Headlines
Kano government dismisses viral corona denial clips
Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo
Kano state government has denied isolating people who are negative to COVID-19 as alleged in an audio clip and two viral videos.
Media Special Advisor to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Salihu Tanko Yakasai told Kano Focus on Tuesday that the producers of the clips have failed to understand the nature of Coronavirus.
Kano Focus reports that some three male COVID-19 patients at the Kwanar Dawaki isolation centre released audio and video clips claiming to be negative to COVID-19.
However Mr. Yakasai explained that people can test positive to coronavirus without being sick.
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“About 90% of COVID-19 patients in Nigeria are not ill. However if positive patients are allowed to roam free they may infect people with weaker immunity.” He said.
He added that Kano state government does not release COVID-19 test results until they are confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja.
Mr Yakasai explained that isolated patients are only given antibiotics and Vitamin C to boost their immunity as there is no cure for COVID-19 anywhere on earth.
He added that Kano state government will continue to enlighten residents about the nature of COVID-19 and will address a press conference on Wednesday to clear issues raised in the viral clips.
There is no COVID-19 in Kano
The videos show three male COVID-19 positive patients at the Kwanar Dawaki isolation centre claiming that there is no single case of Coronavirus in Kano.
The lead discussant in the video titled him the Ward Head of Corona House.
The men, walking about in a ward alleged that they were isolated under false premises to allow Kano state government to source funds.
“We are healthier than them.” One of the men alleged.
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They also complained about the type of food they are fed – fried yam – even though they showed some empty packs of takeaway food as well as bottles of drinks.
The men also lamented that the government is not providing them with GSM airtime or data bundles.
One of them said he would have left the centre if not because he was a policeman and his political godfather is in opposition to the Kano state government.
Pay us N5m or face exposure
In the eight minutes audio clip, one of the men recorded a conversation with another man outside the isolation centre.
He said the Special Advisor to Kano state governor on health services, Fauziyya Buba has been in constant touch.
“She asked what we are being served, the quality of the food and whether it was delivered on time.” He said.
He alleged that the government has budgeted N80,000 for the daily upkeep of each patient but is spending much less than that.
He however acknowledged that they are being given chicken and chips, as well as rice.
Nevertheless he threatened to expose the alleged corruption in the system unless the government is willing to pay them some discharge money.
“Even if they pay us N5m each they will not be at a loss.” He said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
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