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Kano mass deaths not related to COVID-19–Government
Nazifi Dawud
The Kano state government has finally acknowledged the increased mortality rate in the state, explaining that the deaths are not related to the COVID-19–a fatal respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus.
KANO FOCUS reports that residents in the state have been raising concern over increased rate of deaths in Kano city, a concern that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dismissed as “fake news’ before making a u-turn to say the situation would be investigated.
The deputy state co-ordinator of COVID-19 Response Team, Dr Sabitu Shuaibu had said in an interview with Channels Television that the state had recorded over 640 deaths in one week.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Malam Muhammad Garba, the state’s commissioner for information, blamed complications from malaria, diabetes, hypertension and meningitis as the causes of the surging deaths not COVID-19 as is being widely believed.
“Kano state government on Sunday acknowledged recent deaths in Kano, promising that the state Government is on top of the situation, as Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has already directed the state Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the deaths,” Mr Garba said.
He said “although investigation into the cause of the deaths is still ongoing, preliminary report from the state Ministry of Health indicated that the deaths are not connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The commissioner added that “reports from the state Ministry of Health has shown that most of the deaths were caused by complications arising from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and acute malaria.”
He further stated that Mr Ganduje is “earnestly waiting for the final report from the state Ministry of Health so as to take necessary action.”
According to him, Mr Ganduje from the onset, demonstrated the zeal and political will to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
“Governor Ganduje’s administration has been commended from within and outside the state over the proactive measures it took towards curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This explains why Kano, apart from being the most populace state, did not record a case of the pandemic until lately. Though we agree that the situation on hand currently is serious, we are not resting on our oars in taking appropriate measures to ensure that the good people of Kano state, and indeed, residents in the state protect themselves from the novel COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated.
He further noted that part of measures taken by the state government to stop the spread of the virus include the on-going lockdown, closing of boarders, aggressive campaign for social distancing, washing and sanitizing of hands, as well as strict adherence to and practice of the principles of personal hygiene.
Mr Garba added that the government through the Kano COVID-19 Fund-Raising Committee, has been making palliatives available to the most vulnerable and the needy in the society.
“Moreso, the state government has three modern Isolation Centres where those tested positive to COVID-19 are being cared for. We are also hopeful of getting additional two Isolation Centres soonest. The government has also hired a hotel where suspected cases are accommodated.
“Also, Kano state government is collaborating with Bayero University Kano (BUK) to establish a testing centre within the institution, which will be ready in two weeks time after being certified by the NCDC. This will, indeed, enhance our determination to ensure that every suspected case undergo test.
“Governor Ganduje has also sent a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to urgently work on the NCDC testing centre at AKTH which has been closed down for sometime now.
“We have enough medical manpower that can take care of the patients. What we are now asking for is financial assistance from the Federal Government and other donors to help sustain all this infrastructure and also continue the provision of palliatives to our people,” Mr Garba explained.
He noted that, “the state government is concerned over what is happening. The Ministry of Health is already handling the situation. When they are through with the medical investigation, further necessary actions will be taken.
“I urge the good people of Kano state not to panic. Government is on top of the situation. The mystery or whatever it is will soon be unravelled,” the commissioner said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has introduced waste disposal bins in the state’s public transport system to ensure a cleaner environment.
KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative targets placing waste bins in Tricycles, buses, and at strategic points in the state, such as markets, bus stops, and motor parks.
Kano Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim, unveiled the initiative on Monday in a ceremony titled
“Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative.”
Dahir while speaking at the event stressed the importance of a clean and healthy environment in the state.
Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim flagging off the campaign
He stressed that the bins were put in place by the Kano State government for proper trashing of waste for a healthy society.
“These bins are designed to help commuters dispose of trash responsibly while on the move,” he said.
Street Sweepers on duty
“The government is taking a firm stance against littering and we are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”
He called on transport workers, traders, and residents to ensure their environment is clean as the government has provided the waste bins for proper disposal.
Female Street Sweepers on duty
“While the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to raise awareness and foster a culture of cleanliness,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to flag-off the distribution of school uniforms for Primary 1 pupils across the state on Monday 13th January 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the problem of out-of-school children in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that an estimated number of over 789,000 male and female pupils in 7,092 public schools across the 44 Local Government Areas in the state are to receive sets of uniforms under the program.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Sunday by commissioner of information Comrade Ibrahim Waiya said the initiative is aimed at promoting school enrollment and ensuring that every child of school age is given the opportunity to access quality education, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The statement added that in addition, the gesture will support indigent parents who may face financial challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children and further demonstrates that education remains the cornerstone of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration’s agenda for even development across the state.
“By prioritizing the needs of young learners, the government seeks to empower the next generation with the tools they need to succeed and contribute positively to society.
“The official launch event will take place by 1:00 pm at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf personally overseeing the distribution process,” the statement concluded.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano state governent has urged all relevant individuals and bodies within and outside Nigeria, to abide with the recent ruling of the Federal Court of Appeal in respect of the ongoing litigation which the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the position of the Governor Abba Yusuf led administration on the recent ruling was made known Saturday, by Isa Dederi, Kano commissioner for justice, and attorney ‘General, held at a world press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Kano.
The commissioner said: “On behalf of the Kano State Government, we express our profound satisfaction with the Judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, regarding the Emirate Council matter involving His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and other parties.
“The verdict overturns earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and validates the government’s lawful actions regarding the chieftaincy appointments and reforms in the state’s traditional institutions.
“This ruling reaffirms the government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to due process in our efforts to modernize traditional structures while preserving the cultural heritage of Kano State. The judgment further clarifies the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, underscoring the constitutional boundaries of the courts in such affairs.
“The decision by the appellate court to void previous Judgments that questioned the state’s lawful appointments underscores the correctness of our actions and strengthens our resolve to continue reforms for equitable representation and inclusive governance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal. Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano state House of Assembly relating to Emirates and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, in strict adherence to the rule of law and in defense of democracy, all public and private institutions, as well as individuals, are required to comply with the Court of Appeal decision and act accordingly to give full effect to the Judgment.
“We extend our appreciation to the Judiciary for upholding the principles of Justice and fairness. The Kano State Government remains committed to working with traditional institutions, ensuring harmony, and fostering development across all emirates.
“We urge all parties to respect the court’s Judgment and join hands with the government to promote peace, unity, and progress in our beloved state. Let us continue to prioritize the collective good of Kano State above all individual interests.”
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