Headlines
Imam urges faithful to prepare spiritually for Ramadan through Rajab, Sha’aban
Ibrahim Khalil Nasir
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uviete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has urged Muslims to begin early spiritual preparation for the holy month of Ramadan by maximising the blessings of the months of Rajab and Sha’aban.
KANO FOCUS reports that the cleric made the call in his Friday sermon delivered on January 16, 2026, corresponding with Rajab 26, 1447 AH, where he highlighted the importance of using the two months preceding Ramadan for spiritual growth, discipline and self-reform.
According to Imam Gusau, preparation for Ramadan should not start with the sighting of the crescent moon but much earlier, noting that the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) traditionally prepared for the holy month several months in advance.
He explained that Rajab and Sha’aban provide Muslims with a unique opportunity to cleanse their hearts, build good habits and strengthen acts of worship before Ramadan. Quoting Imam Abubakar al-Warraq al-Balkhi, he described Rajab as the month of “planting the seeds,” Sha’aban as the month of “watering,” and Ramadan as the month of “harvesting.”
Imam Gusau noted that Rajab is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which good deeds are greatly rewarded and sinful actions are considered more grievous. He referenced key historical and spiritual events associated with the month, including the Isra’ wal Mi’raj and the liberation of Jerusalem by Salahuddin al-Ayyubi.
He encouraged Muslims to increase voluntary acts of worship during Rajab, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, observing the White Days, offering voluntary prayers, giving charity and engaging in constant supplication.
Turning to Sha’aban, the Imam described it as a month often neglected by many, yet one in which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) devoted significant attention, particularly through increased fasting and worship. He cited a narration by Aisha (RA) which states that the Prophet fasted more in Sha’aban than in any other month apart from Ramadan.
He advised Muslims to intensify Qur’an recitation, voluntary fasting, night prayers, remembrance of Allah and charity in Sha’aban, while also preparing for Ramadan by calculating Zakat and organising charitable plans.
Imam Gusau stressed that conscious preparation during Rajab and Sha’aban helps believers avoid burnout during Ramadan and enables them to fully benefit from its mercy, forgiveness and spiritual rewards.
He concluded by urging Muslims to abandon negative habits, renew their commitment to Allah and make the prayer: “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’aban and allow us to reach Ramadan.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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