Opinion
Childhood killer diseases: NGO gets $29m grants to reach 1m caregivers

An International Non-Governmental Organization, New Incentive, said it has received a grant of $29 million under it project – All Babies Are Equal targeted to reach over one million caregivers and immunize their infants against childhood killer diseases in four Northwest States .
Kano Focus reports that the four Northern states are Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto.
These childhood killer diseases include, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease and measles.
The Stakeholder Relations Director, of the NGO Nura Muhammad disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting with the benefiting states held in Kano.
Muhammad said the grant would be disbursed as conditional cash transfer to support the caregivers to ensure they avail their infants for the Immunization.

He said, “New Incentive – All Babies Are Equal, NI-ABAE has received commitments of over $29 million of funding over the next 3 years to reach over 1 million caregivers and their infants in Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.
This covers expansion to 35 LGAs with continued operations through Dec 2023.
“The organization aims to reduce child mortality through cost-effective and evidence-based health interventions.
In Nigeria, the organization operates as the All Babies Are Equal Initiative and implements the conditional cash transfers (CCT) for routine immunization (CCTs for RI) program.
“The flagship CCTs for RI program operated by ABAE disburses cash incentives to caregivers conditional on infants receiving four vaccines: BCG (against tuberculosis), PENTA (against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b), PCV (against pneumococcal disease), and MCV (against measles).
These vaccinations are part of the routine schedule for infant immunizations in Nigeria and are provided at no cost to the caregiver through government-supported clinics.
Upon confirmation of their infant receiving a vaccine, the caregiver receives ₦500 for the first four routine immunization visits and ₦2,000 for the fifth visit.
“The cash transfers compensate for transport, lost trading income, and waiting time while creating behavioural change through awareness of routine immunizations.
“The CCTs for RI Program has been implemented in the states of Katsina, Zamfara, 2017 while Jigawa in 2018.
To date, the program has enrolled over 390,000 infants whose caregivers have received over 1 billion naira in conditional cash transfers.
An independent impact assessment of NI-ABAE’s CCTs for RI program (2017 – 2020) found that the program increases the likelihood that children would be fully immunized by 27 percentage points, and increases rates of individual vaccinations by 14 to 21 percentage points.
Beyond vaccination, the assessment found that the program contributed to improved knowledge about vaccination among caregivers in the catchment areas served by the program.
“Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, saving 2 to 3 million lives yearly (WHO) and there is evidence that suggests a 27 percentage points increase in the likelihood that children would be fully immunized by a conditional cash transfers for routine immunization program (NI-ABAE RCT Impact Assessment 2017-2020),” the Stakeholder Relations Director, Nura Muhammad however said.

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.

Opinion
K-SAFE mourns death of Dr. Auwalu Inusa Mohammed

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) .

Opinion
K-SAFE felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr

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).
