were willing to pay for the vaccine if not publicly funded.
The medical doctor dismissed the myth alleging that the vaccines may modify human DNA.
Imam of Juma’a mosques
He noted that so far reported safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines have exceeded one expectation.
“The COVID vaccine will reduce the chance of suffering from serious complications of COVID.
“No vaccine is 100% effective, so everyone should continue to take the recommended precautions to avoid infection,” Mr Habib said.
Imams of Juma’a mosques
Emir of Kano endorse COVID-19 vaccines
In his address the Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero has admonished people to accept COVID-19 vaccines.
The royal father represented by Dan Amar of Kano Aliyu Harazimi Umar said it is part of Emirate’s tradition to consult cleric on matters of national importance like COVID-19 with a view to getting Islamic position.
Alhaji Aliyu Harazimi Umar (Dan Amar)
The monarch urged Imams to use their pulpits in sensitising the public on how best to accept the vaccines.
He racalled with nostalgia how people in the past refused to take poliomyelitis vaccine to the extent that Saudi Authorities mandated administering the vaccines to every Nigerians who went for Hajj or Umrah.
Islamic perspective on vaccines
Also speaking the chief Imam of Alfurqan Juma’a mosque Bashir Aliyu Umar said Islam recommended vaccination against any disease.
Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar (Chief Imam of Alfurqan Juma’a mosque)
He cited prophetic traditions which recommends taking seven prices of Ajwa dates daily as shield against diseases.
The Imam noted that taking vaccines endorsed by health experts is permissible in Islam.
Earlier the Executive Secretary of the Forum Salisu Shehu said the lecture was organised to clear misconception attributed to COVID-19 vaccine and raise public awareness regarding the importance of the highly anticipated vaccine in Kano state.
Prof. Salisu Shehu (Executive Secretary, Islamic Forum of Nigeria)
Shehu, a deputy secretary general of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs said as the country awaits COVID-19 vaccine there is need to ensure comprehensive communication efforts to manage public expectations and counter vaccine doubtfulness.
Prof. Salisu Shehu, Alhaji Wada Aliyu Gaya (Sarkin Yakin Kano) and Prof. Muhammad Sani Zahraddeen (Chief Imam of Kano)
Others who spoke at the occasion include Chief Imam of Kano Muhammad Sani Zahraddeen, vice Chairman of the Forum M.T Bello, Director, Centre of infectious diseases Bayero University Kano, Isa Abubakar, Bashir Adamu Aliyu, among others.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
NCC board chair hosts licensed telecoms operators in Lagos
Stakeholders seek stronger nutrition financing at local government level
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
Kano govt investigates reported disease outbreak in Garko community
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
