Headlines
Islamic Forum of Nigeria ask Federal Govt to postpone census to a future date
Aminu Abdullahi
The Islamic Forum of Nigeria has appealed to the Federal Government to reschedule the conduct of the forthcoming national census to a future date, observing that the March/April date slated for the exercise coincides with this year’s Ramadan fast.
KANO FOCUS reports the Executive Secretary of the Forum, Professor Salisu Shehu said the timing of the exercise is not favourable to Muslims across the country.
A statement signed on Sunday by Prof. Shehu revealed that Muslims both as staff of the Commission and the people to be enumerated will find it difficult to cope with the hardship that may be occasioned by the exercise, including the long distant travels they may have to embark upon during the period.
“The exercise, as it were, is always a very rigorous one involving travels across the entire regions of our great country. Ad –hoc staff as is usually the case can be posted to any part of the country and to very remote places far away from the places of origin” he observed.
The Forum also stressed that Muslims, who may have to travel to remote non – Muslim areas to officially discharge that assignment, may not even find a conducive environment to observe their Ramadan spiritual duties.
“Considering the on-going difficulty in accessing the new Naira notes, coupled with staying at home for five days during the exercise, Nigerians would definitely face difficulties that need to be considered also by the Commission” he added.
While recognizing this year’s census as a national imperative given that it is overdue and commending the preparations so far by the National Population Commission, it stated that rescheduling the date of the exercise would further enhance the quality of the outcome.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise will officially commence on May 13, 2025.
The Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa, revealed this during an inspection visit to Hajj training centers in Ungogo and Bichi Local Government Areas.
The visit was part of the state’s preparations for a smooth and successful Hajj operation this year.
Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u stated that, according to the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Kano State will be among the first to begin the airlift of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using Max Air airline.
He emphasized that the Board had concluded all necessary arrangements ahead of time to guarantee a seamless transportation process and to ensure the welfare of pilgrims throughout the exercise.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Yusif Lawan, urged intending pilgrims to consistently attend the Hajj training sessions organized across the state.
He explained that the training was crucial for educating the pilgrims on the rites of Hajj and ensuring they perform the religious exercise properly.
Alhaji Yusif also cautioned pilgrims to comply fully with the guidelines set by both Nigerian authorities and Saudi Arabian officials to avoid any disruptions during the pilgrimage.
The Chairman, alongside board members, committee members, and directors, participated in the visit to assess the level of preparedness at the training centers.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kano pilgrims and ensuring a successful 2025 Hajj operation.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has uncovered irregularities in the payroll system of local government councils, as no fewer than 247 staff members were discovered to have either retired from service or died.
KANO FOCUS reports that the discovery revealed that the names of the affected local government staff have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries are running.
A statement by the Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State GovernmenMusa Tanko Muhammad, said these fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for March 2025 alone.
“In a decisive move towards cleansing the state payroll, the Kano State Government has recorded a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform the salary administration system within the state civil service.
“Arising from the validation exercise, a disturbing irregularity was uncovered within the payroll system of local government councils.
“The findings revealed that 247 individuals have either retired from service or died yet, have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries running. These fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for the month of March, 2025 alone.
“In a prompt and effective response and while further due diligence is being conducted to determine the extent of this apparent fraud and the perpetrators, the amount has been recovered and returned to the Local Government Treasury,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the recovery underscores the administration’s dedication at entrenching governance, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to purging the payroll system of irregularities.
“Individuals found to be involved in this fraudulent activity will be identified and held fully accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The newly signed laws provide for the establishment of the following agencies:
1. Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)
2. Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)
3. Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)
4. Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)
These laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.
Governor Yusuf described the signing as a significant step toward realizing his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.
He emphasized that the new agencies will play a crucial role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.
“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the Governor stated.
He also issued a strong warning that violations of the provisions of these laws will be met with strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.
The establishment of these agencies reflects Governor Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
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Governor Yusuf Signs Laws Establishing Four New Agencies in Kano
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