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Sheikh Tijjani Kalarawi raises concern over increasing cost of Hajj fares

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

A renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi has lamented the astronomical rise in  Hajj rate.

KANO FOCUS reports that Sheikh Kalarawi was speaking in an interview  on Thursday with journalists at the Holy City of Makka, Saudi Arabia.

It would be recalled that this year’s pilgrimage was of the most costliest in recent times going by the rate in which hard currency were bought which was beyond human decency.

The cost of the spiritual exercise via State Pilgrims Welfare Board  this year stood at N2.9 while through private  airline operators was N4 million.

The charges entails flight, accommodation, logistics and Basic Travel Allowance BTA.

Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi called on federal government to reduce the rate in order  to make it affordable for commoners among the ummah

He observed that the increasing cost of the exercise, has by and large made it financially impractical  for many faithful to do so

He recalled with nostalgia the frantic efforts of the previous administrations in minimizing the rate within the reach of the commoners which gave the wider majority the opportunity to fullfil one of the pillars of the holy religion devoid of hitches.

These regimes according to him those of Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1,500) Maj. Gen. Muhammad Buhari (N4,000) Gen. Sani Abacha (N50,000).

According to him late Muhammad Adamu Dankabo through his Airline, Kabo Air, out of his gesture, used to give pilgrims 100kg main luggage and 20kg hand luggage upon their return from Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi however asked pilgrims to pray for divine intervention on the increasing cost of the rate aimed at ensuring kindness, equality, loveliness, tranquility and above all justice and fairness

Sheikh Kalarawi who served as  Chairman of the state pilgrims outfit during the reign of Air Commodore  Hamza Abdullahi of blessed memory and Architect Kabiru Gaya, recalled how they introduced special classes for intenders  (Bita) to make them abreast with basic rudiments of the religious exercise.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Yusuf Lawan has pledged to present the demand of reviewing the fares before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for onward submission to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.

Lawan who said  Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, has immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide called on those that have the means in the midst of the society not to be left out in fulfilling the obligation in view of its lofty reward

The Chairman who attributed the high cost of observing the rite to depreciating value of Naira, expressed delight with  the arrangement made by National Hajj Commission’of Nigeria  with Saudi Authorities to make the transaction in Dollars without difficulties.

He expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu will consider the request and review the rate being a responsible and concern leader.

Kano Airlifts 4112, pilgrims home in 8 flights

Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has so far airlifted 4,112 pilgrims back home in 8 flights.

The ninth flight with Kano contingents is expected to leave King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday.

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FG commissions National Cybersecurity Centre in BUK  

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Aminu Abdullahi

 

In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the facility, unveiled, is poised to become a national hub for digital defense, innovation and talent development.

Dr. Jide Ajayi cutting the tape during the opening ceremony

Speaking during the commissioning, NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the center as more than just a physical structure—“a national asset”.

 

Represented by Dr. Jide Ajayi from the Zonal Coordination Department, Abdullahi noted that the Centre represents a strategic intervention to enhance cybersecurity education, research and cross-sector collaboration across Nigeria.

 

“This is not just the unveiling of a facility, it is the activation of a knowledge-driven platform designed to equip our nation with the tools, talent and infrastructure required to safeguard our digital space and empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” he stated.

 

He added that the center aligns with the objectives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint, serving as a springboard for collaboration among government, academia and industry stakeholders. It will support research, hands-on training, and act as a resource hub for regional and national partners working to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

 

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA’s leadership for what he described as a visionary and transformative investment in Nigeria’s higher education and national development.

Group picture taken during opening ceremony

“This Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of foresight, partnership and the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping our universities with critical infrastructure for 21st-century education,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

 

“Indeed, the entire Bayero University community is agog with happiness,” he added.

 

The event was well attended by a distinguished audience, including the Principal Officers of Bayero University, senior management staff from BUK, NITDA, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and a large number of academic and administrative staff, along with enthusiastic participation from students..

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Kwankwaso denies taking position on rumoured defection to APC

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The 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has debunked reaching a resolution with any individual on the trending defection rumoured to the ruling party or any other political party.

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, who considered the recent statement credited to have suggested a particular position as an imagination of falsehood and fragmentation of political mischief against him.

A statement posted on his official X handle @KwankwasoRM, the ex-Governor insisted he has since refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and will continue to do so for the time being.

In the said false information that went viral, Kwankwaso was quoted to have revealed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on multiple occasions, urging him to return to the APC fold.

Responding to a statement purportedly signed by one Ibrahim Rabiu, Sen. Kwankwaso insisted he had never signed or authorised any statement to be issued on his behalf.

“My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments. I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief.

“I have refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and I will continue to do so for the time being.”

” I urge the public to only engage statements that come from my public handles and other official sources”. Kwankwaso RM.”

In a releted development, the author of the purported false statement Ibrahim Rabiu has issued a self counter, denouncing the statement as a work of devil.

“I Ibrahim Rabiu, wish to inform the general public that I was never authorised by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso to issue and release a statement on his belhalf”

“I therefore wish to tender a public apology to his person with a promise that such childish act will never be repeated in the future, please find a space in your heart to forgive me, I was misled by fake news and agents of misinformation”

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Emir Sanusi commends AGILE for renovating over 1,300 schools in Kano

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The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sunusi II, commended the Adolescent Girls Initiatives for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project for reenrolling over 30,000 adolescent girls and renovating more than 1,300 schools across the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Emir made the commendation while reeiving AGILE State Project Implementation Unit (SIPU) who paid him an advocacy visit recently.

Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi ll

He emphasized the Kano Emirate Council’s commitment to advocating for education and pledged continued support to ensure the enrollment, retention, transition, and completion of girls’ education in Kano.

The Emir also emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy in implementing policies and programs that foster the development of the state and the nation at large.

AGILE Project Coordinator presenting gift to Emir of Kano

He expressed satisfaction with the AGILE project’s strong monitoring and evaluation framework, particularly in tracking the use of grants and conditional cash transfers.

In his remarks, the Kano State AGILE Coordinator, Malam Mujtapha Aminu said more than 100,000 students are currently enrolled in learning centers across 23 local government areas under the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) second chance education in Kano.

AGILE PC and Emir of Kano

He said this initiative provides out-of-school adolescent girls an opportunity to complete their secondary education, gain entrepreneurship and life skills.

According to him, the second chance education students undergo literacy, numeracy, and entrepreneurship training across 5,000 learning centers.

Athletes who participated in AGILE WEEK Games

He further explained that after nine months of instruction, the students sit for examinations and are awarded certificates equivalent to the Junior Secondary School Certificate.

“Those who enroll in the advanced literacy program also have the opportunity to sit for national examinations such as NECO and WAEC,” he added.

He said they visited the Emir’andalace to seek blessings and advocate for support to achieve their goals.

AGILE Communications Officer and games officials

The AGILE Project is a World Bank-assisted initiative implemented through Federal and State Ministries of Education, aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in Nigeria.

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