News
Imam Gusau urges Muslims to prepare spiritually, mentally for Ramadan
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has called on Muslims to begin comprehensive spiritual, mental and physical preparations ahead of the 1447 AH (2026) Ramadan fast, describing the holy month as a period of discipline, mercy and moral renewal for individuals and the wider Ummah.
KANO FOCUS reports that Imam Gusau made the call in a sermon titled “Preparation for Ramadan and the Prophet Muhammad’s Sermon on Its Coming”, delivered on Friday, Sha’aban 11, 1447 AH, where he stressed that Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink, but a holistic exercise in self-restraint, compassion and devotion to Allah.
He noted that with the numerous challenges facing the Muslim Ummah globally — particularly in countries such as Nigeria and Palestine — the need to maximise the spiritual benefits of Ramadan had become more urgent.
“Ramadan is a marathon, not a sprint. It rewards consistency, patience and sincere effort from beginning to end,” he said, quoting the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as saying that during Ramadan the gates of mercy are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and devils are chained.
The cleric urged Muslims to begin preparations early by strengthening their spiritual routines, renewing intentions, improving the quality of prayers and increasing Qur’anic recitation. He encouraged believers to learn new chapters of the Qur’an for prayer and to combine recitation with understanding through translations and tafsir.
Imam Gusau also emphasised the importance of charity, describing sadaqah as a defining feature of Ramadan, and encouraged Muslims to develop the habit of giving generously, especially to the poor and vulnerable.
On mental preparation, he advised Muslims to avoid anger, false speech and harmful behaviour, stressing that fasting without moral discipline is meaningless. He also cautioned against excessive use of social media, urging believers to be intentional with their time during the holy month.
“Ramadan is an opportunity to assess our mental health, manage stress and distance ourselves from distractions that weaken our spiritual focus,” he said.
Addressing physical preparation, the Imam advised Muslims to gradually reduce excessive eating, caffeine intake and unhealthy habits ahead of Ramadan, while maintaining balanced meals, hydration and regular exercise. He described fasting as a natural detoxification process with proven health benefits.
He further reminded Muslims of the Prophet Muhammad’s compassionate approach to fasting, noting the flexibility allowed for travellers, the sick and those under hardship, as well as the encouragement to ease burdens on others during the month.
Imam Gusau highlighted the special significance of the last ten days of Ramadan, urging Muslims to seek Lailatul Qadr and to engage in I‘tikaf as a means of spiritual renewal in an age increasingly dominated by material distractions.
Quoting extensively from the Prophet Muhammad’s famous Ramadan sermon reported by Salman Al-Farsi, the cleric underscored themes of mercy, forgiveness, generosity and kindness to neighbours, orphans and the needy.
“Ramadan is a month of repentance, reflection and returning to Allah. It is a time to discipline our desires, uplift the less fortunate and strengthen our relationship with our Creator,” he said.
Imam Gusau concluded by urging Muslims to build spiritual momentum in the remaining days of Sha’aban through voluntary fasting, increased worship and sincere repentance, praying that Allah grants the Ummah the strength to observe Ramadan with devotion and humility.
Imam Murtadha Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque in Okene, Kogi State
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
News
Disabled student seeks urgent fix for faulty elevator at Northwest University Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A student of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Northwest University Kano has appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to urgently repair a faulty elevator at the institution’s city campus, saying the situation has made access to lectures extremely difficult for him and other students with disabilities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the student, Aminu Jaafar Muhammad, popularly known as Alamein, made the appeal in a post shared on social media, where he narrated the challenges he faces attending lectures at the Ado Bayero City Campus, Kofar Nassarawa.
Muhammad, a Level 300 student preparing to enter his final year, said he lives with a physical disability affecting one of his legs. According to him, the Faculty of Computing, where he studies ICT, holds lectures on the sixth to ninth floors of the campus building, while the elevator meant to provide access to the upper floors has remained out of service.
He explained that due to the faulty lift, his colleagues are forced to carry him up the stairs every day in order for him to attend classes.
“Every day my colleagues carry me from the ground floor to at least the sixth floor, which involves climbing more than 100 stairs,” he said, describing the act as a remarkable show of solidarity from fellow students.
Muhammad noted that during his first year at the university he studied at the main campus, where there were fewer stairs. In his second year, he said the elevator occasionally functioned, but when it broke down again his classmates had to assist him several times a week to reach lecture halls upstairs.
He revealed that he had earlier written to the university management requesting that lectures for his faculty be relocated either to the main campus or to lower floors of the building to make access easier. However, he said the letter, submitted over a year ago, has yet to receive a response.
The student also recalled that during a visit by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following a fire incident at the campus last year, a new elevator was reportedly donated to the university. According to him, the facility is yet to become operational.
While expressing appreciation to his classmates for their continued support, Muhammad said he decided to speak out because the situation affects not only him but other persons with disabilities on campus.
“I know my colleagues have never complained, but I understand that it is not easy for them. I believe raising the issue can bring change and benefit many others,” he said.
He appealed to the university management and relevant authorities to either relocate the lecture venues to accessible floors or ensure that the elevator is repaired and functioning properly.
Muhammad also called on members of the public and stakeholders to help amplify his appeal so that it reaches those in a position to address the situation.
He expressed hope that resolving the challenge would allow him and other affected students to focus on their studies without unnecessary physical barriers.
