Headlines
2024 Hajj: Kano airlifts 3,110 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has airlifted a total of 3,110 pilgrims to Makkah, Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj.
KANO FOCUS reports that the pilgrims were received by officials of the Board and National Hajj Commission.
The Head of the Media Team for Kano State pilgrims and spokesperson of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, disclosed this in a statement made available to KANO FOCUS on Saturday.

Shuaibu said the pilgrims comprise both government-sponsored and privately sponsored individuals.
He said, “The officials of the board in Makkah, urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner throughout their stay in the holy city.
“The pilgrims will spend several days in Makkah performing various rituals, including circumambulating the Kaaba, praying at the Grand Mosque, and sacrificing animals.”
Kano pilgrims get free meals in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Kano State Government said it is providing pilgrims from the state free meals twice daily.
The Head of Media Team for Kano State pilgrims and also the spokesperson of the Deputy Governor of the state, Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
He said the aimed at ensuring the well-being and comfort of the pilgrims during their stay in the holy land.
Shuaibu added that the meals are being provided twice a day to all pilgrims from Kano State, regardless of their background or socio-economic status.
“The meals, which are prepared by a team of experienced chefs, are nutritious and delicious, and are served in a clean and hygienic environment,” he said.
In addition to the meals, the Kano State Government has also deployed a team of medical professionals to Saudi Arabia to provide medical care to the pilgrims.
The medical team which includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, is stationed at the Kano State pilgrims’ camp in Mecca and is available to provide medical assistance to pilgrims 24 hours daily.
Furthermore, the state government has also deployed an environmental team to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the pilgrims’ environment.
The team, which includes sanitation experts and environmental health officers, is responsible for ensuring that the pilgrims’ camp is kept clean and hygienic and that all necessary measures are taken to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
“The Government’s gesture has been widely praised by pilgrims and stakeholders alike, who have commended the government for its commitment to the welfare of its citizens in the holy land,” the statement said.

Headlines
Namadi Sambo commends Gov. Yusuf for declaring state of emergency on education

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Vice President, Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo, has commended the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sambo, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Yusuf over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, expressed admiration for the administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
“As an architect, I am particularly passionate about the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification of the Kano Government House,” Sambo noted.

“I was very happy and have been looking forward to the opportunity to commend you in person.”
He described the Governor’s efforts as “giant strides,” adding that the infrastructural transformation under the Yusuf-led administration is evident across Kano.
“Mr. Governor, you are doing well,” the former Vice President added. “I have been following the news, and on my arrival to Kano, I personally noticed the impressive infrastructural developments everywhere. You have effectively turned the Government House into a construction site.”
Governor Yusuf thanked the former Vice President for his visit and words of encouragement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring Kano’s glory through purposeful governance and people-oriented projects.
His Excellency Namadi Sambo was in cimpany of Chairman Unity Bank, former Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi and a host of others.
In another development, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello led another powerful delegation to condole with the Governor and the good people of Kano over the death of late Alhaji Amunu Dantata.
The former Governor of Niger state was accompanied by Sen. Bashir Garba Lado, Sen. Muhammad Ibn Na’Allah, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Abacha among others.

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AGILE Kano takes awareness campaign on Gender-Based Violence to schools

The Adolescent Girls Initiative For Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has organized a sensitization workshop for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) clubs in 50 secondary schools across Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that that ten students, who were selected from each participating school, received the training on understanding GBV, preventive measures, and appropriate actions to take when faced with such situations.
Speaking at the closing of the training on Friday, Bashir Kabir Rabi’u, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) officer of the AGILE Project in Kano State, said the workshop was aimed at raising awareness among female students on how to recognize and avoid GBV, as well as how to respond effectively if it occurs.

“This workshop brought together 50 school-based clubs established to fight GBV.
“We trained 10 students from each school to equip them with knowledge about gender-based violence,” he stated.
Rabi’u noted that the awareness campaign is part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
He explained that the AGILE Project, which is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Education, facilitated the program.
In her remarks, the Principal of Kukar Bulikiya Girls Secondary School, Hannatu Ado Gwaram, commended the AGILE program for organizing the training.
She pledged that the school would continue sensitizing students on ways to avoid becoming victims of GBV.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event also featured drama presentations and educative plays aimed at driving home the message of gender-based violence prevention.

Headlines
PLANE partners Kano govt to develop MTSS for education sector

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Partnership For Learning For All in Nigeria (PLANE) in collaboration with Kano state government has commenced a 5-day workshop to develop a 2026-2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) aimed at enhancing quality education.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop brings together stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, Budget and Planning, Finance, Development Partners, and Civil Society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner of Education Dr Ali Haruna Makoda said Kano State Government has allocated 31.5% of its 2025 budget to boost quality education in the state.
According to him the budgetary allocation is part of a strategic plan to achieve quality education through due process and implementation.

Dr. Makoda emphasised the importance of strategic planning and implementation in achieving better results in the education sector.
He urged participants to implement what they would learn for the betterment of the state education sector.

Participants at the occasion
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education Reforms, Haladu Mohammed, explained that the workshop would create a solid foundation for a 3-year education plan to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the state.
This initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s commitment to improving the education sector, aligning with its recent efforts to enhance education quality.
