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Kano increases 2023 budgetary allocation to health – official
The Kano State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aminu Tsanyawa, has said that the state government plans to increase the ministry’s 2023 budgetary allocation to tackle monkeypox and other deadly emerging diseases across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioner noted that between 2014 to date, the state government had increased the health sector budgetary allocation from a paltry six percent to 17 percent.
He said this was despite the current economic challenges confronting the state.
Tsanyawa said the state had developed the second State Health Sector Strategic plan for 2023 to complete a cancer centre, four Emirate Hospitals, and an ICT centre in the ministry.
The Commissioner disclosed this to journalists during the State’s Annual Operational Planning (AOP) for Health Sector, held at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna on Saturday.
Tsanyawa noted that with an evidence-based plan, the state might allocate more to healthcare in the 2023 budget to address outbreaks of emerging diseases like monkeypox.
He said, “In 2014, before the coming of this administration, the health sector has only 6% allocation in the state budget. However, with continuous evidence-based AOP development and the political will of the His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, allocation to the health sector in the state budget rose to 15% in 2019 (achieved Abuja Declaration) and sustained in 2020. Despite the current economic challenges, Kano state has achieved above 15% allocation to the health sector in 2021 (16%) and 2022 (17%).
“We are hoping that the state will allocate even more resources to the health sector in 2023 to address emerging challenges like health security and various disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, monkeypox, etc.”
On the planned cancer center, the commissioner said, “The key priority areas for 2023 AOP includes completion of cancer centre and four emirates Hospitals, establishment of ICT centre in the Ministry, strengthening service delivery and quality of care in secondary and primary health facilities, implementation of phase one MSP and increased enrolment of the vulnerable and informal sector by KSCHMA.
“Others include improved efficiency in the implementation of BHCPF, strengthening regulation and integration of private health sector, improved accreditation of courses and migration of certification to OND-HND in health training institutions.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Ibrahim Khalil
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.
In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.
He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.
“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.
The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.
“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.
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