Headlines
Stakeholders validate MNCH facility readiness assessment report in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Stakeholders in the health sector on Wednesday converged in Kano for a validation workshop on the draft report of the Facility Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Readiness Assessment, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare service delivery across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the workshop, held on Wednesday, at BON Hotel, Kano, was organised by the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and brought together officials of the Kano State Ministry of Health, its agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and other relevant institutions.
Welcoming participants, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Dr Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, described the workshop as a critical milestone in efforts to improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes in Kano State. He said the validation exercise would enable stakeholders to critically review the draft report, including its methodology, findings and recommendations, to ensure it reflects realities within the state’s primary healthcare system.
Dr Ibrahim noted that maternal and child health remains a major public health and moral challenge, stressing that Nigeria accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global maternal and child deaths, with Kano State bearing a significant share of the burden. He emphasised the need for coordinated and sustained actions to reverse the trend through improved access to quality healthcare, strengthened emergency transport systems, upgraded primary healthcare facilities and better training and welfare for frontline health workers.
He commended the Kano State Government for its ongoing efforts to address maternal and child health challenges, adding that CHRICED, as a civil society organisation, supports government by providing evidence-based information, highlighting progress and identifying gaps that require urgent attention.
According to him, the MNCH Readiness Assessment, conducted across primary healthcare facilities in the state, provides a comprehensive analysis of service delivery capacity, infrastructure, human resources, availability of essential commodities and barriers faced by both healthcare providers and communities. He expressed confidence that the findings would guide policy reforms and targeted investments aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality.
Dr Ibrahim acknowledged the support of development partners, particularly the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Misereor/KZE of Germany, for their contributions to strengthening MNCH outcomes in Kano State.
He urged participants to actively engage with the draft report and contribute constructive inputs that would enrich the final document and make it a valuable resource for policymakers, development partners and stakeholders committed to improving the state’s healthcare system.
The workshop featured presentations, discussions and stakeholder feedback sessions focused on validating the assessment findings and charting a path towards a more responsive, equitable and effective MNCH framework for Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
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GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
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