Headlines
World Aids Day: Kano HIV/AIDS patients lament stigmatization
By Nasiru Yusuf
People living with HIV/AIDS in Kano state have complained about stigmatization against them by other members of the public, saying discrimination remains their biggest challenge.
This was revealed by Nuhu Tela Gaya, the Kano state Coordinator of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in a news conference organized by Community Support and Development Initiative (CSADI) to commemorate the 2019 World Aids Day.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared December 1st of every year as global World AIDS Day to fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Addressing journalists on Sunday Mr Gaya said many HIV positive persons are still scared of disclosing their status due to stigmatization, which he said is contributing to the spread of the virus.
He noted that although the anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) are free, the inability of patients to afford the expensive tests for CD4 count, is exposing HIV patients to infections such as tuberculosis, cough and diarrhea.
According to him, apart from the CD4 count tests, HIV patients also need to regularly carryout PBC, liver and kidney tests, which he said are also expensive.
Mr Gaya however, thanked the Kano state government for providing HIV test kits in public hospitals.
Also the Executive Director of CSADI Hajiya Zainab Ahmad Sulaiman recalled that 20 years ago none among the HIV positive persons in Kano had the courage to reveal their status due to unbearable level of stigmatization.
“Now people are much aware that HIV is just like any other illness. One would prefer their children or their mothers to be HIV positive than diabetic or sicklers. Because HIV, if you are on treatment, eating well, life goes on, but with sicklers whatever you do, you still have problem,” she observed.
According to her, self stigma is preventing many people from seeking care, adhering to their drugs and socializing with others.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has heartily congratulated Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo on his emergence as the Chairman of the newly inaugurated Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
Governor Yusuf described Dangambo’s election as a significant step towards strengthening professionalism and ethical journalism in the digital media space.
He commended the leadership of the NUJ Kano Council under the able leadership of Comrade Sulieman Dederi for the successful establishment of the Online Media Chapel, which he said will complement the efforts of traditional media in promoting truth, fairness, and integrity.
The Governor expressed confidence that under Dangambo’s leadership, the Online Media Chapel would set a new standard for responsible and development-driven journalism in Kano State and beyond.
He assured of his administration’s continued support for initiatives that promote credible information dissemination, media development, and the unity of practitioners.
Governor Yusuf wished Comrade Dangambo and the entire executive council a successful and impactful tenure, urging them to work diligently in fostering professionalism, building capacity, and enhancing the role of online journalism in the state’s growth and progress.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against two court registrars and two Upper Shari’a Court judges over misconduct.
KANO FOCUS reports that this is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary Baba Jibo Ibrahim, in Kano.
He said that the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 80th meeting held on April 22, 2025.
He said the commission, in line with its mandate, adopted the recommendations of the investigation carried out by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) and resolved to suspend and issue formal warnings to them.
Those suspended are: Ibrahim Adamu, Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court and Maigida Lawan, Principal Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal.
The commission has also issued a warning letter to Upper Sharia Court Judges Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Nasiru Ahmad.
Ibrahim said Adamu, a Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court of Justice, was suspended without pay for six months.
“His promotion is deferred after a finding that confirmed he verbally assaulted and attempted to use physical force against his superior officer, amounting to gross misconduct in violation of the provisions of the Kano State Civil Service Rules 2004 and the JSC Regulations.
“This is the second time Adamu has appeared before an investigative committee for violence-related actions at work, and he has been issued a series of queries.”
The commission found Adamu’s actions to be grossly unbecoming of his office and imposed the appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
The statement said Lawan, a Principal Registrar of the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal, was suspended without pay for six months, immediately, after being found guilty of demanding and accepting improper gratification under false pretences.
“The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC, and Lawan was demoted by one grade level (from GL-13 down to GL-12).”
He said that the commission issued a warning to Malam Mansur Ibrahim, an Upper Shari’a Court judge, after evidence confirmed he used insulting and abusive language towards a litigant.
The JSC also issued a formal warning to Nasiru Ahmad, an Upper Shari’a Court judge, for ordering the detention of a judgment debtor in a manner that suggested personal interest and compromised judicial impartiality.
He emphasised that discretionary powers must be exercised with the utmost fairness and objectivity to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.
The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and corruption.
“These measures underscore the State Commission’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
“All judicial officers and staff are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the honour and trust vested in them by the people of Kano State.”
He warned all court staff not to engage in any corrupt practices, as anyone found engaging in corruption will be directed to proceed on compulsory retirement, as the JSC will not condone any act of corruption.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has inaugurated the Kano Online Media Chapel, marking a new chapter for digital journalism in the state.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday at the NUJ Secretariat, was attended by top government officials, media executives, and stakeholders, including the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, and the NUJ Kano Council Chairman, Comrade Suleiman A. Dederi.
During the event, the following officials were sworn in to lead the new Chapel:
• Chairman: Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo (Publisher, Independent Post)
• Vice Chairman: Kahdija Aliyu (Publisher, Paradigm News)
• Secretary: Isiyaku Ahmad (Publisher, Stallion Times)
• Assistant Secretary: Zahrau Nasir Ahmed (Publisher, Daily Watch 24)
• Financial Secretary: Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo (Publisher, Kakaki24)
• Treasurer: Abbas Yushau Yusuf (Publisher, Nigeria Tracker)
• Auditor: Musa Ahmad Durumin Iya (Publisher, Alifijir News)
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing that the Online Media Chapel would not compete with traditional media but complement it.
He stressed the importance of promoting ethical, responsible, and impactful journalism in the digital era, pledging to uphold the highest standards of truth, fairness, and integrity.
“We are committed to fostering professionalism, unity among practitioners, and building the capacity of online journalists to meet global standards,” Dangambo said.
Commissioner Waiya described the inauguration as a historic moment for Kano State, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting media reforms. He called on all online practitioners to embrace unity and professionalism, promising that all necessary support would be provided to strengthen the Chapel.
The formation of the Kano Online Media Chapel is seen as a major milestone aimed at uniting online journalists under one umbrella to ensure the delivery of authentic, reliable, and development-driven information to the public.
Gov. Yusuf Praises NUJ’s New Digital Frontier, Celebrates Dangambo’s Innaguration
Kano judicial commission suspends 2 court registrars, warns 2 judges
Dangambo Leads as NUJ Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel
NDLEA Intercepts over 2 million pills of tramadol in Kano
