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NRHJN urges greater investment in women’s health on international women’s day
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A media advocacy group on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), has called for increased investment in reproductive health services and stronger protection of women’s rights as the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
In a message signed by the National Secretary of the network, Hajia Sekinah Lawal, and the Publicity Secretary, Elizabeth Kah on Sunday to commemorate the day, the network said the annual celebration provides an opportunity to highlight how global crises and local challenges continue to affect the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.
The group expressed concern that ongoing conflicts in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as rising insecurity in Nigeria, have worsened access to healthcare for women, girls, children and the elderly, who are often the most vulnerable in society.
It also noted that access to family planning commodities and contraceptives has been negatively affected by reduced funding from international partners following the withdrawal of the United States under the administration of former President Donald Trump from global funding platforms such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Highlighting this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” the group urged Nigerians to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding contraception and family planning while promoting informed decision-making and bodily autonomy for women of reproductive age.
The network further called on policymakers, healthcare providers, youth advocates and other stakeholders to address barriers to reproductive healthcare and promote awareness on issues affecting women’s reproductive journeys.
According to the group, ensuring that women can make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures is essential for sustainable development.
It therefore advocated increased funding for reproductive health services, including family planning, safe motherhood programmes, maternal healthcare and adolescent reproductive health education.
The organisation said such investments would help reduce preventable maternal deaths, improve child survival and enhance the overall quality of life for women and families across Nigeria.
The network also called for urgent action to dismantle structural barriers to equal justice for women, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections and harmful cultural practices that undermine the rights of women and girls.
It urged governments and stakeholders to expand opportunities for women to participate fully in economic, social and political development.
On political representation, the group reiterated support for the proposed “Special Seats for Women Bill,” which seeks to create 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly—37 in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives.
According to the network, the proposal aims to address the severe underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislature, noting that women currently occupy only 19 of the 469 seats in the 10th National Assembly, representing about four percent.
The group also called for the implementation of the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Legal Indications, launched in 2018, across all states to help prevent deaths linked to unsafe abortion.
Quoting former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, the network noted that Nigeria recorded an estimated 1.25 million induced abortions in 2012, while thousands of women suffer complications or death annually due to unsafe procedures.
The organisation stressed that implementing the guidelines would ensure that women receive appropriate care when faced with legally recognised medical conditions requiring pregnancy termination.
The network further emphasised the important role of the media in amplifying women’s voices, raising awareness about reproductive health rights and holding government and other stakeholders accountable for policies affecting women’s health and dignity.
It urged governments at all levels, development partners, civil society organisations and community leaders to prioritise programmes that protect women’s rights, expand access to reproductive health services and create opportunities for women to lead and thrive.
The Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to using journalism as a tool to advocate for women’s health, dignity and rights.
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.
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited, has donated a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano State, in a move aimed at improving access to advanced diagnostic healthcare services.
KANO FOCUS reports that the MRI system was commissioned and officially handed over during a ceremony held at the hospital premises in Kano on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh, the intervention is part of the company’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services across Nigeria.
The statement noted that the facility would significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic, neurological, trauma-related, musculoskeletal, and gynaecological conditions.
Before the donation, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced challenges, including long-distance travel, lengthy waiting periods, and delays in treatment due to limited availability and high costs.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, represented by the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the donation aligns with the company’s broader objective of contributing to national healthcare development.
“At NNPC Limited, we are intentional about ensuring that our social investments are impactful, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities we serve. Through the NNPC Foundation, we will continue to implement interventions that create measurable social value across Nigeria,” she said.
Arukwe described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help address challenges associated with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited medical equipment, and the growing demand for specialised medical services.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services of NNPC Limited, Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Executive Director, Programme Management at the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Rose Okonkwo, said the company remained committed to improving the lives of Nigerians beyond its core oil and gas operations.
She said the donation reflected NNPC Limited’s determination to deliver sustainable and impactful interventions, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“By this intervention, NNPC Limited aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life of the people of Kano State, the North-West region, and all Nigerians who depend on the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, for specialised medical care,” she stated.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, commended the NNPC Foundation for the donation, describing it as a major milestone in improving healthcare services through early and accurate diagnosis.
He noted that access to advanced diagnostic equipment would contribute significantly to better patient outcomes and improved healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Dr. Isa Nurudeen, expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited for the intervention.
He said the MRI machine would have a transformative impact on the hospital’s operations and significantly improve the quality of specialised healthcare services offered to patients.
The event was attended by officials of NNPC Limited, management and staff of the hospital, government representatives, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
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