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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
Nura Abdullahi
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has announced the appointment of new officials into strategic leadership positions as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational structure and enhance grassroots mobilisation.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement was made in an official statement issued by Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to the statement, the appointments are in line with the movement’s commitment to strengthening leadership coordination and advancing its ideals across all levels.
Those appointed include AVM Ibrahim Umaru as Chief Security Officer; Dr. Yusuf Kofar Mata as Secretary, State Caucus; Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo as Secretary, CRC; Hon. Sanusi Surajo as Director of Mobilisation; Hon. Adamu Kibiya as Secretary, Kano PROPA; and Hon. Mustapha Rabi’u Musa as Secretary, Kwankwasiyya.
The movement said the appointments reflect its dedication to effective organisation and strategic engagement, noting that the newly appointed officials are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of its objectives.
It congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their ability to diligently discharge their responsibilities in service to the movement and its supporters.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has clarified its stance on the ongoing bye-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Assembly constituencies, saying its decisions were guided by compassion and principle rather than political expediency.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, and signed by its spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, Ph.D., the movement said the bye-elections followed the tragic death of the two lawmakers who represented the constituencies.
According to the statement, both deceased lawmakers were elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and were committed members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement until their passing.
The movement disclosed that its National Leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in the spirit of compassion and continuity, supported the nomination of the deceased lawmakers’ children as the party’s flag bearers. The arrangement, it said, was adopted as a consensus during the mourning period.
However, the group noted that following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), there were changes in the political landscape.
It alleged that on the eve of the final submission of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), new nominations were made under the APC platform, including the House Leader in Ungogo Local Government and a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Kano Municipal.
The statement further claimed that after public backlash and disapproval, there was a reversal leading to the adoption of the same individuals earlier nominated under the NNPP, but this time as APC candidates. It added that the nominees subsequently resigned their NNPP membership and moved to the APC.
Despite the development, the Kwankwasiyya Movement said its National Leader maintained his earlier position that the children of the deceased lawmakers should be allowed to return to the State Assembly, regardless of the platform on which they were contesting.
The movement stated that the NNPP deliberately refrained from substituting the candidates’ names after their resignation from the party, describing the action as evidence that there is only one recognised and legitimate NNPP structure in Kano State.
It added that the absence of NNPP candidates on the ballot for the bye-elections, as recognised by INEC, puts to rest speculation about parallel party structures in the state.
Reaffirming its core values of loyalty, justice and compassion, the Kwankwasiyya Movement urged the public to disregard what it described as attempts to distort facts for political advantage.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has commenced the distribution of food items ahead of the 2026/1447AH Ramadan, following the approval of a Ramadan Feeding Programme Committee by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, food distribution began on Thursday, February 19, 2026, across 115 feeding centres located within the eight metropolitan local government areas of Kano State.
The governor said the initiative is designed to support the less privileged and ease the burden of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. He urged members of the newly constituted committee to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, transparency and fear of God to ensure the success of the programme.
Committee Composition
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ahmed Tijani Auwalu.
Other members include the Commissioner for Local Government, Muhammad Tajo Othman; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Hashim; Chairman of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehu Maihula; and several special advisers and directors-general.
Also serving on the committee are the Accountant General of the State, Jamila Magaji Abdullahi; the Director General of the Hisbah Board, Abba Saidu Sufi; Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; and Director General, Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, among others.
All chairmen of the eight metropolitan local government areas—Tarauni, Fagge, Kano Municipal, Gwale, Nassarawa, Dala, Kumbotso and T/Wada—are members of the committee, alongside representatives from the Government House and the Zakkat Commission.
Akibu Isa Murtala, Special Adviser on Administration, will serve as Secretary, while Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary/AGS in the SSG’s Office, will serve as Co-Secretary.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that the Ramadan Feeding Programme remains a key social intervention initiative of his administration, aimed at promoting unity and providing relief to vulnerable residents across Kano State during the fasting period.
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