Headlines
Abba Kabir Yusuf shuns NMA gubernatorial debate on healthcare

Nasiru Yusuf
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, has boycotted the gubernatorial candidate debate on healthcare, organised by Kano branch of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf did not also send his running mate, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam to represent him at the debate attended by five gubernatorial candidates.
However, speaking at the beginning of the programme, a former Commissioner of Health and member of NNPP Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf presented an excuse on behalf of Engr Yusuf, saying that he was unavoidably absent, alongside his running mate, Abdulsalam.

Governorship candidates who participated in the debate
According to him, the governorship candidate received the invitation letter for the debate late while he was already out of town.

Dr Labaran also told the organisers that he wants to represent the NNPP governorship candidate, but the NMA leadership refuse to oblige, insisting that only governorship candidates or running mate will be allowed to participate.
Also Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Sadiq Aminu Wali, and that of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa were conspicuously absent at the debate.
Governorship candidates in the debate

Governorship candidates at the event
Another candidate who absconded from the debate is Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, of Action Democratic Party (ADP), but was represented by his running mate, Rabi’u Bako.
However, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Kano state Deputy Governor and governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and chairman of Council of Ulama Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate attended the debate.
Others who graced the occasion include Bashir Ishaq Bashir, candidate of Labour Party (LP), representative of ADP candidate, Bako and Salihu Tanko Yakasai, gubernatorial candidate of People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
During the debate, all the five candidates present pledged to address the major challenges bedeviling the health sector in the state.
The gubernatorial candidates have presented divergent approaches and agenda in reforming the health sector if elected. The candidates also presented different programmes designed to improve healthcare system in the state.

Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai
In his remarks the chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano state branch Dr Abdullahi Kabir Sulaiman said debate was organise to increase awareness of health issues amongst gubernatorial candidates in order to put health on the front burner of their administration when voted into office.
Dr Sulaiman added that the interactive session will also assist the candidates to formulate an implementable action plan to address the lingering problems in the state healthcare.
The NMA chairman raised concern on lack of indigenous pharmaceutical companies in Kano state despite its large population.
“For instance, the major supplier of antimalarial drugs in Kano is India followed by China. This means if India and China refuse to sell antimalarial drugs to Nigeria, we will be left with major crisis in malarial treatments and this will increase malarial deaths in the state.

Cross section of diginatries at the event
“One of the key WHO recommendations in achieving universal healthcare coverage for all, is collaborations with other health related sectors such as environment, water resources and rural development, electricity, housing and urban planning, as well as agriculture among others. This means there is need to have such sustainable collaborations in the state,” Dr Sulaiman said.
KANO FOCUS recalled that the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier boycotted the Arewa Joint Committee interactive session with presidential candidates.

Cross section of diginatries at the event
Dr Kwankwaso alleged that his team is in possession of credible information that some people behind the engagement have been compromised, and the event will be used to “clandestinely endorse” another candidate from Northern Nigeria.

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

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.

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

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.

Headlines
Emir Sanusi cancels Sallah durbar

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.
