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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has vowed to appeal the judgement of the governorship election tribunal which nullified his election and declared the APC candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawauna as the winner.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf made the declaration on Wednesday night, while making a broadcast to the people of the state.
He said his legal team had been directed to appeal the judgement at the court of appeal in order to reclaim the mandate given to him by the people of the State.
He, therefore, Called on the good people of the state to remain calm and continue to be law abiding as security agents have been directed to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens.
“Let me assure you that the this government would continue to work for the development of the people of the state as the judgement will never dampen our spirit or discourage us from the good work we have started.” he said.
The Governor, who thanked the people of the state for their continued support and cooperation, urged them to go about with normal activities.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Tuesday, said that Kano State has recorded 5,800 suspected cases of Diphtheria from January to date.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Head, UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr Rahama Mohammned-Farah, stated this in Kano during a one-day media orientation on Diphtheria outbreak.
The UN Agency said the cases were recorded in 39 local government areas of the state.
According to him, Kano State has the highest number of recorded cases in the country, adding that Diphtheria was a highly contagious and infectious disease that could cause death.
Mohammned-Farah stressed that proactive measures were necessary to stem the outbreak.
“Recently, we have seen a surge in the number of reported Diphtheria cases in Nigeria, and Nigeria is currently facing an outbreak that needs to be stopped and prevented.
“As of July, Diphtheria cases have been on the rise. As of last week, over 400 suspected cases with 11 deaths have been reported in Kano.
“Out of the 39 LGAs affected, eight are the most affected, including Ungogo with 2,651 cases; Dala 989, Fagge 943, Gwale 714, Kumbotso 713, Nasarawa 538, Kano Municipal 506 and Tarauni 269,” he said.
He said that 60.8 per cent of the suspected cases had been reported in children not vaccinated, which reinforced the critical need to address the issue of zero doses, especially in Kano State.
“UNICEF delivered 1.2 million vaccines to the Kano State Government in our continuing support to the government response to Diphtheria outbreak.
“Diphtheria outbreak is a threat to child survival, health and the wellbeing of children. UNICEF is collaborating with government and partners to respond to the emergency to save the lives of children affected.
“In Kano state, UNICEF supported Tetanus-Diphtheria reactive vaccination campaigns in February, April and August, vaccinating 23,200 children in round one.
“While 277,796 children vaccinated in round two and 29,500 others in round-3 of the exercise.
“We engaged 150 traditional leaders on Diphtheria outbreak and distribution of Diphtheria IEC materials, and deployed 1,500 VCMs to the worst affected LGAs to conduct house-to-house sensitisations and referral of suspected cases to health facilities.
“Media has a key role to play particularly in infection prevention, and risk communication and community engagement,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Muhammad Nasir-Mahmoud, the Director-General, Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, said the state government had adopted drastic measures to curtail spread of the disease.
“We are committed towards educating the public about what is happening and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has promised that Kano will be accorded priority in terms of vaccine distribution,” he said.
While describing the media as partners in the fight against Diphtheria, Nasir-Mahmoud urged them to support the campaign against the disease.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Interparty Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has urged the judges of the Kano election petition tribunal court to discharge its duties with utmost integrity and impartiality.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement issued by the organization secretary Kano chapter Nuhu Idris on Tuesday.
IPAC also called upon the tribunal to consider each case diligently and ensure that all the parties involved are given equal opportunities to present their argument and evidence.
It could be recalled that the election tribunal has fixed Wednesday 20th September 2023 to deliver judgment on APC’s petition against Abba Kabir Yusuf.
A hearing notice issued by the Secretary of the election petition tribunal on Monday said the judgment would be delivered at 9.00 a.m., at the High Court of Miller Road in Kano.
Mr Idris said the organization has acknowledged the importance of the electoral process in a democratic society, where the voice and choice of the people are paramount.
He said the ongoing legal proceedings before the tribunal are a testament to the vibrancy of democracy and the resolve of citizens to seek redress through legal means.
“IPAC firmly believes that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
“We, Therefore, implore the tribunal to maintain transparency in its proceedings allowing the public and all concerned parties to have confidence in the outcome of the legal process, the statement said.
He added that it is essential that the tribunal’s decisions are guided by the rule of law and the facts presented, rather than any external influence.
Gov Yusuf rejects tribunal judgement, heads to appeal court
Kano records 5,800 cases of Diphtheria – UNICEF
IPAC appeals to Kano governorship tribunal to be impartial
ACF donates N100,000 to tricycle rider who returned N15m to Chadian owner
CJN Pronounces NCC Worthy Telecom Regulator
Kano govt refutes rumour alleging grabbing land at Rijiyar Zaki motor park
Abba Kabir Yusuf appoints 14 Special Advisers, 44 Social Media Reporters
Dangote Cement graduates 50 ‘Special’ Truck Drivers
Tricycle rider returns missing ₦15m to Chadian passenger in Kano
