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2023 Hajj: First batch of Kano pilgrims set to depart Saudi Arabia
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The first batch of Kano pilgrims, who performed this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has on Saturday left Makka en route to Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that they left Makka to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at about ten o’clock Saudi time Saturday morning.
Their flight is expected to take off in the evening on the same day.
The process of their departure started on Friday Night with the screening of their hand luggage to ensure compliance with National Hajj Commission’s policy.
On Saturday morning the pilgrims along with their hand luggage assemble to board luxurious buses to King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah.
Some of the pilgrims interviewed Zubairu Hudu Sani from Doguwa, Sirajo Hudu from Tudunwada, Maryam Abdullahi Garun Malam and Hadiza Hamisu from Bebeji local governments thanked Almighty Allah for granting them the golden opportunity to performed pilgrimage and commended Governor Yusuf for a hitch free Hajj.
In an interview with journalists shortly after bidding a farewell to the pilgrims, the Director operations, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Panda expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful operations.
Alhaji Panda said every pilgrim is expected to spend a minimum of 40 days to 43 days in the Holy Land before he or she would be airlifted back to Nigeria.
According to him the return home journey would be strictly on the initial sequence of pilgrims’ journey to the Holy land, ‘first come first leave’ principle to be fair in discharging the duty,
“The tradition of first come, first return will be observed as a principle and in line with the Saudi guidelines for fairness and equity,” he said.
While appealing to pilgrims and the operators to conduct the home-bound journeys orderly, he, however, revealed that the state Pilgrims Welfare Board under the able leadership of Alhaji Laminu Rabiu is working round the clock to ensure a successful pilgrimage.
The Director expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support towards the success of this year’s Hajj exercise.
The second and third batch of Kano pilgrims are expected to leave Makka on Monday July 17th.
KANO FOCUS reports that recalled that the inaugural flight of this year’s Pilgrims left Kano to Saudi Arabia on Monday June 5th, 2023.
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.
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