Headlines
Kano government satisfies with Polio Immunization in Garko, Nassarawa LGs
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has expressed glad over the conduct of immunization against poliomyelitis in Garko and Nassarawa local government areas.
KANO FOCUS reports that this was contained in a statement issued by Ibrahim Abdullahi ministry’s spokesperson on Sunday.
Dr. Labaran made the assertion while giving his general overview on the exercise shortly after supervising the exercise in the local governments.
It could be recalled that, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam has on Saturday officially flagged off this year’s polio vaccination exercise in Gabasawa local government.
The Commissioner said he is satisfied with the turnout of people to the vaccination centres for immunizing their children so as to avoid resurfacing of the dreaded disease in the state.
He enthusiastically stated that, from what he observes he is optimistic that the exercise will cover all the children targeted to be immunized before the deadline of the exercise.
He then enjoined people to keep taking their children to immunization centres in order to bring the resurgence of the disease to its knees.
He urged them to be patient while following long queues till all the deserving children are immunized.
Dr. Labaran also enjoined supervisors to intensify efforts in supervising the exercise in all local governments of the state so that the aim of the exercise becomes achievable, commending the staff for an excellent job.
The Commissioner stressed the need for the full involvement of the local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders towards the success of the exercise.
The Logistics Immunization Officer (LIO) of Gabasawa local government, Garba Sulaiman Rimi, stated that the target population for 2023 fIPV+nOPV campaign in the local government area is 48,734.
He said they have been supplied with 57,600 of nOPV and 49,950 fIPV doses of vaccines, adding that they also received 48,800 pieces of noodles that tallies with the target population expected to be immunized in the local government.
The LIO explained that as of yesterday, they were able to immunize 10,154 children with fIPV and 10,897 children with nOPV vaccines representing 21% and 22% respectively, assuring the Commissioner of their total commitment to the success of the exercise.
In Nassarawa local government, Dr. Labaran reminded people about the importance of immunizations among children, saying that people should accord all the necessary cooperation for the wellbeing of their children.
The Commissioner solicited cooperation of the people by making sure their children are fully immunized as the state government is doing its best to contain the spread of diphtheria in place as a result of the lack of immunization in the past.
As it is in his tradition, the commissioner seized the opportunity to supervise Garko Primary Healthcare and Yargaya Isolation Centre on his way back to Kano.
He supervised all the relevant sections of the facilities to ensure they are functioned optimally, charging the staff to be dedicated to duties at all times so as to complement efforts of His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf in reviving the healthcare system of the state from its lost glory.
DG Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Ghali Sule, ES Private Health Institutions Management Agency Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, Directors from the Ministry of Health, etc form the supervision team of the Honourable Commissioner.
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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