Headlines
I will make Kano hub for medical tourism in Africa – Sha’aban Sharada
Nasiru Yusuf
The Governorship candidate of Action Democratic Party and a Member representing Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada has assured the Nigerian Medical Association of his intentions in making Kano a centre of Medical Tourism in Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Governorship candidate made the assurance in a letter sent to the leadership of the Association, during a debate for candidates aspiring to lead Kano on how to reposition the state’s comatose health care system.
The debate was part of the associations’ activities to mark the Physician week 2022.
In the letter, the Governorship candidate regretted his absence during the debate. However, he was represented by his running mate, Alhaji Rabiu Ahmad Bako.
A statement issued on Thursday by Spokesman of ADP Gubernatorial candidate Abbas Yusha’u Yusuf, Sharada said he is currently in a meeting at Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh with stakeholders on how to actualize his Vision 2040 for Kano state, part of which is repositioning the state’s health care.
The ADP Governorship candidate said part of his vision is to make Kano State a hub for medical tourism in Africa. He noted that he is already working with some international hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, and other international development partners on taking Kano to greater height when he assumes office as Governor of Kano state come May 29 2023.
He commended Abdulnasir Hajaj, whose private hospital will be launched soon, which will surely be one of the best hospitals in Africa.
The Governorship candidate said he will partner with Nigeria Medical Association, Kano State chapter and other respected indigenous medical practitioners across the country to ensure adequate funds for healthcare services.
The politician pledged to ensure timely release and judicious utilisation of funds appropriated for healthcare services in Kano state if elected.
He told the NMA leadership that he will provide satisfactory welfare to all healthcare workers, and declared that all medical directors managing state owned hospital have substantial level of administrative and financial independence.
“Ensuring enabling environment for essential and non-essential health workers and upgrading healthcare centers across the 484 wards in Kano State while uplifting government hospitals across the 44 Local Governments of Kano State.
“I will also build three (3) new general hospitals, one (1) in each of the senatorial zones in Kano State and an ultra-modern teaching hospital and school of Nursing under Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano,” Sharada said.
Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada further said he will not relent in his effort to introduce degree programs in Nursing and hospital Management Administration in the state’s universities. He promised to construct a state of the art DNA and forensics center.
To curtail the psychiatric problem affecting members of the general public, the ADP candidate assured NMA of building a state of the art psychiatric and rehabilitation center, and upgrade existing ones.
“In reducing high rate of sickle cell anaemia I will come up with sickle cell multidisciplinary clinic. I will also restructure Health Service Management Board While at the same time revamping and modernizing the Kano Infectious Diseases Hospital.”
He also promised to procure ambulances to hospitals for timely and safe transfer of patients and other purposes.”
Sharada added that he will partner with International hospitals such as Saudi-German for sharing of knowledge, technology and best practices, and also to support Kano based hospitals and invite foreign ones to open branches in Kano.
He thanked the Nigeria Medical Association for organizing the debate during the 2022 Physician week and promised to deploy his experience and hard earned goodwill at the National
Assembly to influence appropriating increased budgetary funds for Federal Hospitals in Kano.
This according to him will enable the hospital afford better facilities and equipments for patients with diabetes, hypertension, cancer and access to affordable dialysis.
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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