Headlines
Nigeria records 15% of cancer cases in West Africa – Osinbajo
Nasiru Yusuf
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo said Nigeria has the highest prevalent rate of cancer cases in West Africa.
He said about 72,000 out of every 100,000 cancer patients die of the disease annually.
The vice president disclosed this on Monday when he laid the foundation stone of the Kano Cancer Centre at Muhammad Buhari specialist hospital, Giginyu, a replica of the World Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
“WHO reports that in 2018, 4% of death in Nigeria were caused by cancer. Over a hundred thousand cases of cancer that are reported, seventy-two thousand died annually of cancer. So Nigerian cancer cases are about 15% of cases in West Africa. In the whole of West Africa we take 15%. So there is major problem with cancer in Nigeria.
“This is why the federal government decided on the national cancer control plan, 2018-2022. Each state is meant to have its own facility and cancer control plan. And keyed into federal government plan. I must say that, we have a situation where Kano sate has made way being plugging into overall plan of the federal government. Which is the federal government cancer control plan,” the vice president revealed.
Mr Osinbajo commended governor Ganduje for his foresight in establishing cancer control facility in Kano.
“Kano state is leading the way in this direction. With the cutting-edge facilities as we have just heard from the governor and the experts managing the facility. Also as I laid the foundation, I was made to understand that Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is very serious about it.
“This Centre is not meant for Kano alone, but it is for the whole nation. We commend you the Governor for your foresighted-ness, dedication and patriotism. This is a great work you are doing. You are about to put in place the best Cancer Treatment Centre in the country,” he said.
In his remarks governor Abdullahi Ganduje recalled how he conceived the idea of establishing the centre, revealing that, “We studied that cancer is becoming prevalent, with prostate cancer affecting men and cervical and breast cancer disturbing women. So we decided to come up with a workable solution to it.”
“We visited Melbourne, Australia World Cancer Treatment Centre. What I saw there moved my administration to work towards making something identically similar to that in our dear state, Kano.
“So we invited experts on cancer from across the world. We deliberated upon finding effective way to put this facility you are laying its foundation Sir. We came to a conclusion that the type we are having today can take care of 90 percent Cancer problem of our people,” Mr Ganduje explained.
The governor also assured that, a concrete arrangement was made for sustaining the centre, emphasising that, “business will not be as usual. For us to keep sustainability in sight, we decided that Public Private Partnership would be used in managing the facility. It will be managed by global experts.”
During the visit, the Vice President visited Emir Muhammad Sanusi II and had an interactive session at Gidan Makama National Museum, adjacent to the Emir’s palace.
He had also commissioned the 2km Aminu Dantata flyover at Murtala Mohammed Way, Tijjani Hashim, underpass, Kofar Ruwa and laid a foundation stone for the construction of Karibullah Nasiru-Kabara flyover, Shahuci.
Headlines
BUK probes student over alleged Facebook fraud
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has commenced a preliminary investigation into allegations linking a person reportedly identified as one of its students to acts of online impersonation and financial misconduct circulating on social media.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, on behalf of the Registrar, the university said it had taken note of the claims being discussed in public commentary and across various online platforms.
The statement noted that BUK maintains strict standards of conduct, discipline, and character for all students throughout the duration of their studies, adding that any behaviour capable of bringing the name and reputation of the institution into disrepute is treated with the utmost seriousness.
According to the university, the alleged actions of an individual student should not be seen as a reflection of the values or character of Bayero University Kano as an institution.
“In view of the allegations, the University has commenced a preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. The appropriate University authorities are reviewing the issue in line with the institution’s established rules and disciplinary procedures governing students’ conduct,” the statement said.
The management also commended the public-spirited efforts of Professor Farooq Kperogi and other individuals who provide financial assistance to students in need, particularly by supporting registration fees and other educational expenses.
The university noted that such acts of generosity continue to play an important role in expanding access to education and supporting deserving students.
BUK assured members of the public that if the allegations are substantiated, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the university’s regulations and relevant laws.
The institution also urged the public to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or the spread of unverified information.
Headlines
Gov. Yusuf relieves Kano Head of Service of appointment
Ibrahim Khalil
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the governor said.
The governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of a substantive replacement.
The statement further directed the outgoing Head of Service to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service no later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Headlines
ACF Kano chair, meets former Brazilian president Temer at agribusiness exhibition
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Board Chairman of Belraados Limited and Kano State Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, on Saturday met with the former President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, during the opening dinner of the 26th Expodireto Cotrijal in Brazil.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dr. Umar was seen exchanging a handshake with the former Brazilian leader at the event held in Não-Me-Toque, a city in the southern part of Brazil hosting the annual international agribusiness exhibition.
The Expodireto Cotrijal is one of the largest agricultural trade fairs in Latin America, attracting policymakers, agribusiness investors, researchers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss innovations and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Participants at the event are expected to explore partnerships and share ideas aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening international cooperation in agribusiness.
