Headlines
Ramadan: Cleric urges leaders, wealthy Nigerians to prioritise charity, support needy
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
An Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has called on politicians, traditional rulers, business leaders, wealthy individuals, government agencies, private sector operators and Muslim faithful to intensify acts of charity and sadaqah during the forthcoming Ramadan.
KANO FOCUS reports that the cleric made the call in his Friday sermon delivered on February 6, 2026, ahead of the 1447 AH Ramadan, stressing that giving charity during the holy month carries immense spiritual rewards and serves as a vital means of alleviating hardship among the poor, widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups.
Imam Gusau said several Prophetic traditions emphasise the virtues of charity in Ramadan, noting that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was most generous during the month and encouraged believers to give freely to those in need.
He cited Hadiths which describe charity as a means of extinguishing sins, protecting believers from Hellfire, and providing shade on the Day of Judgment. He also highlighted the special significance of Lailatul Qadr, during which acts of charity are rewarded more than deeds performed over a thousand months.
The cleric urged Muslims to go beyond public displays of wealth and lavish iftar gatherings, and instead focus on feeding the hungry, supporting widows and orphans, and assisting families struggling with basic needs.
According to him, feeding a fasting person attracts a reward equal to that of the fasting individual without diminishing the latter’s reward, describing it as one of the easiest ways to multiply blessings in Ramadan.
Imam Gusau outlined key areas where Muslims could direct their charitable giving, including payment of Zakat, provision of iftar meals, financial assistance to individuals facing hardship, support for internally displaced persons, prisoners and victims of conflict, as well as donations to Islamic educational and da’awah organisations.
He also emphasised the importance of Zakatul-Fitr, explaining that it serves as purification for the fasting person and a source of joy for the poor at the end of Ramadan.
The cleric further appealed for support for the Ramadan Feeding Programme of the Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, a non-profit humanitarian organisation based in Okene, Kogi State. He disclosed that the centre has, over the past 25 years, provided food and iftar meals to more than 10,000 needy families and orphans.
According to him, each food pack costs ₦2,000, and the centre aims to reach even more vulnerable families during the 2026 Ramadan season.
Imam Gusau stressed that trust and accountability remain central to the organisation’s activities, adding that charitable donations during Ramadan constitute sadaqah jariyah with lasting rewards in this world and the hereafter.
He concluded by praying for Allah’s acceptance of the donations of believers and urged Muslims to use the holy month as an opportunity to demonstrate compassion, unity and social responsibility.
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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