Headlines
Kano Gov’t to introduce subsidized fertilizer to farmers – Official
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday said plans were underway to roll out fertilizer at subsidized rates to farmers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Governor Yusuf made this known during the 2023 seed and inputs fair organized for beneficiaries of the Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project, KSADP by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, ICRISAT aimed at linking farmers directly to the seedlings and inputs in the state.
The Governor who was represented by the Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Faruq Kurawa, further promised that the fertilizers will be given out to the farmers in good time in order to meet up with the rainy season.
He said his administration would leverage available opportunities in the agricultural sector to lift millions of people in the state out of poverty as well as ensure food security.
The Governor said providing the farmers with improved seedlings and farm inputs is the way to go to ensure full utilization of the potential in the agriculture sector.
According to him, “Because a greater number of the human and livestock populace of Kano State live in rural areas, and depend on agriculture for a living, their pathway out of poverty is tied to what happens to agriculture. By making agriculture a big wealth-creating sector, we will unleash new economic opportunities that will lift millions of people out of poverty.
“And this all begins with access to the right seed and quality inputs,” Governor Yusuf said.
The Governor however commended the organizers of the fair for the intervention which is aimed at exposing the farmers to varieties of seeds and other agro-inputs as well as technical support.
Earlier, the country representative of ICRISAT, Dr Angarawai Ignatius, said the event was organized to unveil the potential and opportunities available in the seed systems and sub-sector of agriculture in the state.
“This is to link the targeted or beneficiaries of the Kano State Agro pastoral Development project anchored by Sasakawa Africa Association, SAA and Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Agency, KNARDA with technical support from ICRISAT to “the one-stop-shop farmer hub model” developed by Syngenia foundation another strong partner. It is also aimed at a comprehensive and integrated approach to providing various agricultural services and support to farmers or stakeholders in a centralized location or platform.
“For this to happen, the first step farmers need to be sensitized on the need for them to change from the use of their traditional seeds and access quality improved seeds of market preferred varieties of crops, and change from their traditional production practices and embrace research-based scientifically proven production techniques capable of improving and increasing yields, particularly in this era of climate change. These are what this very platform presents to the tireless and ever-energetic farmers of Kano State and beyond,” Dr Ignatius said.
On her part, the Acting Managing Director, KNARDA, Haj. Aisha Abdullahi Garko described the fair as apt as the rainy season is fast approaching.
Headlines
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
