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
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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