Headlines
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
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.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
