Headlines
Sheikh Tijjani Kalarawi raises concern over increasing cost of Hajj fares
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Ibrahim Khalil
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.
In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.
He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.
“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.
The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.
“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.
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