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Ramadan: Cleric urges leaders, wealthy Nigerians to prioritise charity, support needy
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
An Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Gusau, has called on politicians, traditional rulers, business leaders, wealthy individuals, government agencies, private sector operators and Muslim faithful to intensify acts of charity and sadaqah during the forthcoming Ramadan.
KANO FOCUS reports that the cleric made the call in his Friday sermon delivered on February 6, 2026, ahead of the 1447 AH Ramadan, stressing that giving charity during the holy month carries immense spiritual rewards and serves as a vital means of alleviating hardship among the poor, widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups.
Imam Gusau said several Prophetic traditions emphasise the virtues of charity in Ramadan, noting that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was most generous during the month and encouraged believers to give freely to those in need.
He cited Hadiths which describe charity as a means of extinguishing sins, protecting believers from Hellfire, and providing shade on the Day of Judgment. He also highlighted the special significance of Lailatul Qadr, during which acts of charity are rewarded more than deeds performed over a thousand months.
The cleric urged Muslims to go beyond public displays of wealth and lavish iftar gatherings, and instead focus on feeding the hungry, supporting widows and orphans, and assisting families struggling with basic needs.
According to him, feeding a fasting person attracts a reward equal to that of the fasting individual without diminishing the latter’s reward, describing it as one of the easiest ways to multiply blessings in Ramadan.
Imam Gusau outlined key areas where Muslims could direct their charitable giving, including payment of Zakat, provision of iftar meals, financial assistance to individuals facing hardship, support for internally displaced persons, prisoners and victims of conflict, as well as donations to Islamic educational and da’awah organisations.
He also emphasised the importance of Zakatul-Fitr, explaining that it serves as purification for the fasting person and a source of joy for the poor at the end of Ramadan.
The cleric further appealed for support for the Ramadan Feeding Programme of the Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, a non-profit humanitarian organisation based in Okene, Kogi State. He disclosed that the centre has, over the past 25 years, provided food and iftar meals to more than 10,000 needy families and orphans.
According to him, each food pack costs ₦2,000, and the centre aims to reach even more vulnerable families during the 2026 Ramadan season.
Imam Gusau stressed that trust and accountability remain central to the organisation’s activities, adding that charitable donations during Ramadan constitute sadaqah jariyah with lasting rewards in this world and the hereafter.
He concluded by praying for Allah’s acceptance of the donations of believers and urged Muslims to use the holy month as an opportunity to demonstrate compassion, unity and social responsibility.
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.
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