News
Friday Sermon: Imam highlights Emir Sanusi II’s philanthropy, advocacy for education
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Kogi State, Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, has described the 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifah Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II, as one of Nigeria’s most generous traditional rulers, citing his philanthropic activities and advocacy for education and poverty reduction.
In his Friday sermon delivered on Friday, Imam Gusau said the Emir’s generosity extends beyond financial assistance to include investments in education, human capital development and sustainable economic empowerment.
The cleric said Emir Sanusi has consistently championed policies aimed at improving education, healthcare and social welfare, while encouraging the use of Islamic social finance instruments such as Zakat, Waqf and Sukuk to combat poverty.
According to him, the Emir’s contributions reflect a long-standing commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty rather than providing temporary relief.
Imam Gusau noted that as a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi earned international recognition for banking reforms and anti-corruption initiatives before ascending the Kano throne.
He added that since his reinstatement as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024, the monarch has continued to provide religious and moral leadership while advocating reforms in education and economic development.
The cleric also highlighted the Emir’s role as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocate, describing him as a strong supporter of girls’ education, child welfare and poverty eradication.
He recalled that the Emir recently presented cash gifts to his classmates at Northwest University, Kano, after an academic presentation, describing the gesture as one of many examples of his generosity.
According to Imam Gusau, the monarch regularly uses religious gatherings, including Ramadan and Eid celebrations, to encourage wealthy individuals to support orphans, widows and other vulnerable members of society.
The Imam said Emir Sanusi’s philanthropic efforts are also channelled through the Sanusi Dynasty Empowerment Foundation, which supports healthcare, agriculture and community development initiatives across Northern Nigeria.
He further commended the Emir’s commitment to lifelong learning, noting that despite earning a doctorate in law from the University of London, he enrolled to study law at Northwest University, Kano, to inspire young people and adults to embrace continuous education.
Imam Gusau urged Muslims to emulate the values of generosity, compassion and selflessness, stressing that Islam encourages believers to share their wealth, knowledge and time for the benefit of humanity.
He said acts of charity should be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allah and without seeking recognition or reward from people.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
Kano Police Arrest Eight in Drug, Thuggery Raids
Funeral Prayer Held for Late Shehu Kabir Bayero
Kano holds planning meeting on implementation of Nigeria learning passport
Kwankwaso, Gov Yusuf, Amnesty International Condemn Killing of Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu
Kano Police arrest two suspects over death of Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu
Kano State Out-of-School Children Survey Report 2026: From Evidence to Impact — A Roadmap For Educational Development
Kano schools to resume Sunday for 2026/2027 academic session
From Grade Level 03 to Director: A 35-Year Journey of Resilience and Service
Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero of Court of Appeal Dies in Egypt
