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Why I sponsored posthumous Hajj for Hausa musician Narambada – Sheikh Khalil
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil says he sponsored a posthumous Hajj for Hausa singer Ibrahim Narambada to express his deep love for the late musician.
Mr Khalil disclosed this in an exclusive interview with KANO FOCUS on the sidelines of a conference organized by Bayero University Kano to commemorate Narambada’s legacy.
“In Alhaji Dandurgu’s song, Narambada said he didn’t want money but to be sponsored to perform the Hajj.
“When I learned that his wish was not fulfilled, I sponsored a pious man to perform the Hajj about 20 years ago with the hope that Allah records the reward in Narambada’s account.” Mr Khalil said.
The Islamic scholar explained that he loves Narambada for his outstanding qualities such as his deep knowledge, brilliance, good conduct, respect for his teachers, devotion to his mother and insistence that even his troupe members must be of good conduct.
“For example, in Sarkin Gobir’s song, Narambada said he has stopped lying even in his songs as he has passed 60 and was hoping to reach 70.” Mr. Khalil said.
Singing and Music in Islam
The Islamic scholar said there is nothing wrong in listening to music as singing is not a sin in Islam.
“Singing is like speaking. What you say determines whether it is sinful or not.” He explained.
He however said that music is contentious among Islamic scholars.
“Some scholars permit music without any reservations while some consider it absolutely sinful.
“However the most authentic position is that music is permissible but the context of its performance may be sinful.
“It is therefore sinful to perform music at a casino or brothel for example.” He said.
Mr. Khalil added that people who do not listen to music are losing out on the wisdom that is inherent in songs.
“Those that listen to music and songs will be wiser than those that do not.
“And those that do not listen to music have lost 50% of what they need to calm their minds and shape their lives.”
Who was Narambada?
Ibrahim Narambada was a Hausa traditional musician who was born in 1890 and died in 1963.
His father Mai Dangwale was from Filinge area of Niger Republic but settled at Tubali village in modern day Zamfara state where Narambada was born.
Narambada dominated the Hausa music scene during his life and left about 50 documented songs after his death.
His most famous songs include Dokin Iska Danhilinge, Madogara na Malam Iro, and Gwarzon Shamaki.
Headlines
Kano commissioner Makoda appointed APC campaign DG for Kano north
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Commissioner for Education, Gwani (Dr.) Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, has been appointed Director-General for Kano North of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.
KANO FOCUS reports that yhe appointment was conveyed in a letter dated October 21, 2026, and signed by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is the chairman of the campaign council.
According to the letter, Makoda’s appointment recognises his capacity, experience and expected contributions to the party’s success in the forthcoming elections.
The governor urged the commissioner to discharge his responsibilities with dedication, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility, while working with other members of the council to achieve their collective objectives.
Gov Yusuf congratulated Makoda on the appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to bring his experience and commitment to bear on the effective performance of his duties.
The appointment places Makoda in a key campaign leadership position for Kano North as the APC prepares for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.
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Kano govt donates equipment to NDLEA to boost war against drug abuse
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has donated operational equipment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, to strengthen efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the items were presented on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement issued by Lamara Garba, Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee of the task force, Magaji said the donation demonstrated the state government’s commitment to tackling drug-related offences, which he described as a major contributor to social vices.
He expressed concern over the growing scale of substance abuse, saying the challenge required coordinated efforts by government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Magaji said the Yusuf administration was committed to providing the necessary support to agencies responsible for combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He stressed that effective collaboration among relevant institutions was essential to curbing the menace and protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse.
Receiving the equipment, the Kano Strategic Commander of the NDLEA, CN Dahiru Yahaya Lawan, thanked the governor and the state government for the intervention, describing it as timely.
Lawan said the items would enhance the command’s operational capacity and strengthen its efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He assured the state government that the equipment would be used judiciously for its intended purpose.
The NDLEA commander also called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support law enforcement agencies, stressing that the fight against drug abuse was a collective responsibility.
The donation reflects the state government’s efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and provide operational support for the campaign against drug-related offences, with the aim of promoting a safer, drug-free society.
Headlines
Tinubu celebrates Kwankwaso at 70, says political differences won’t affect relationship
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, saying their political differences will not diminish his affection for the former minister.
KANO FOCUS reports that Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a friend and influential progressive politician, acknowledging his contributions to Kano State and Nigeria over decades of public service.
The President conveyed his message in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, to mark Kwankwaso’s 70th birthday.
Tinubu recalled that his relationship with Kwankwaso dated back to 1992, when both served in the National Assembly, with Kwankwaso in the House of Representatives and Tinubu in the Senate.
He also recalled that they became governors of their respective states in 1999 as members of the group popularly known as the Class of ’99 Governors.
According to the President, the group played important roles in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic system.
Tinubu noted that their political paths diverged over the years before they came together in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” he said.
The President acknowledged Kwankwaso’s record as a two-term governor of Kano State, former Minister of Defence, former senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and former presidential candidate.
He also referred to Kwankwaso’s current role as a presidential running mate, noting that the former governor remained an influential figure in the country’s political landscape.
Tinubu said their membership of different political parties and participation on competing platforms in the January 2027 election would not affect their longstanding relationship.
“As the former governor marks this milestone, I wish him good health, personal fulfilment, and many more years of engagement in the nation’s democratic process,” the President said.
The congratulatory message highlighted the longstanding political association between the two leaders, which has continued despite differences in their political affiliations.
