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
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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