News
Cleric urges prayers, ethical leadership in Nigeria
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A prominent Islamic cleric, Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, has called on Nigerians to pray for righteous and responsible leadership, stressing that good governance remains key to national progress and stability.
Delivering a Friday sermon titled *“Hoping and Praying for Good Leadership in Nigeria,”* the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, described leadership as a sacred trust rather than a position of privilege.
He urged citizens, particularly Muslims, to adopt the teachings of Islam by praying for their leaders instead of engaging in hate speech or condemnation, noting that the well-being of a nation is closely tied to the character of its leadership.
“Leadership is an amanah (trust), and every leader is accountable to Allah for those under their care,” he said, adding that true leadership, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is rooted in service, humility, justice, and accountability.
Imam Gusau emphasized that Islam promotes fairness and equity regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status, urging leaders to treat all citizens with dignity and compassion.
He highlighted the importance of justice, trustworthiness, consultation, and mercy as essential qualities of good leadership, drawing examples from Islamic history, including the leadership of Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
According to him, Nigeria’s current challenges—ranging from insecurity and poverty to unemployment and declining moral values—are largely linked to a deficit in responsible and visionary leadership.
The cleric also called for unity among citizens, noting that disunity weakens collective efforts to address national challenges.
He stressed the need for leaders who prioritise education, uphold the rule of law, and combat corruption, while fostering inclusive governance and national cohesion.
Imam Gusau further encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful, describing difficult times as tests that require patience, faith, and collective effort toward positive change.
He concluded with prayers for peace, security, and guidance for Nigeria’s leaders, urging them to govern with justice and integrity for the benefit of all citizens.
The sermon was delivered on Friday, April 10, 2026, corresponding to Shawwal 22, 1447 AH.
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.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has nominated the Chairman of its Kano State chapter, Dr Goni Faruk Umar, alongside several prominent Nigerians to serve on its Endowment Fund Management Committee.
KANO FOCUS reports that the committee, which comprises distinguished figures from across the country, is expected to oversee the management and administration of the forum’s endowment fund.
According to the list released by the forum, retired Inspector General of Police, Mohammed D. Abubakar, will serve as Chairman of the committee, while former Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has been named Vice Chairman.
Other notable members of the committee include Amina Dantata, Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Suleiman Adamu, Tijjani Bande, Aliyu Idi Hong, and Yerima Lawal Ngama.
Also listed are legal luminary Dakas I. Dakas and Joe-Kyari Gadzama, among others drawn from the public and private sectors.
The forum named Usman Kukasheka as Secretary of the committee, with Maimuna Yaya Abubakar serving as Assistant Secretary.
The Endowment Fund Management Committee is expected to play a key role in mobilising resources and ensuring transparent management of funds to support the activities and long-term objectives of the ACF.
The inclusion of Dr Goni Faruk Umar, alongside other eminent personalities, reflects the forum’s effort to draw on a broad spectrum of experience and expertise in strengthening its institutional capacity.
*Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim ANIPR,*
*Publicity Secretary ll,*
*ACF Kano State Chapter.*
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