News
UNICEF asks Kano to declare state of emergency on polio
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has advised Kano state government to declare a state of emergency on polio eradication.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, gave the advise during the June Media Dialogue on Polio and Routine Immunization, held on Thursday.
According to him, disseminating accurate information on polio is crucial to addressing disinformation, misinformation, rumors and myths, which are all preventing families from accepting the vaccine.
Farah maintained that there was need to tell families in Kano that vaccines are available, safe and effective.
He added that: “By doing so, the media will be helping to ensure that every child under five is vaccinated and protected against polio and other killing diseases.
“The June Polio Vaccination campaign coincides with the Day of the African Child, whose theme is focusing on Child-friendly budgeting.
“It is therefore very important to highlight the issue of the significance of adequate resources allocation to the fight against polio.
“So, while media deployment of its various channels to share accurate information about the polio and mobilize families to take the vaccine are important.”
UNICEF urged the media to focus attention on the challenge of non-release, delayed release or lack of utilization of Government Counterpart funding for polio vaccination campaigns and Routine Immunization programme.
Farah insisted that, “timely release of counterpart funding for polio vaccination campaign is important to reach every eligible child with the polio vaccine.
Polio remains a highly infectious disease with very deadly consequences for young children.
“One case of polio anywhere in Nigeria is a threat to children everywhere in Nigeria! We must all work together to eradicate polio in Kano state, with special focus on high risk LGAs including Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal and Nassarawa LGAs.
“These are the LGAs where incidence of a variant of the polio virus has been noticed in 2025. This is unacceptable and must be halted!”
Farah urged Kano residents to remember that polio knows no boundaries, knows no borders Polio spreads fast – and an outbreak in any country puts children in every country at risk.
According to him, the outbreak of plio can be stopped and eradicated if every child is vaccinated.
He added that, “ending polio and improving children’s survival starts with making sure all children have access to vaccines.
“UNICEF reiterates its request to the Kano State government to take actions: to declare a State of Emergency on Polio and Routine Immunization including a commitment to take the leadership to resolve noncompliance issues, provide adequate supervision and timely release of adequate State Counterpart funding for Routine Immunization and polio vaccination campaigns. ”
In his remarks Dr Nasir Mahmoud, Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, said Kano State Government has launched plans to vaccinate 3.9 million children under five years old.
He said the targeted vaccination is part of efforts to eradicate polio through the June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) vaccination campaign across the state.
Dr Mahmoud said the campaign aligns with the national strategy.
He explained that the aim was to stop polio transmission and uphold Nigeria’s polio-free status through coordinated immunisation efforts.
He also stressed the resurgence of the type 2 poliovirus in some areas of Kano.
According to him, factors responsible for the resurgence include community resistance, poor data reporting, and insecurity, which affected previous immunization rounds.
Ungogo LGA recorded the highest non-compliance in May 2025.
Dr Mahmoud appreciated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s consistent support, especially the prompt release of counterpart funding.
He said LGAs were now being ranked monthly to track performance and motivate improved results in vaccination coverage.
News
Dangote Cement Deploys AI, Telematics to Enhance Transport Safety
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Cement Transport has scaled up series of impactful, and technology backed programmes designed to improve performance, governance and compliance to road safety.
A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company said the enhanced programmes cover key operational areas, including performance metrics, strengthened governance standards, and improved accountability frameworks.
It further noted that the programmes also extend to comprehensive driver training and competency development, technology-enabled safety systems, journey management protocols, and regular recertification processes.
Other components include mandatory drug screening, strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability programmes, and community impact programmes, among others.
The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, recalled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recently commended the company for its proactive safety programmes, which have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes across the country.
The statement quoted Head of Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, as saying that the company has upscaled its transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and road safety.
Mr. Silva said the company has since deployed enhanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour during transit, strengthening oversight and operational safety across its fleet.
He added that, in a bid to combat driver fatigue, the company has increased its wellness campaign, while also engaging in a series of stakeholder fora with third-party truck operators and drivers to reinforce safety awareness, compliance, and responsibility on the road.
Mr. Sliva said the company’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is already yielding positive results, noting that the partnership has continued to strengthen safety standards across its operations.
He added that FRSC officials are actively involved in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, where they provide technical guidance, enforce compliance with best practices, and support the development of highly competent and safety-conscious drivers.
According to him, the percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification, has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”
According to him, between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, recorded significant improvements in its safety compliance measures, with drug and alcohol testing increasing by 245.2 per cent, pre-trip vehicle inspections rising by 489.1 per cent, and driver training programmes expanding by 128.4 per cent.
Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had commended the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms that have continued to improve safety across Nigeria’s transport sector.
The Corps Marshal stated that comparatively between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving trucks belonging to the Dangote Cement Plc declined by 56 per cent, while fatal cases decreased by 36 per cent and injuries dropped significantly by 52 per cent.
He said the improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis, and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa.
“We have always said that if Dangote Cement get its right, Nigeria and Africa, will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” he said.
Headlines
Kwankwaso mourns former Radio Kano, ARTV boss Adamu Getso
Ibrahim Khalil
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.
The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.
According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.
“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.
Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.
Headlines
Governor Yusuf Mourns Former CTV 67 Managing Director, Adamu Getso
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.
According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.
The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.
During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.
He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.
On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.
The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.
