Headlines
2023 Hajj: First batch of Kano pilgrims set to depart Saudi Arabia
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The first batch of Kano pilgrims, who performed this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has on Saturday left Makka en route to Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that they left Makka to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at about ten o’clock Saudi time Saturday morning.
Their flight is expected to take off in the evening on the same day.

The process of their departure started on Friday Night with the screening of their hand luggage to ensure compliance with National Hajj Commission’s policy.

On Saturday morning the pilgrims along with their hand luggage assemble to board luxurious buses to King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah.
Some of the pilgrims interviewed Zubairu Hudu Sani from Doguwa, Sirajo Hudu from Tudunwada, Maryam Abdullahi Garun Malam and Hadiza Hamisu from Bebeji local governments thanked Almighty Allah for granting them the golden opportunity to performed pilgrimage and commended Governor Yusuf for a hitch free Hajj.

In an interview with journalists shortly after bidding a farewell to the pilgrims, the Director operations, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Panda expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful operations.
Alhaji Panda said every pilgrim is expected to spend a minimum of 40 days to 43 days in the Holy Land before he or she would be airlifted back to Nigeria.
According to him the return home journey would be strictly on the initial sequence of pilgrims’ journey to the Holy land, ‘first come first leave’ principle to be fair in discharging the duty,
“The tradition of first come, first return will be observed as a principle and in line with the Saudi guidelines for fairness and equity,” he said.
While appealing to pilgrims and the operators to conduct the home-bound journeys orderly, he, however, revealed that the state Pilgrims Welfare Board under the able leadership of Alhaji Laminu Rabiu is working round the clock to ensure a successful pilgrimage.
The Director expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support towards the success of this year’s Hajj exercise.
The second and third batch of Kano pilgrims are expected to leave Makka on Monday July 17th.
KANO FOCUS reports that recalled that the inaugural flight of this year’s Pilgrims left Kano to Saudi Arabia on Monday June 5th, 2023.
Headlines
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
