Kano State Government Directs Immediate Closure of Entertainment Centers for Ramadan
The Kano State Government has issued a directive for the immediate closure of all entertainment centers across the state in preparation for the upcoming Ramadan fasting period. This announcement was made by Abdullahi Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board, affecting entertainment outlets commonly referred to as gala houses, as well as Disc Jockey (DJ) operators under the board's regulatory oversight.
Effective Closure Dates and Times
According to the official statement, the closure will take effect from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at 10:00 p.m. All such venues will remain shut until the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. The board emphasized that this measure is designed to foster a calm and morally supportive atmosphere, enabling Muslim faithful to observe the fasting period without any distractions.
Abdullahi Sulaiman stated, "The action is intended to create a peaceful environment for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions." He further clarified that entertainment activities supervised by the board will be suspended throughout the fasting period, with a reopening date, particularly for Eid celebrations, to be announced at a later time.
Enforcement and Compliance Measures
The board has urged owners of the affected centers and DJs to fully comply with the directive, warning that enforcement teams will be deployed to monitor adherence. Sulaiman warned, "Enforcement teams will be mobilised to monitor compliance, and any defiance of this order will attract appropriate sanctions." The agency explained that this decision aligns with its mandate to regulate entertainment activities and promote moral and social order during significant religious seasons.
Clarifications on Scope of the Directive
Following mixed reactions from residents, the board provided clarifications regarding the scope of the directive. Usman Dankwano, one of the board's directors, explained that the closure does not apply to event centers used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings. Dankwano said, "Places meant purely for entertainment, like gala houses and similar joints which are under the jurisdiction of the Censorship Board, are affected. Event centres are not even under our jurisdiction. People misunderstood the directive."
This distinction aims to address concerns and ensure that only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets under the board's regulatory authority are impacted, while other types of gatherings remain unaffected.
