Headlines
Modern contraceptive usage doubles in 3 years – Official
Nasiru Yusuf
The director medical services at Kano state Primary Health Care Management Board Imam Wada Bello said modern contraceptive prevalence rate among women in the state has doubled between July 2016 and January 2020.
Kano Focus reports that Mr Bello revealed this at 10 year anniversary of Network of Reproductive Health Journalists, held in Lagos.
According to him, finding shows that modern contraceptive use among women in Kano state has increased from 6% to 13% during the period under review.
He added that demand satisfied by modern contraceptive methods has doubled to 31% in the past 3 years.
He, however said 4% of partners of women who are currently using modern, female controlled methods are unaware that they are using a method.
Mr Imam noted that the findings indicated that “The decision to use family planning is a joint decision for 27% of women, It is a joint decision to not use FP for 62%, while the partner made the decision not to use FP for 22% of non-users.”
3 in every 10 women in Bauchi state have experienced sexual assault
On her part while making presentation during the anniversary lecture the Executive Chairperson of VAPP law working group Bauchi state Magistrate Amina Garuba revealed that 3 in every 10 women in the state have experienced sexual assault.
Magistrate Amina Garuba
She said: ” In Bauchi state, about three in every 10 women and girls are reported to have been assaulted before the age of 18.”
She noted that COVID-19 lockdown has aggravated the rape cases in the state.
“For instance in Bauchi in the month of March we have about 7 reported cases, and in the month of April, we have 30 reported cases. This has adverse effect not only on women, but community as whole.
” About 30% of girls and women aged between 15 and 45 have experienced one form of sexual abuse or the other. Because of partial restriction during COVID-19 pandemic, many victims find it difficult to access services of Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV response. Access to referral centre was limited due to restriction movement,” Mrs Garuba said.
Ekiti State Experience
On her part the wife of Ekiti state governor Erelu Bisi Adeleye – Fayemi, said the state has coordinating body for all sexual and reproductive health right.
Mrs Fayemi, who was represented by Rita Ilebari, said the body is a multi sectoral gender based violence management committee made up of all stakeholders, including government and Nongovernmental organizations chaired by the first lady.
NRHJN Members
This, according to her, has given birth to ‘he4she’ programme comprising young and elderly designated as ambassadors of the programme.
Mrs Fayemi added that though, there are improvements in certain areas regarding reproductive health rights issues, we still need to call for better political will to create enabling legal framework.
She advocated for more community mobilization, engagement and ownership in order to sustain the gains made.
“We must let the Traditional rulers, community leaders an dreligious leaders own the movement. We should also have the coordinating mechanism upgraded and strengthened,” she said.
How the journey started
In his address the chairman Board of trustees of the NRHJN, and Chairman, Association of Advanced Family Planning of Nigeria, Ejike Oji, recalled how the movement started.
He said ten years ago, based on outcome of research which showed scanty reportage of reproductive health issues in our various media outlets except for HIV/AIDS issues, the objective of founding the network to have a group of specially-trained journalists focusing on reproductive health issues came up.
Dr Ejike Oji
“As Country Director of Ipas then, we were training 40-60 Journalists across the country yearly. We have trained about 500 Journalists and they have been very active. I am very proud of the commitment of members and modest achievements in the last one decade. And the challenge for you is to continue to do more,” Mr Oji said.
In her opening remarks, chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Abuja Branch and a member of the network’s BOT, Hauwa Shekarau congratulated members for their efforts and commitment so far while encouraging them to remain focus on the objectives because the country still needs their input in achieving the set goals.
The theme for the anniversary lecture is; “Nigeria At 60, Progress And Opportunities For Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights Protection” and a sub-theme; “COVID-19, A Pandemic’s Assault On Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Health Services.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
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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