Headlines
Cleric urges Muslims to channel Ramadan charity to healthcare, maternal care
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A Nigerian-British cleric, Sheikh Mustapha Briggs, has urged Muslims to channel part of their Ramadan charity towards strengthening the healthcare system and reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Cross section of participants
KANO FOCUS reports that Sheikh Briggs made the appeal during a one-day engagement with clerics and representatives of Islamic organisations organised by Every Pregnancy in collaboration with the African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University, Kano.
Cross section of participants
The cleric said it was a religious priority for Muslims to mobilise resources to address maternal mortality, noting that such efforts align with Islamic principles of preserving life, lineage and intellect.
Some Participants at the event
He recalled the loss of his stepmother and her unborn child due to poor healthcare services in Nigeria, describing the incident as a personal tragedy that strengthened his resolve to support campaigns aimed at preventing avoidable maternal deaths.
Alhaji Ibrahim Galla
Also speaking, Ms Isra Chaker said Every Pregnancy is a coalition of over 50 faith-based organisations working together to raise awareness about the high rate of maternal deaths globally. She explained that Kano State was selected for the implementation of the project due to its high maternal and child mortality rates.
Ms Isra Chaker
According to her, the initiative would also focus on newborn care, immunisation and nutrition as part of efforts to improve overall maternal and child health outcomes in the state.
In her presentation, the Director of ACEPHAP, Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Hadiza Galadanchi, highlighted major causes of maternal deaths in Kano State based on findings from a social autopsy. She identified the high cost of medication and poor road infrastructure as key factors contributing to deaths during childbirth.
Prof. Hadiza Galadanchi
Prof. Galadanchi revealed that in some communities, pregnant women are forced to travel by canoe to reach healthcare facilities, while lack of bed spaces in hospitals poses a serious threat to safe delivery even when women manage to access medical care.
Alhaji Abdulkadir Salisu Kabara
She further observed that in some communities, families resort to Quranic inscriptions (rubutu) instead of taking pregnant women to hospitals, a practice she said contributes to preventable maternal deaths.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of the Kano State Zakkah and Hubsi Commission, Dr Ali Mustapha Quraysh, said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had approved the employment of medical doctors of Kano State origin to address manpower shortages in the health sector.
Cross section of Islamic clerics
He disclosed that he recently participated in the recruitment of 2,000 health workers aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
Group picture
The engagement, titled “The Critical Role of the Nigerian Muslim Community in Reducing Preventable Maternal Deaths,” was attended by Imams of Juma’at mosques, representatives of Islamic charity foundations (waqf), academics, and other stakeholders.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
NCC board chair hosts licensed telecoms operators in Lagos
Stakeholders seek stronger nutrition financing at local government level
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
Kano govt investigates reported disease outbreak in Garko community
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
