Headlines
2023 Hajj: Kano Pilgrims Board round off return airlift, Chairman commends Gov Yusuf
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has completed the 2023 hajj exercise with the return of its last set of contingents from Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Yusuf Lawan made the declaration on Sunday at the Malam Aminu Kano International airport on arrival from the King AbdulAziz International airport Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Yusuf Lawan
Alhaji Yusuf Lawan revealed that with this final flight, the Board has returned all the Kano contingent that participated in this year’s pilgrimage.
He explained that the entire contingent have exhibited maturity and good conduct throughout the exercise.
The Executive chairman has attributed the success achieved in this year’s Hajj to the overwhelming support and leadership direction given to the Board by the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Pilgrims descending from aeroplane
He said the former board and previous government messed up a lot of things that would have jeopardised the chances of Kano State’s pilgrims in performing the just-concluded 2023 Hajj exercise if not for intervention and the commitment of Governor Yusuf in providing purposeful leadership for the people of State.
Lawan said If not for the quick intervention of Governor Yusuf, there wouldn’t have been any leeway in the Hajj operation.
According to him, Kano State was allocated 6,105 seats for the 2023 Hajj but the previous board sold additional 191 unavailable slots to intending pilgrims and their money could not be found anywhere.
Pilgrims descending from aeroplane
“Kano State has always been number one or two in Hajj management but things went badly in recent years and the previous board messed up a lot of things.
“We came on the 1st of June as a new board and we didn’t see the former executive secretary to brief us until four days later. So, we didn’t know where to start from because there was no information but we used our experience to call some of the directors even though they were involved in day-to-day running affairs of Hajj.
“From available information, Kano State was allocated 6,105 seats for this year’s Hajj, but we discovered that additional 191 seats were sold to people and we were shocked at how they sold out such unavailable seats to people. But we organised ourselves to look at the visa processing and those we can fix, we fixed them,” Lawan stated.
Alhaji Lawan added: “Another challenge along the way was Hajj camps, in fact it was like a war zone. There were large warehouses within the camp where pilgrims’ luggage are kept on arrival and there were also about 100 houses that used to serve as accommodation for pilgrims when they were screened and waiting for departure to the holy land. But all the houses, including Juma’a Mosque and toilets were demolished by the previous government and distributed the land to individuals. Only 12 toilets out of 55 were left behind. So, even if you are taking just 100 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, will 12 toilets be enough to serve 100 pilgrims while in the camp waiting for departure time, let alone 550 pilgrims.
“Even the main gate where pilgrims used to pass after screening to go to the airport was completely blocked and at that time, our first set of pilgrims were scheduled to move to Madinah the next three days. But with good intention, Allah gave us the way through and when I went to see the Governor and told him that, Your Excellency, there is a need for you to find time to visit Hajj camp either tomorrow or after, but with compassion he said, ‘we’re going now’.
“We went there and he immediately advised the individuals who the land was allocated to and were busy developing it as if there was no government to stop. He then assured us that he will do everything humanly possible within 24 hours to at least make the camp habitable. In the middle of night, he was there with some officials up till early morning, some good Samaritans also came to help and within 24 hours later like the Governor promised, the Hajj camp changed completely.
“We screened the pilgrims and asked His Excellency to come to the Airport and say good bye to the pilgrims, Alhamdulillah, the airlines were very generous to us and within the space of eight days, we were able to airlift all our pilgrims, 6100, to the holy land.
“In the last eight years, Kano State has not transported even 4,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, I think it was only in 2019 before COVID-19 that they had up to 4,000 pilgrims, and last year they came to Saudi Arabia with just 1,700 pilgrims, but, still, a lot of pilgrims were left behind at home.
“So, NAHCON was so surprised and they were asking us how we did it. It was a miracle, but with the support of Allah and leadership direction provided by His Excellency, we were able to surmount the challenges.”
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
Tsakuwa community honours teacher, Nupe man, nine others for development efforts
NCC moves to protect smaller telecom operators, releases draft MVNO business rules
Kano health journalists launch Network to strengthen health reporting, advocacy
NDC House of Representatives aspirant defects to APC in Kano
2027: I will continue distributing job opportunities, says Goro
AGILE Project: Kano awards ₦23.1bn contract for construction of 49 new secondary schools
K-SAFE Co-Chair wins Malala Fund-supported research grant on girls’ education
Max Air reschedules departure date for Kano pilgrims’ Hajj airlift
KASITDA moves to digitise Kano health sector
