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.
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.
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
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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
Kano Police announce movement restrictions ahead of assembly by-elections
K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
