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
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has conducted a capacity-building training for operatives of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) to enhance their investigative capacity in tackling financial crimes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the training, held in Kano, focused on strengthening the technical skills of investigators to address increasingly complex and technology-driven financial offences.
Hajiya Aisha Gadanya Malam Saidu Yahaya
A statement signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer of PCACC, Isah Mansur Bello said the session was facilitated by James Ebiboloukemi, Head of CCS1 at the EFCC Kano Zonal Office, who provided practical insights into the evolving nature of financial crimes and strategies for combating them effectively.
Key areas covered during the training included financial intelligence gathering, analysis of financial records, asset tracing and recovery, digital forensics, detection of money laundering, interrogation techniques, case documentation, and prosecution support.
Participants were also equipped with practical tools to investigate and manage complex financial crimes, particularly those involving digital platforms.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of PCACC, Malam Saidu Yahaya, described the training as timely and critical to improving the commission’s operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed PCACC’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the EFCC in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in Kano State and beyond.
The commission also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support in ensuring the agency’s independence and providing necessary logistical backing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has commended the Federal High Court in Kano for sentencing a 20-year-old drug suspect, Muhammad Maharazu, to 15 years imprisonment.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer NDLEA Kano Strategic Command Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari on Thursday, the command said the conviction followed Maharazu’s arrest on February 14, 2026, at the notorious Filin Idi drug den in Kano.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Commander’s Special Joint Task Force in possession of various illicit substances, including Diazepam tablets. During the operation, Maharazu allegedly produced a knife in an attempt to attack officers while trying to evade arrest but was swiftly disarmed and taken into custody.
The agency said Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court, Kano, sentenced the convict to 15 years imprisonment on April 15, 2026, with no option of fine. The sentence is to take effect from the date of judgment.
Reacting to the development, the NDLEA Kano Commander, Dahiru Yahaya Lawal, described the judgment as decisive and a strong warning to drug offenders.
“This conviction sends a clear message that no amount of threats or violence will deter our officers from carrying out their mandate. Kano will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers,” he said.
The command added that the custodial sentence would serve as a deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking or those who resort to violence to resist arrest.
It also called on members of the public to continue supporting the agency’s efforts in tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, emphasizing that the fight against drug-related crimes requires collective responsibility.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Africa’s leading conglomerate will feature its flagship Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the 2026 Nasarawa Trade Fair, which will be officially declared open by the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on April 20.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dangote Industries Limited will also showcase its Vision 2030, which focuses on driving innovation and Africa’s industrialization.
The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE) with the theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.
A statement from the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said other Strategic Business Units of the company will be participating at the annual event in the state capital, Lafia.
Anthony Chiejina stated that products to be featured at the Fair will include those from the Group’s Strategic Business Units, such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasonings, Dangote SinoTruk, Dangote Packaging, and Dangote Fertiliser.
The statement quoted the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that Nasarawa State is key to the Group’s overall investment in Africa.
“It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments in Africa,” she said.
Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman noted that the Trade Fair provides a valuable platform for the company to engage with key stakeholders and Nigerians interested in exploring business opportunities with the organization.
She stated that a dedicated Help Desk will handle inquiries, enabling the company to effectively engage participants on the Dangote Group’s Strategic Business Units.
Speaking to newsmen in Lafia, Chairman and Council members of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the theme for this year’s Trade Fair aptly aligns with Dangote Group’s vision.
“We align strongly with the vision of Aliko Dangote, whose leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future. His focus on industrialization, local production, and value creation inspires our efforts to connect MSMEs to structured value chains.
“Through this partnership, we are building a bridge between grassroots businesses and large industries, driving inclusive growth,” he said.
He said the third edition of NASTFE is designed as a practical business, industrial, and human capital development platform, adding that it is not just an exhibition.
According to him: “A major highlight of this year’s programme is the Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (ESAP), now structured as a package project for sponsorship support.
“ESAP is a yearly initiative from July-December targeting 2,000 beneficiaries across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.
“The programme is strategically designed as a mobile training system, moving from one Local Government to another to ensure inclusive grassroots participation.”
Speaking on the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said: “Our strategy is to align local enterprise development with large-scale industrial systems.”
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