Headlines
2024 Hajj: Kano registers 2,300 pilgrims
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board sai it had so far sold 2,300 Hajj seats out of the 5,934 allocated to the state by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
KANO FOCUS reports that the Director General of the board, Alhaji Laminu Rabi’u Danbappa made the announcement at the flag off of this year’s Hajj enlightenment programme (Bita) in the state on Saturday.
He explained that 2,300 intending pilgrims paid N4.5 million and above whole 300 paid below N4.5 million.
He therefore urged on the depositors to endeavor to complete the payment, or those that are willing to pay for the whole package to do so before the Monday deadline.
The DG has announced that the Board will close collection of payment of balance and complete package for 2024 Hajj on Monday, February 12.
He said based on the new policies by Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has directed that all payments of the balance and for the purchase of seat should be completed by Monday.
He warned that any person who fail to complete the payment after initial deposit of N4.5 million, or pay the whole N4,699 million, risks missing out on this year’s Hajj.
“The national Hajj Commission has allocated 5,934 Hajj seats allocated to Kano state. But due to economic challenges, the seats are yet to be sold all, while the Saudi deadline for remitting the total amount of money generated from the sale of the seats is end of this month.
“The NAHCON also asked all state pilgrims welfare boards to complete collection of balance and payment of the whole package by Monday.
“I therefore, urged all those that had paid their deposit and want to pay the balance, or even those that are willing to pay to quickly do so before the Monday deadline, otherwise you risk missing this year’s Hajj,” he said.
He said the board has completed all the necessary arrangements for the 2024 Hajj operations both in Kano and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, assuring the pilgrims that they would get value for their money.
He charge the intending Pilgrims to intensify efforts in ensuring regular attendance for the Hajj orientation exercise.
He said the exercise would be conducted weekly at 13 centres across the state.
The DG commended the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support and commitments to ensure proper arrangements for this year’s Hajj exercise.
Headlines
Dabo’s resignation triggers wave of defections from APC in Kano
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.
Headlines
Five Kano Pillars Amputee Players Invited to Special Eagles Camp Ahead of World Cup
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.
Headlines
Former NPA MD Aminu Dabo resigns as APC caucus chairman in Dambatta
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.
