Opinion
COVID-19: Mysterious deaths in Kano and the way forward–An open letter to Kano PTF
CONCERNED CITIZENS OF KANO STATE
08066313762, 08030772400
sanidanjuma2012@gmail.com
3rd April, 2020
The Chairman,
Presidential Task Force on COVID-19,
Kano Team,
Nigeria.
Sir,
Issues Surrounding The Mysterious Deaths In Kano and The Way Forward
The Concerned Citizens welcome the Special Envoy for COVID-19 as part of the presidential move, the UN and WHO 3000 medics for Kano Rescue Mission. While recognising your giant takeoff and coordinated approaches in this important assignment to check the spread of the COVID 19 and the mysterious deaths in the state, we like to share with your team the outcomes of our preliminary investigation surrounding the unprecedented disaster for speedy action.
1. The closure of specialty clinics in some health facilities and the fear of private hospitals to treat likely COVID-19 patients, have resulted in the increasing number of rejections of patients, who require urgent medical attention. The consequential effect of this leads to untimely death of some that are in critical condition.
2. The unofficial abscondment of frontline medics as evidenced by the small proportion in attendance and their shirking attitudes due to the shortage of protective gears have put immense pressure on the emergency Departments. This may likely increase the number of deaths in the state.
3. The panic and unknown fear due to Corona Virus, hot weather, crowd settlements and the resultant social disorder, stress and trauma as a result of lockdown aggravate the condition of those with underlying ailments thereby causing complications and eventual deaths.
4. Old age, waning immune system, poverty and poor nutrition may likely increase disease susceptibility and worsen the appalling condition battling good people in the state.
5. Increasing pressure on the incapacitated healthcare facilities, poor health system management and lack of comprehensive healthcare policy to cater the exploding population by the state might be part of the causes.
6. The earlier denial of reported spike in deaths, the jettisoning advices from experts and the reluctance of the Kano State Government for prompt action, might have upsurge the menace. Additionally, failure to plan for the anticipated lockdown may likely leads to deaths out of starvation, prostration and other diseases than the actual COVID-19.
For these reasons therefore, may we suggest the followings for effective response to slowdown the mortality rate in the state:
a. The team should advise the state to urgently strengthen the entire healthcare system within near-term with adequate provision of personal protective and other emergency equipment provided for first line contact that are necessary for life-saving response. Moreover, proper distribution, utilisation and restocking of interventions from FG, NGOs and philanthropists remain the needful. Also, free medical services to elderly vulnerable class will be of great help at this critical time to curve the menace.
b. Provision of insurance and incentives to the frontline personnel with their safety as utmost priority. It is also necessary for the state to employ temporary medics to augment the under-staffed health sector. In this regard, formation of special taskforce to ensure that patients are being attended effectively at public facilities will be an important step to deal with tragedy.
c. Of greater importance is for the state to introduce virtual medical consultation (e-consultation) by leveraging on retirees’ experience and minimise physical contact, thereby enjoying social distancing for those with pending follow-ups.
d. It would be good for your committee to draw the attention of the state to engage in systematic distribution of palliatives to the needy to cope with condition and fight hunger. This will make life easier within the lockdown period. However, the palliative arrangement should take cognisance the sheer number of masses in the state.
e. Religious leaders may have a role to play by capitalising on religious doctrine to guide people on how to live with pandemic. While recognising the current ongoing investigation regarding the cryptic deaths in the state, it would be good for the government to utilise traditional rulers to report deaths within their localities for wider coverage.
f. The most important intervention is to mobilise all the necessary resources to bring back our Emergency Departments into full scale operations. Because a simple analysis can show the relationship between increased mortality rate and closure of Accident and Emergency Departments.
g. Upon all these, measures have to be taken to revisit the lockdown policy while controlling the pandemic, would be an important direction to focus, since our economy may not survive the continuous lockdown.
Sir, as your committee and that of the state works seamless, it’s an opportunity for you to plan well and succeed. It is germane to accentuate the government to understand that, there is no important business in politics than responding to peoples’ demand.
