Headlines
Northwest constitutes 40% of Nigeria’s under 5 deaths–UNICEF
Nasiru Yusuf
The United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) on Thursday said states in Nigeria’s Northwest region carry 40 per cent of child mortality rate, mostly affecting children under five years of age.
The Chief of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, Sanjana Bhardwaj disclosed this during a 2-day retreat organised in Kano for health commissioners from the seven Northwestern states of Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kano.
According to Ms Bhardwaj, this was due to the population explosion in the region, adding that the retreat was to change the trajectory of child deaths in the region.
She said, “We are looking at two big issues around child survivors and the whole well being of the child. We call it the Survive and Thrive component for a child.
“We know we have very high mortality, high number of children die in Nigeria. And we bear a large burden, the global burden rests on Nigeria.
“Within Nigeria when we look at the data, we find that the North West states are carrying 40 per cent of the burden of child deaths
“So, one thing this meeting is talking about is why children are dying? What are the causes? What is it that we are only doing because the government and partners are doing a lot to change these?
“We are trying to understand what is happening right now, the current status, the bottlenecks and challenges as well as what we need to do more.
“There is also focus around Thrive, we know that nutrition is a concern particularly malnutrition linked with stunting, wasting for children.”
Ms Bhardwaj added that there is need for huge commitments by the government to change the trend.
“We want to see how to accelerate the pace to reach every child in the zone, make sure every child, women gets the package of services and are able to access care and get quality care,” she said.
In his remarks, Kano state commissioner for health, Ibrahim Tsanyawa said efforts would be made to change the negative development indices in the region.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has announced the reintroduction of remedial programme which was suspended over a decade ago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Vice Chancellor announced the plan at the 59th Congregation meeting of the university on Saturday.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the key factors that prompted the reintroduction including the decline in enrolment in Basic Science programmes.
He said the University has observed a noticeable decrease in student enrolments in these areas, and the remedial programme is expected to address this challenge by preparing students for science-based courses.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that many prospective students from the University’s catchment area struggle to meet entry requirements for science programmes.
The remedial programme will provide these candidates with the necessary academic support to address their deficiencies, thereby increasing their chances of gaining admission into the University.
“We appreciate your support as we work towards reinstating this vital programme, which promises to enhance the academic prospects of our students and contribute to the overall development of Bayero University, Kano,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
KANO FOCUS reports that the reintroduction of the remedial programme is seen as a strategic move to bolster academic performance and widen access to higher education for students within the University’s catchment area.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Tsakuwa Mufarka Development Association appealed to Kano state government to construct a library and renovate the science laboratory at Tsakuwa Senior Secondary School.
KANO FOCUS reports that the secretary of the association, Comrade Abdulrashid Salisu Babah made the request during 2025 budget public hearing held on Thursday.
State Assembly
According to the secretary of the association, Taskuwa Mufarka is calling on Kano state government to construct a road from Tsakuwa to Lahira, Tsakuwa to Sabon Garin Dalladi to Mazabar Gano, Tsakuwa to Mazabar Yargaya, as well as installation of two transformers.
“We are also appealing for the provision of solar-powered lights and sick bay at Tsangaya Islamiyya Boarding Primary School among others.
Kano State House of Assembly
“We pray that Allah will assist this government to make it beneficial to the community,” the association appealed.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano Pilllars will be without the services of eight key players as they prepare to face Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash.
KANO FOCUS reports that the encounter is scheduled for Saturday evening, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Technical Adviser Usman Shariff Abdallah has expressed concern over the absentees but remains hopeful for a strong performance.
In their previous match against Katsina United, the Sai Masu Gida missed seven first-team players, including Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Zulkifilu Muhammed, and Sudais Ali Baba, all sidelined by injuries.
Meanwhile, club legend Rabiu Ali, Nelson Abiam and Aminu Adam Sani were on national duty with the Super Eagles home-based squad preparing for the CHAN24 playoff against Ghana.
Adding to their woes, dependable center-back Habibu Yakubu will also miss Saturday’s game due to the accumulation of five yellow cards, further depleting the squad.
This situation has left Abdallah relying on younger players, with 75% of the traveling squad comprising players promoted from the club’s youth system.
The four-times Nigerian champions are currently sits 8th on the NPFL table with 22 points from 15 matches and a game in hand.
They will aim to build on their narrow 1-0 victory over Katsina United last weekend, hoping to climb further up the standings. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
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