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COVID-19: Don’t attend Eid-el-Fitr prayers if you have health problems–Kano Council of Ulama
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama has warned people with preexisting health problems to avoid attending the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Kano so as to protect themselves from contracting coronavirus.
Elderly people and those with underlying health challenges are at risk of developing serious complications if they contract coronavirus–the pathogen that causes COVID-19–a deadly respiratory illness.
Sheikh Khalil, an eminent Islamic scholar, gave the warning in an interview with KANO FOCUS on Wednesday.
Mr Khalil was responding to the decision of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to allow the conduct of the Eid and Friday prayers across the state.
He also clarified that the Ulama council did not object to the Kano government’s decision even though they were not consulted.
“Our advice is based on three things: First, the Kano government should provide items such as face masks, hand sanitizers that people can use to protect themselves at the Eid grounds.
“Secondly, people should also make efforts to ensure that they follow health regulations and guidelines such as keeping social distancing while performing the prayers.
“And thirdly, anyone who has any serious health problems should either avoid attending the Eid prayers or stay away from other worshipers if he decides to attend,” Sheikh Khalil explained.
The cleric also urged Imams that would lead the Eid prayers to deliver short sermons so that worshipers can quickly disperse.
Ganduje issues guidelines on Eid, Friday prayers
Meanwhile Mr Ganduje has issued fresh guidelines to Imams on how to conduct both the Eid and Friday prayers safely.
The governor announced the measures on Wednesday following a meeting with some Imams in the state.
“Part of the protocols handed over to them were, that prayers be conducted within a period of one hour, so as to allow people to disperse quickly, who gathered for prayers. The one hour includes that of sermon and the prayer itself. Packets of face masks were distributed to them also.
“It is necessary for whoever wants to enter into a Mosque or its surrounding to wear a face mask. To protect himself and others. Water and soap will be placed at entrance. Anyone attending must wash his hands. Sanitizer will also be there,” he said, in a statement by his spokesperson, Abba Anwar.
Mr Ganduje also appealed to the Imams to enlighten worshipers on COVID-19 and its protocols, like the use of face masks, hand washing with soap and running water, use of sanitizer among others.
“People must follow protocols for us to get rid of this global pandemic called COVID-19. That is why we decided to call you and intimate you about these protocols,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
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Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
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