Storytimes Newspapers

  The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged intending pilgrims to prepare fully for the forthcoming medical screening ahead of the 2026 Hajj. The Director-General, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u, made this known in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Dederi, on Saturday in Kano. Rabi’u said the exercise was meant to monitor preparations and ensure strict compliance with all laid-down training and medical guidelines. “Any intending pilgrim who fails to participate in the medical screening will not be issued a visa. “Pilgrims should take the exercise seriously, as it is mandatory,” he said. Earlier, the Deputy Director of Operations, Alhaji Faruk Musa, said the 2026 Hajj would differ, with visas and medical certificates digitally attached to the Nusuk platform. He advised pilgrims yet to submit their international passports to do so promptly to avoid being excluded from the exercise. (NAN)

  The   Kano State Government  has slammed allegations that its administration is currently paralysed. The Secretary to the Government, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, in a statement, asserted that the recent directive by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, instructing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop sending files to his office, should not be seen as a gridlock. He explained that, on the contrary, the action reflects foresight, discipline and respect for the rule of law, which are essential for responsible leadership. Yusuf dismissed claims that the development had grounded public administration in the state. He said the Government wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that this claim is incorrect, misleading and devoid of factual or legal basis. Yusuf said, “ The directive in question was issued towards the end of December, at a time when the State’s Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year was elapsing and the new budget was in the process of legislative c...