Headlines
Kano launches maternal, child health campaign, commits ₦200m to improve nutrition
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality with the launch of the 2026 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) and e-Birth Registration Campaign, backed by a ₦200 million investment in maternal nutrition.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to expanding access to quality healthcare services for women and children across the state.
As part of the ceremony, Dr Yusuf presented Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to a nursing mother, symbolising the commencement of the statewide campaign.
The commissioner said the exercise would deliver critical health and nutrition interventions to millions of children and pregnant women across Kano’s 44 local government areas, while strengthening birth registration to ensure every child has a legal identity.
He urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the free services being offered during the campaign, describing the initiative as a key component of the state’s efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, commended the Kano State Government for prioritising the health and wellbeing of women and children.
He particularly praised the state’s allocation of ₦200 million for the procurement of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements, describing the investment as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving maternal nutrition and public health.
According to him, the first two years of a child’s life are the most critical for growth and development, yet many children continue to suffer from preventable diseases and malnutrition because they fail to access essential health services.
He said the integrated campaign provides a platform for delivering several high-impact interventions simultaneously.
During the exercise, about 2.7 million children aged between six and 59 months are expected to receive Vitamin A supplementation, while eligible children will also receive deworming tablets, immunisation services and screening for malnutrition.
In addition, 97,129 pregnant women will receive Multiple Micronutrient Supplements and other essential maternal healthcare services.
The campaign will be implemented through 1,324 health facilities across 484 wards in the state’s 44 local government areas.
Mr Ur-Rehman said the integration of birth registration into the campaign would make it easier for families to obtain birth certificates for their children.
“A birth certificate is more than a document. It is a gateway to education, healthcare, social protection and legal rights,” he said.
He called on parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders to support the campaign by mobilising communities and addressing misconceptions that could discourage families from accessing health services.
The UNICEF official also commended health workers and volunteers for their dedication in delivering healthcare services, often under difficult conditions.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kano State in strengthening healthcare systems, improving nutrition, expanding immunisation coverage and ensuring that vulnerable women and children, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to essential services.
The campaign is supported by Nutrition International, the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, the Government of the Netherlands, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Their support is expected to enhance maternal and child health services and improve birth registration coverage across Kano State.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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