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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
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