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Danbatta tasks Nigerians on reading culture for better knowledge
Nasiru Yusuf
Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has urged Nigerians to imbibe reading culture for a better knowledge and information.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Danbatta, a professor, said this at the 2021 Library/Museum Day on Thursday in Abuja.
He described library as a learning resource assessed by its level of currency in its quality, quantity and variety of the stocks.
Mr Danbatta said that an important component of the library resource is the e-section, which allows electronic link-up and access to more databases and information.
He called on the commission to continue to seek ways to maximise the library resource in meeting its mandate and expanding knowledge and information.
“The library is a learning resource. The stock of a library is normally assessed by its level of currency, what is the quality, quantity, variety of the stock. We must be able to embark on assessing the whole thing.
“An important component of the library resource is the e-section. The e-section is the section that allows you to link up and access more data bases for information.
“When we assess the library, we pay careful attention to the ability of users to access more data bases electronically.
“The most importantly thing is for you to be able to sight a reference that is credible. The library is a component of the entire learning process.
“I believe the outcome of today’s event will help change our reading culture, if you don’t have a reading culture, please try and acquire one, it is very important to read. It will motivate us to have a critical look of innovations,” he said.
Speaking further, Mr Danbatta said that the theme: “The Future of Museum, Recover and Re-Emerging” captured the purpose of the commission’s special museum dedicated to the telecommunications industry.
He said that it was important to collect exhibits and conserve telecommunications items to enlighten and educate stakeholders.
“Museums generally play important roles in the society by observing the past and appreciate the future through providing insight into the history of a people and educating a future of generations,” Mr Danbatta said.
Abba Isa -Tijani, Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria (NCMM), said Museums play crucial role in preserving local culture with careful documentation and artifact preservation of institutions and sectors.
Mr Isa-Tijani, represented by Kilba Zainab-Uche, assistant director, museums, said that the museum sector must move with new trends of technology development , adding that the traditional roles of museums in development could not be underestimated.
He applauded the commission for setting the standard for other institutions and pledged to support the museum whenever the need arises.
“The NCC has a museum where significant and historical telecommunications objects are exhibited, this is historic.
“So the new role of museums in the digital era is till emerging. The museum is not yet completely digital because there is the need to converge both the new and traditional.
“If the traditional role is completely phased out, it will create a problem because from time to time you will have to go back to your past in order to know where you are in the present and to forge ahead,” he concluded.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially launched its 2025 Hajj operations with the deployment of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, made up of key operational personnel and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed from Abuja on Monday after a symbolic farewell ceremony at the Hajj House.
During the send-off, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, formally presented the team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. He praised their exceptional contribution to last year’s Hajj success and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver yet again. Bukar also appealed to the commission’s leadership to maintain strong institutional support to ensure another seamless exercise.
In his charge to the team, Professor Usman urged them to treat the mission with utmost seriousness and spiritual reverence.
“You are not going there to sleep; you are going there to serve the Guests of Allah,” he emphasized. “Support each other, work in unity, and serve with sincerity. Your success is our collective success.”
He assured them of the Commission’s full backing and reminded them to carry out their duties with the fear of Allah.
Echoing the Chairman’s sentiments, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, described the Advance Team as the heartbeat of the Hajj operation. He stressed the need for dedication, integrity, and impartiality in their work, calling on them to approach the task with clear purpose and patience.
On behalf of NAHCON’s executive management, Dr. Mustapha Sani, Secretary to the Commission, confirmed that the team’s welfare packages had been fully approved, assuring them of continued support throughout the Hajj season.
“You are laying the foundation for this year’s operation,” Dr. Sani noted. “Your success is the Commission’s success.”
Speaking on behalf of the Advance Team, Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Alidu Shutti, thanked the leadership for their confidence and pledged unwavering professionalism.
“We are trained, experienced, and fully ready. We will not disappoint you,” he said, appealing for sustained support from the top.
The Advance Team is tasked with crucial responsibilities including securing accommodation for pilgrims, setting up airport reception logistics, and coordinating with Saudi Hajj officials—efforts that form the backbone of Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Their departure signals a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to the 2025 Hajj and the beginning of a meticulously coordinated national pilgrimage to one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings.
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By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabiu Danbappa, has informed intending pilgrims from the state that they should prepare to spend between 35 to 40 days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
He made the statement during the closing session of the Hajj orientation exercise (bita) held for Kano State intending pilgrims.
Alhaji Danbappa emphasized that the extended duration is part of the organized Hajj itinerary and logistical arrangement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stressing that pilgrims must exhibit patience and discipline throughout the holy journey.
“We are urging our pilgrims to mentally and spiritually prepare for a stay of up to 40 days in Makkah. It is not unusual, and it is part of the spiritual obligation,” he said.
The Director General also decried the conduct of some pilgrims who, after completing the core rites of Hajj, begin to pressure the board to arrange their return to Nigeria earlier than scheduled.
“There are individuals who begin to disturb the peace of the board, coming up with excuses just to shorten their stay,” he noted.
“But they must understand that return flights operate on a ‘first to go, first to return’ basis. No one will be allowed to jump the queue.”
Alhaji Danbappa urged the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary complaints and instead focus on their spiritual obligations, warning that any attempt to create unrest or disrupt the return process would not be tolerated.
The Pilgrims Welfare Board has so far concluded arrangements for the first batch of Kano pilgrims to depart for Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, with airlifts expected to follow a strict schedule based on departure order.
The DG also commended the Kano State Government for its continued support in ensuring a smooth Hajj operation, and called on pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of the state and the country while in the holy land.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has issued a blistering response to recent accusations made by Baffa Bichi, the former Secretary to the State Government, describing the claims as baseless fabrications intended to mislead the public and tarnish reputations.
This was contained in a stark issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin on Sunday.
Governor Yusuf dismissed all the allegations made by Bichi via social media, branding him “a shameless liar” whose utterances are unworthy of serious attention.
“The claims are not only false but also laughable. Baffa Bichi is a big liar, and everything he said is a total fallacy,” Yusuf declared.
Particularly, the Governor vehemently refuted the assertion that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is receiving N2 billion monthly from the Kano State Government.
Governor Yusuf described the allegation as “the height of political desperation and dishonesty.”
“Senator Kwankwaso is one of the purest and most selfless individuals in Kano. He has never demanded a penny from this administration, nor has he interfered with the government’s finances,” the Governor asserted.
He also criticized Baffa Bichi’s timing and motive, noting that he served in the government for several months without making such claims—until after his dismissal due to incapacitation, poor performance and administrative negligence.
“You were in this government for more than a year l, If you had any integrity, you would have spoken out while still in office. But you chose silence until you were sent parking. That exposes your real motive,” Yusuf added.
The Governor concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparency and good governance, urging the people of Kano to disregard what he called “the noise of bitter politicians who have lost relevance.”
NAHCON Flags Off 2025 Hajj Operations as Advance Team Departs for Saudi Arabia
Intending Pilgrims May Spend Up to 40 Days in Makkah – Kano Pilgrims Board Warns
You’re a Shameless Liar’– Gov Yusuf Blasts Former SSG Over Allegations
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