Headlines
Sheikh Tijjani Kalarawi raises concern over increasing cost of Hajj fares
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi has lamented the astronomical rise in Hajj rate.
KANO FOCUS reports that Sheikh Kalarawi was speaking in an interview on Thursday with journalists at the Holy City of Makka, Saudi Arabia.
It would be recalled that this year’s pilgrimage was of the most costliest in recent times going by the rate in which hard currency were bought which was beyond human decency.
The cost of the spiritual exercise via State Pilgrims Welfare Board this year stood at N2.9 while through private airline operators was N4 million.
The charges entails flight, accommodation, logistics and Basic Travel Allowance BTA.
Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi called on federal government to reduce the rate in order to make it affordable for commoners among the ummah
He observed that the increasing cost of the exercise, has by and large made it financially impractical for many faithful to do so
He recalled with nostalgia the frantic efforts of the previous administrations in minimizing the rate within the reach of the commoners which gave the wider majority the opportunity to fullfil one of the pillars of the holy religion devoid of hitches.
These regimes according to him those of Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1,500) Maj. Gen. Muhammad Buhari (N4,000) Gen. Sani Abacha (N50,000).
According to him late Muhammad Adamu Dankabo through his Airline, Kabo Air, out of his gesture, used to give pilgrims 100kg main luggage and 20kg hand luggage upon their return from Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi however asked pilgrims to pray for divine intervention on the increasing cost of the rate aimed at ensuring kindness, equality, loveliness, tranquility and above all justice and fairness
Sheikh Kalarawi who served as Chairman of the state pilgrims outfit during the reign of Air Commodore Hamza Abdullahi of blessed memory and Architect Kabiru Gaya, recalled how they introduced special classes for intenders (Bita) to make them abreast with basic rudiments of the religious exercise.
Meanwhile the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Yusuf Lawan has pledged to present the demand of reviewing the fares before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for onward submission to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu.
Lawan who said Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, has immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide called on those that have the means in the midst of the society not to be left out in fulfilling the obligation in view of its lofty reward
The Chairman who attributed the high cost of observing the rite to depreciating value of Naira, expressed delight with the arrangement made by National Hajj Commission’of Nigeria with Saudi Authorities to make the transaction in Dollars without difficulties.
He expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu will consider the request and review the rate being a responsible and concern leader.
Kano Airlifts 4112, pilgrims home in 8 flights
Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has so far airlifted 4,112 pilgrims back home in 8 flights.
The ninth flight with Kano contingents is expected to leave King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Friday.
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.
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.
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.
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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
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