Headlines
FG links Kano deaths to COVID-19
Nasiru Yusuf
Preliminary findings of investigations on the cause of mysterious deaths in Kano show a link with COVID-19.
Kano Focus reports that the team leader of Presidential task force on COVID-19 in Kano Nasiru Gwarzo disclosed this on Sunday at the handing over of a mobile laboratory for testing coronavirus donated to Kano state government by Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
Mr Gwarzo said their investigation has revealed symptoms of Coronavirus in most of the deaths recorded in Kano.
According to him Kano state government has activated verbal autopsy of 960 deaths, which if fully analyzed will give answer to the cause of death in Kano.
“The second layer is the survey at 68 graveyards in Kano metropolis.
“Kano state government has deployed official to these graveyards to collate data of the deceased.
“With Dangote mobile laboratory, we are fully equipped to use testing as the third layer to find the answer of mass deaths in Kano.
“Two weeks lockdown minimizes the spread of the virus.
“But there is a great danger in granting one day relaxation in a week.
“Although it is not the best solution, but two days relaxation in a week is the best option due to our peculiarities,” Mr Gwarzo said.
He added that one of the major challenges in fighting the pandemic in Kano is the lack of belief in the existence of the disease by Kano people.
Dangote to the rescue
In a message read on his behalf, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the foundation is directly supporting the Nigerian government’s COVID-19 containment efforts in Kano State.
According to Dangote, this new investment in support of increasing nation-wide testing comes in addition to Aliko Dangote Foundation’s support through the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
Mr Dangote pledged the ADF’s commitment to reduce the number of lives lost to diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola and other deadly viruses in the state.
He said the foundation would not relent in using its investments in health, education, and economic empowerment to help lift people out of sickness and poverty.
Managing Director of the ADF Zouera Youssoufou said the foundation is also supporting the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) in their work to identify suspected covid-19 cases across the healthcare centers in Kano.
“ADF will immediately handover to the Kano RRT, 10 new ambulances (4 that are immediately available and 6 over the next week), two vehicles and PPEs to support the transportation of patients from different parts of the state”, she said.
Training and Sensitization too
Ms Youssoufou said the ADF is also supporting the Kano State Covid-19 contact call center that responds to citizen queries and concerns around Covid-19 and refers people to the proper place for follow up, by providing extra phone lines and ICT infrastructure as well as training for the call center staff.
On training, she disclosed that “We are supporting training and incentives for covid-19 health workers. We will provide hazard incentives and protections for the healthcare and lab workers who are working on the covid-19 response.
“We are also providing training to them, initially online and via distance learning, and will complement his with in-person training in Kano under strict IPC protocols developed in conjunction with the NCDC.
“ADF will continue to provide PPEs to the Kano State Covid-19 Taskforce, which will then be distributed to the hospitals as appropriate. Items already supplied include coveralls, gloves, masks, respirators, goggles, boots and sanitizers.
“We are expanding the CACOVID communications strategy in Kano by adding more communications and advocacy around Covid-19 prevention across radio, TV and traditional and community leaders.” Ms Youssoufou said.
Ganduje to establish collecting centres
Responding, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje said “There is no doubt we started on a shaky foundation, with assistance of Aliko Dangote Foundation, we can see that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
“We are very grateful for the mobile testing Centre witch will launch with 400 samples per day and after a week, increase to 1,000 tests per day.
“It is now left for us to intensify efforts to collect samples. We will ensure that all that 44 Local Government Council have collection centres.
“Here in the metropolitan local governments, we will have 100s of collection centres because this is where the majority of the population is.”
The governor added that the state has intensified efforts to create awareness about the reality of coronavirus.
He commended the Dangote Foundation for always occupying the forefront of helping in critical times like these.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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