The Kano State Council has celebrated the legacy of renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Almagili, for his historic role in spreading Islam in Kano more than five centuries ago, predating the era of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the council, Malam Fatihu Isa Abdullahi.

The commendation was made by Sheikh Nadeem Latif Attari of Pakistan during a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Sarkin Sharifan Kano, Alhaji Sidi Fari Abbas Adam.

Attari called for the provision of scholarship opportunities for the Shurafa’u community, noting that similar support is extended to such groups in Pakistan. He said leaders in Pakistan give special attention to Shurafa’u students pursuing studies there.

He explained that the delegation’s mission was to establish a partnership with the Shurafa’u community in Nigeria to provide vocational and educational skills aimed at promoting youth self-reliance and sustainable development.

Earlier, the chairman of the Elders’ Forum of Majalisar Sharifan Kano, Shariff Tijjani Ibrahim, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Sarkin Sharifan, council members and the people of Kano.

He prayed for the success of the delegation’s mission and assured them of Kano’s readiness to collaborate, stressing the importance of joint efforts in advancing educational and developmental initiatives for the Shurafa’u community.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured historical sites, including the mosque and Islamiyya school established by Sheikh Almagili, which remain in active use today.

In his remarks, Sarkin Sharifan Kano, Alhaji Sidi Fari Abbas Adam, presented a special message to Sheikh Iliyas Al-Qadri Attari through the delegation leader, aimed at strengthening ties and fostering mutual cooperation.

The visit underscored the significance of preserving Islamic heritage while building strategic partnerships that empower communities, promote education, unity and self-reliance.

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A civil society organisation, Muryar Matasa Initiative (MMI) for Employment Development and Inclusion, has called on the Katsina State Government to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law.

The group made the call in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday, signed by Saratu Hamidu and Nasir Dauda, Executive Director and Secretary-General respectively.

The group urged Gov. Dikko Radda to prioritise the full enforcement of the law, noting that delays have continued to deny persons with disabilities (PWDs) access to critical protections and opportunities in the state.

The CSO expressed concern that, despite the signing of the landmark legislation in 2023, its implementation framework remains largely inactive, leaving a significant segment of the population vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion.

It noted that Katsina is home to an estimated 600,000 persons with disabilities, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, visual and hearing impairments, leprosy-related conditions, and other physical or developmental challenges.

The group added that Nigeria has about 35 million PWDs, underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for urgent action at the state level.

It further stressed that full implementation of the law would guarantee the protection of fundamental rights, ensure equal access to justice, and eliminate discrimination in both public and private sectors.

“The law would provide a structured framework for inclusive healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals,” the group emphasised.

According to the group, effective enforcement would also position Katsina as a model for inclusive governance and social justice in Nigeria, in line with global development goals.

It commended Radda for his efforts toward inclusive governance and for creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in state affairs, adding that, “more concrete steps are required to translate policy into action.”

The group called on the state government to immediately operationalise the law, establish enforcement mechanisms, allocate adequate funding, and ensure the active involvement of PWD in its implementation.

“Implementation is not merely a legal obligation, it is a moral imperative and the pathway to dignity, equality, and opportunity for all citizens,” the statement added.

(NAN)

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The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with an NGO, Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, on Thursday organised an intensive pre-marital counselling and training for about 1,000 intending couples.

The exercise, held in Katsina, Daura and Funtua zones, was part of preparations for a mass wedding, ‘Auren Gata’, an initiative of the state government, scheduled for April 25.

The Chairperson of the Foundation, Dr Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, said that the training was aimed at strengthening family values and reducing divorce in the society.

She said that the foundation was partnering with relevant authorities to prepare couples, representing 2,000 individuals, for the planned mass wedding.

Ibrahim-Duwan added that the initiative was designed to equip the intending couples with the knowledge and skills required to build stable and successful marriages.

She said that the couples were earlier screened by the state Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure they are fit and ready for marriage.

She said that the training exercise had been divided into three zones, Malumfashi, Daura and Katsina, to allow participants from different locations conveniently attend the sessions.

“The training is to prepare the couples for a successful married life by educating them on their responsibilities to one another and the importance of mutual understanding in marriage,” she said.

Ibrahim-Duwan added that the sessions also provided guidance on Islamic perspectives on marriage, conflict resolution and ways to maintain harmony in the home.

She noted that participants would receive certificates, which would serve as a requirement for participation in the mass wedding.

The chairperson further explained that the ministry of women affairs compiled and verified the list of screened couples after conducting medical tests and other necessary evaluations.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute significantly to reducing marital disputes and strengthening family institutions in the state.

Earlier, the Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), said that the initiative, the first in the state, would help in reducing immorality.

He said that the state government would also provide the couples with all the necessary support needed for marriage, and also a capital for the groom to start a business.

Usman said that after the wedding, the board would continue to monitor the couples, to ensure a true and peaceful marriage.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, said the initiative was to prevent the beneficiaries, especially women, from falling into immorality.

Represented by Amina Sada-Mashi, the Spokesperson of the ministry, the Commissioner said that the beneficiaries were made to undergo a thorough screening, such as genotype, HIV and other health issues.

NAN

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