Headlines
Governor Yusuf Launches 2024 Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Week
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially inaugurated the first round of the 2024 Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
This was continued in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Friday.
In his address, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized that MNCHW aims to improve health indices through focused preventive and curative interventions that enable mothers and children to thrive and develop.
He highlighted that the week-long event provides an opportunity to deliver essential health services to mothers, newborns, and children via the existing health system, reinforcing the free maternal and child health services available at Primary Health Centers and Secondary hospitals in the state.
Governor Yusuf noted that the Kano State Government remains steadfast in implementing health programs aimed at improving the lives of its citizens.
This includes a strong commitment to Nutrition Promotion Programs, Polio Eradication, and enhancements in Routine Immunization.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to reducing maternal and child mortality rates and controlling preventable diseases such as Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs), Malaria, HIV, and Tuberculosis.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, stated that the MNCHW aims to provide comprehensive care to pregnant women from conception to delivery and ensure the well-being of newborns and children under five.
Dr. Labaran expressed his gratitude for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to the health sector and assured that health workers in Kano State are resolved to deliver quality services to the population.
The event also featured addresses from the representative of the Emir of Kano, Turakin Kano and District Head of Dala, Alhaji Abdullahi Lamido Sanusi, and representatives of development partners including NPHCDA, UNICEF, WHO, ALIVE & THRIVE, and MSF.
It is worth recalling that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has consistently followed through on his campaign promise to provide free maternal, newborn, and child health programs through the allocation and prompt release of funds, significantly reducing the high rates of maternal and child mortality.
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.
