Headlines
COVID-19: Ganduje asks civil servants to remain at home for 14 more days
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje on Monday directed civil servants to remain at home for 14 more days as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr Ganduje gave the directive while receiving a report from the 40-member Kano COVID-19 Fund-raising committee under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK) Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello and co-chair Tajuddeen Dantata.
Mr Ganduje said the 14-day extension order became necessary following his determination to ensure that all proactive measures are put in place to avoid the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the ancient commercial city of Kano.
He also appealed to Kano residents to strictly adhere to directives from the federal ministry of health and the state government, especially observing social distance, washing hands regularly and stay-at-home order to avoid being infected with the dreaded virus.
“We are extending the stay-at-home break given to our workers in the state. Because it is evidently clear to all that Nigeria is still recording more cases, with the number of 5 deaths,” the governor revealed.
Mr Ganduje also maintained that the state’s border closure order remains in force, promising residents that his administration will do everything possible to combat the deadly virus in the state.
The governor commended the work and assured that very soon the committee would start distributing those items to the identified potential beneficiaries, who stand at 300,000 households and other special clusters like orphanage homes, as disclosed by the committee.
He revealed that he was satisfied with the distribution modalities proposed by the committee, and assured his maximum support.
While presenting the report, Muhammad Bello, said the total cash at hand that was already in the Committee’s bank account stands at N364,695,700.5k.
According to him individuals, groups and corporate organisations has donated foodstuffs, medical equipments, among others.
He disclosed that other segments of the society that made their contributions, include members of the National Assembly and their counterpart from the State Assembly, commissioners, corporate bodies, business community, other philanthropists among others.
Meanwhile, the governor also visited Sani Abacha Stadium where Dangote Foundation is constructing a 500-bed isolation centre.
The Centre is already 50 percent completed with 250 beds installed, while the remaining 250 beds would be ready by Tuesday, according to the Project Manager of Dangote Foundation, Sanusi AbdulKadir.
Mr Ganduje who spoke while sitting on one of the beds, said “I am not sitting on this bed because of any sickness. You all know that I am COVID-19 negative. I just want feel the comfort Dangote Foundation has made for those who are found positive. Which we are praying not to have.”
He reiterated the 3-Model strategy the state comes up with against the deadly disease of COVID-19, of Preventive, Curative and Palliative. Which he assured that the state would do everything possible to get the best out of all the three stages.
He thanked all those who made contributions, health workers, Clerics who are up and doing in praying for the state and the country, traditional institutions, all people who are doing their best to comply with advice given by health professionals, among others.
Kano state executive council had earlier directed civil servants to stay off office for 14 days as from Wednesday, March 25th as part of efforts to safeguard the lives of the people of the state and prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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