Headlines
Kano approves free health care for 553 people living with HIV
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Nasiru Yusuf
Kano State government has approved enrolment of 553 people living with HIV/AIDS to access free health care services through basic health care provision fund for the attainment of Universal healthcare coverage in the state.
Kano Focus reports that the executive secretary of the state contributory healthcare management Agency Halima Muhammad Mijinyawa disclosed this at a courtesy visit to her counterpart of the Agency for the Control of AIDS, Sabitu Shanono on Monday.
Mrs Mijinyawa said she was in the Agency to inform him the resolution for the selection of eligible beneficiaries and criteria for enrollment.
She explained that the Basic health provision fund is a federal government intervention that falls under the equity program of contributory health care scheme aimed at providing free health care service to the pregnant women, children under five, elderly, poorest of the poor and people with disabilities.
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In his remarks, the Director-General of the State Agency for the control of AIDS, Sabitu Shanono expressed satisfaction with integration of people living with HIV/AIDS into the program.
He applauded the Agency for the gesture and pleaded for more slots of HIV/AIDS patient into the program.
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a key component of the National Health Act (NHA) that ensures basic minimum health package for Nigerians. It is derived from a minimum of one per cent (1%) of the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
The act was passed into law in 2014 as part of actions towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means ensuring that people get access to quality healthcare without suffering financial hardships.
Kano state is expected to flag-off the enrollment of beneficiaries this December.
International partners such as UK funded Lafiya programme are supporting the implementation of the programme in Kano state.
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Headlines
Salary Fraud: Governor Yusuf Suspends Acting Head of Service with Immediate Effect
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Salary Fraud: Governor
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has suspended with immediate effect the Acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, over alleged salary deductions and non-payment of some civil servants’ salaries.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was confirmed that Salisu Mustapha has also been directed to step aside as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, under the Office of the Head of Service, to allow for an unhindered investigation.
To ensure administrative continuity, the governor has approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary, REPA, as the new Acting Head of Service, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.
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Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice, warning that anyone found guilty will face severe consequences.
The Abdulkadir Abdussalam-led investigative committee, inaugurated today, has been given seven days to uncover the root of the irregularities and submit its findings.
Salisu Mustapha was appointed Acting Head of Service earlier this month following the medical leave granted to the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who is currently receiving treatment in India.
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Headlines
BUK distributes 147 bicycles to junior staff
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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
In a bid to ease transportation challenges for junior staff, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, on Wednesday distributed the second batch of bicycles under the university’s welfare initiative.
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KANO FOCUS reports that during the distribution ceremony, Professor Abbas, assisted by the Chairman of the Bicycle Loan Committee, Professor Mahmoud Umar Sani, and other committee members, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to staff welfare. He noted that the initiative aims to provide affordable and sustainable mobility options for staff, enhancing their efficiency at work.
Highlighting the success of the first batch, Professor Abbas commended the beneficiaries for fulfilling their loan repayments. He further announced that loan deductions for the newly distributed bicycles would commence after the Sallah festival, allowing staff to utilize their salaries for Ramadhan fasting and Eid celebrations.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management, describing the initiative as timely, especially given the rising transportation costs. Many pledged to make good use of the bicycles.
A total of 47 bicycles were distributed in this phase, while 100 bicycles were distributed in the first phase.
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Headlines
PCRC Dala holds stakeholders meeting to contain insecurity
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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
In an effort to contain the growing insecurity challenges, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Dala Area Command in collaboration with the other security agencies in the area Wednesday held a broad meeting to augment the security improvement of the area.
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KANO FOCUS reports that the event led by the PCRC Chairman Dala area Command, Suleiman Umar Dala, was distinct by a large attendance of key stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, market associations, local vigilante groups, and representatives from llama’s across the area and beyond.
The guest speakers, including Prof Garba Shehu, Al-Shiehk Ibrahim Khalil, Prof Tijjani Muhammad Nanayi, Dr Ibrahim Musa Kurna spoke extensively about various critical security challenges faced by the community and the steps needed to address them with a view to discouraging youth from engaging in illicit activities for the sustainability of peace.
In their separate comments, the speakers have a common view that security challenges are a collective responsibility of all in society, stressing that justice, fairness, improving youth education and empowerment drive, drug abuse awareness and advocacy are some of the measures that should be focussed by the authorities to curb criminal acts among youth.
The speakers acknowledged the bid of security agencies, vigilant groups and volunteers in the maintenance of peace and order. Still, they emphasized the need for them to strengthen the utmost effort with community leaders and the general public to maintain the unflinching support for the command.
On his part, the Commander Dala Police Area Command ACP Nuhu Muhammad Diggi thanked all the guests and participants, as well as the PCRC Executives led by Hon Suleiman Umar Dala for timely organising stakeholder meeting and fruitful discussion, deliberated upon and decisions adopted during the meeting.
He attributed the prevailing insecurity in certain areas of the state to the lukewarm attitude of some parents and community in general for being sympathetic to perpetrators of social vices, pointing out that dangerous youth groups which at the moment turn out to be trouble makers generally are addiction influence.
ACP Nuhu Muhammad therefore advised all youth to get themselves engaged in meaningful ventures instead of terrorising the people in society, warning that the Police would not rest on its drive in the fight against insecurity until all criminals are brought to book and ensure peace, security of life and property in the area and the state at large.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman on Wednesday said the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Dala Area Command drew its members from the metropolitan local government areas which include Fagge, Ungogo, Gwale, Municipal and Dala Local government respectively.
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