Headlines
Kano introduces child spacing community role models to fight maternal mortality
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano state Government through its ministry of health convened a 2-day accountability review and engagement session with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and journalists as part of ongoing efforts to uptake of child birth spacing services.
KANO FOCUS reports that the activity which was supported by FCDO funded Lafiya programme, aimed at developing selection criteria for child birth spacing community role models across 448 political wards in the state.
Additionally, the technical session also provided a platform to strengthen accountability mechanisms and promote local ownership of health initiatives.
Mal. Hassan Ibrahim Gama and Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello
The meeting brought together key stakeholders who are committed to advancing grassroots accountability and participation in reproductive health and community health initiatives.
The commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, in his remarks during the technical engagement meeting, stated that these role models will serve as advocates for child birth spacing and reproductive health services in their respective communities.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf
He noted that their role will be instrumental in addressing the low uptake of child birth spacing interventions in the state by addressing negative perceptions through social and behavioural change communication.
This, he added, will not only increase demand for these services but also contribute to reducing maternal mortality due to pregnancy-related complications.
Dr. Yusuf acknowledged that while the commodities for family planning (FP), are free, in some cases clients are expected to use a little token to cover for consumables when the need arises at the facility level depending on the contraceptive method chosen by an individual.
A cross section of participants
He, however, mentioned that the state government is working towards eliminating these charges completely so that child birth spacing will be 100% free in the state.
He further disclosed that there are plans to procure 3 ambulance tricycles for each political ward and currently, maternal delivery kits for pregnant women are available in the state, and the government is planning to scale up their distribution across all 44 local government areas in Kano.
According to him this is part of efforts to promote safe delivery practices and improve maternal health.
“Every pregnant woman deserves to deliver safely, and with these kits, we are reducing risks and ensuring mothers have the essential tools they need. Soon, these kits will reach every local government in Kano State,” he assured.
A cross section of participants
He also mentioned that immunization remains completely free of charge across all health facilities and urged residents to take advantage of the program and ensure that no child is left un-immunized.
“Immunization in Kano is entirely free, and I want our people to understand that nobody should collect a single kobo for it.
A cross section of participants
“Every child has the right to be protected against preventable diseases, and the government will not compromise on that,” Dr. Yusuf said.
He noted that insecticide-treated mosquito nets were recently distributed to households at no cost, warning that these nets must never be commercialized.
A cross section of participants
He warned that “If anyone finds these nets being sold in markets or shops, they should be reported immediately.
“We will take punitive measures against those responsible. These commodities are meant to save lives, not to be sold for profit.”
The commissioner flanked by other medical doctors
Dr. Yusuf urged WDCs and CSOs to continue serving as the bridge between the government and communities, ensuring that citizens access the free commodities provided for the health and wellbeing of the communities they represent.
In her presentation, the coordinator of reproductive health and family planning in the state ministry of health Dr Aisha Barka expressed concerns over the alarming rate of maternal mortality in Kano state, which she said stand at 1,025 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Dr Aisha Barka
According to her these role models, when successfully onboarded, will be very critical to addressing these problems with their terms of engagement aligned with the MAMII implementation framework.
She also reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to addressing the unmet need for child spacing commodities in Kano State
A cross section of participants
She commended the FCDO funded Lafiya programme for their demand led technical assistance and support in bringing the event to fruition, describing it as a clear testament to their commitment to improving access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Kano State.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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