Headlines
Critics of Almajiri ban are anti-development–Ganduje
Nazifi Dawud
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described those who criticize his decision to ban child beggars (almajirai) from roaming the streets across Kano state as “anti-development and anti-people.”
KANO FOCUS recalls that Mr Ganduje had pronounced the proscription of almajirai in the state last Tuesday, and vowed to arrested and prosecute parents who allow their children to roam the streets, begging for food in the name of seeking Islamic knowledge.
Almajirai menace: Kano bans child beggars, to prosecute errant parents
However, the governor was criticized by the Kano Council of Ulama, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who said the policy could not succeed “without the consultation and inclusion of stakeholders.”
Kano Council of Ulama rejects Ganduje’s Almajiri ban
It’s wrong for Islamic scholars to attack Ganduje over Almajiri ban–Pantami
But speaking on Sunday during a visit to some Tsangaya schools in Bagwai, Madobi and Bunkure local government areas of the state, Mr Ganduje said begging is un-Islamic and insists on implementing the ban policy.
“Begging is poverty-driven as a result of lack of parental care and lack of societal care. We must take the responsibility of our children,” the governor was quoted in a statement by Abba Anwar, his chief press secretary.
“As we born them, Allah places such responsibilities on our shoulders. Those kicking against our policy are anti-development and anti-people. Or they even lack proper understanding of the position of Islam on begging,” he added.
Mr Ganduje explained that his visit to the Tsangaya schools was part of the steps taken to implement the almajirai proscription.
“The visit was as part of the final touch for the full scale take-off of our banning of begging in the state. Begging is banned and will remained banned. We are telling these beggars to leave begging forever. And we are committed to see to the implementation of this.
“When we capture these beggars we take them to these facilities and take good care of them, we give them education, feed them and look after their living condition,” the governor said.
According to the statement “each of the facilities visited by the governor could accommodate thousands of Almajiris and there are 12 similar facilities across some local governments in the state. Each facility has dormitory, hostels, cafeteria, thousands of toilets, staff quarters among others.”
“We employed over 8,000 teachers recently that would be send to such schools. These children would also be given training on skills acquisition. So that they would become self-independent.
“Those begging in the street as we take them off the street we will take them to those newly established Tsangaya schools.
“We keep them there give them Qur’anic education, English language, Mathematics and Arabic language for them to understand the meaning of the what they are reading, the Holy Qur’an.”
“The second strategy is, those that are under their guardians, we will enrol them into nearby primary schools. And after finishing their primary education we will take them to secondary schools also.”
“Those with thousands of Almajiris would be integrated also into out free and compulsory education system.
“While at the same time government will continue to provide the schools with foodstuffs and some amount of logistics for them to take care of the children. That we have already started with some pilot Almajiri schools. And we are improving the facilities to be healthy,” Mr Ganduje further explained.
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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