Therefore, it is our belief that with the state limited resources, donations from individuals, groups and organisation, some of these recommendations can be executed.
With Kano in our mind, we hope the Chairman will expedite action and free the state from imbroglio.
Sincerely yours,
For: Concerned Citizens;
Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata (CSO)
Dr. Sani Danjuma (Academia)
Dr. Aisha Walida Baffa (MBBS)
Sheikh Tijjani Ahmad Sheikh Isa (Islamic Scholar)
Abdullahi Tasiu (Trader)
Adama Usman Esq.
Tahir Yakasai Esq.
Opinion
Support for President Tinubu’s Policies and Call for the Appointment of Hisham Habib as Political Adviser
By Auwal Dankano
We, a coalition of concerned citizens and political stakeholders, express our unwavering support for the bold and decisive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at revitalizing our nation and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reform, infrastructural development, and social welfare initiatives demonstrates a clear vision for progress. We commend his administration’s efforts to address the challenges facing our country, and we believe that with continued dedication and strategic leadership, Nigeria will overcome these obstacles and achieve its full potential.
In light of the recent resignation of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as Political Adviser, we urge President Tinubu to consider the appointment of Hisham Habib as his successor. Hisham Habib is a seasoned political strategist with a proven track record of effective communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the Nigerian political landscape make him an ideal candidate to serve as a trusted advisor to the President.
Hisham Habib’s qualifications include: A degree in English and attended courses in politics and journalism in both local and overseas. He works with media houses up to the level of managing editor, and he was the first set of publishers of online newspapers in Nigeria.
He also served a the Director media of NNPP presidential and govarnatorial election, as well as appointed as Managing Director of Kano State own Radio station.
Many remember him as the pioneer chairman of NNPP, Kano state chapter , whose political expertise help the party win the number one seat in Kano.
As he decamped to the ruling APC, he build a strong chain , that will make our great party victorious at the fourth coming elections.
We believe that Hisham Habib’s appointment would strengthen the President’s advisory team and enhance the effective implementation of his administration’s agenda. His expertise in political strategy and his commitment to national development align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria.
We call upon President Tinubu to give serious consideration to Hisham Habib’s candidacy and to appoint him as Political Adviser. We are confident that his contributions will be invaluable in advancing the President’s goals and ensuring the success of his administration.
We also want to call the attention of Mr President to consider Auwal Dankano for a national assignment. Auwal is the chairman of Rwinwin, a movement that worked tirelessly toward the success of president Tunubu in the last elections year.
Dankano is a quantity surveyor, with over two decades of field experience, and always promote APC and President Tunubu masses oriented policies.
Ha was a board member of Kano Micro finance, as well as Representative of Kano State , in Northern Governor’s Forum.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for President Tinubu and his efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Auwal Dankano
National Chairman
APC Forum of Intellectuals.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) receives the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and a tireless champion of education and development, Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed, former Chairman of the Education Support Group (ESG).
Dr. Auwalu was not only a pillar in the education sector but a beacon of hope and resilience for all who believed in the power of knowledge and community development. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes have left an indelible mark on our state and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire development community. His legacy of service, advocacy, and dedication to humanity will continue to inspire us.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Co-Chair (CSOs),
Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) .
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem
On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.
As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.
Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.
As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.
Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE).
Governor Yusuf Champions Education, Resolves Certificate Crisis for Kano Graduates
Governor Yusuf Bags Vanguard’s 2024 Good Governance Award
Kano Tops Nigeria’s Zero-Dose Immunization List as Boost Project Targets Urgent Action
Kano, 12 others prone to meningitis
Uromi killings: Kano deputy Governor leads fact-finding team to Edo state
Book Review: Quintessential Elegance in Islamic Scholarship, Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel
Emir Sanusi II Calls for Justice Over Killing of Kano Indigenes in Edo
Emir Sanusi II Warns Against Internal Betrayal and External Meddling in Kano
IGP Orders Kano Police to Investigate Emir Sanusi, Withdraws Invitation from Force HQ
