Headlines
Abba Kabir Yusuf shuns NMA gubernatorial debate on healthcare
Nasiru Yusuf
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, has boycotted the gubernatorial candidate debate on healthcare, organised by Kano branch of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Thursday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf did not also send his running mate, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam to represent him at the debate attended by five gubernatorial candidates.
However, speaking at the beginning of the programme, a former Commissioner of Health and member of NNPP Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf presented an excuse on behalf of Engr Yusuf, saying that he was unavoidably absent, alongside his running mate, Abdulsalam.
Governorship candidates who participated in the debate
According to him, the governorship candidate received the invitation letter for the debate late while he was already out of town.
Dr Labaran also told the organisers that he wants to represent the NNPP governorship candidate, but the NMA leadership refuse to oblige, insisting that only governorship candidates or running mate will be allowed to participate.
Also Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Sadiq Aminu Wali, and that of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Bala Muhammad Gwagwarwa were conspicuously absent at the debate.
Governorship candidates in the debate
Governorship candidates at the event
Another candidate who absconded from the debate is Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, of Action Democratic Party (ADP), but was represented by his running mate, Rabi’u Bako.
However, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Kano state Deputy Governor and governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and chairman of Council of Ulama Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate attended the debate.
Others who graced the occasion include Bashir Ishaq Bashir, candidate of Labour Party (LP), representative of ADP candidate, Bako and Salihu Tanko Yakasai, gubernatorial candidate of People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
During the debate, all the five candidates present pledged to address the major challenges bedeviling the health sector in the state.
The gubernatorial candidates have presented divergent approaches and agenda in reforming the health sector if elected. The candidates also presented different programmes designed to improve healthcare system in the state.
Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai
In his remarks the chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano state branch Dr Abdullahi Kabir Sulaiman said debate was organise to increase awareness of health issues amongst gubernatorial candidates in order to put health on the front burner of their administration when voted into office.
Dr Sulaiman added that the interactive session will also assist the candidates to formulate an implementable action plan to address the lingering problems in the state healthcare.
The NMA chairman raised concern on lack of indigenous pharmaceutical companies in Kano state despite its large population.
“For instance, the major supplier of antimalarial drugs in Kano is India followed by China. This means if India and China refuse to sell antimalarial drugs to Nigeria, we will be left with major crisis in malarial treatments and this will increase malarial deaths in the state.
Cross section of diginatries at the event
“One of the key WHO recommendations in achieving universal healthcare coverage for all, is collaborations with other health related sectors such as environment, water resources and rural development, electricity, housing and urban planning, as well as agriculture among others. This means there is need to have such sustainable collaborations in the state,” Dr Sulaiman said.
KANO FOCUS recalled that the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier boycotted the Arewa Joint Committee interactive session with presidential candidates.
Cross section of diginatries at the event
Dr Kwankwaso alleged that his team is in possession of credible information that some people behind the engagement have been compromised, and the event will be used to “clandestinely endorse” another candidate from Northern Nigeria.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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