Headlines
Group advocates more fund releases to epidemic preparedness in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
Participants at a one day workshop to adopt the revised Epidemic Preparedness Response (EPR) accountability framework have appealed for more releases in health sector in Kano state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the participants comprised of lawmakers, government officials, journalists and civil society Organisations.
Speaking at the occasion the chairman house committee on environment and member representing Takai in the state House of Assembly Musa Ali Kachako said the state government has allocated N400 million for Epidemic Preparedness Response in 2022 appropriation.
He assured Assembly’s commitment in supporting health security financing in Kano state.
In his address a director at Kano state House of Assembly Nasiru Magaji said the proposed Kano Health Bill will address critical sector of health security financing in Kano.
Also speaking director budget in the state Ministry of Planning and Budget Yakubu Sabiu Garundanga revealed that the 2021 budget performance is slightly above expectation.
He also appealed to state Primary Health Care Management Board and Hospital Management Board to submit details of partners’ intervention in their respective organisations to the ministry to be fully reflected in periodic budget performance report.
The Director budget in the ministry Abbas Karaye observed that there are other EPR interventions in some ministries, departments and agencies that are not been captured during review performance of the government’s spending on health.
According to him government interventions on erosion control, Avien Influenza, procurement of animal vaccination and and provision of portable drinking water are part of Epidemic Preparedness Response.
In his presentation titled ‘Performance of the Government’s spending on Health and EPR and real time data tracking on the EPR accountability framework’ Iniobong Usen of BudgIT observed an improvement in Kano state budget performance where the state spent over fifty percent of it’s approved budget in Capital expenditure.
He however, frowned on low expenditure in health subsector where he said “comparatively to other sectors like agriculture and environment the government spend relatively less than it had planned to spend in the approved budget.
“Speaking to EPR which is the reason why we are here today. Last year, the government had allocated M300m to Epidemic Preparedness Response, although commendably that sum has been increased to N400m this year. However, if you look at the implementation of that N300m budget line for Epidemic Preparedness last year, it was quite poor.
“At some point during year, we heard that N30m had been approved for disbursement out of N300m. As at today, we have no information on exactly if that approved N30m was disbursed and what exactly specific way in terms of utilising that N30m for Epidemic Preparedness.”
Earlier, the state coordinator of Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) Muhammad Inuwa Shu’aib said relevant stakeholders have brainstorm on how to improve EPR and health security in Kano state.
On the next line of action, Shu’aib said all stakeholders will work on the action plan develop during the workshop to ensure sustainable financing for health security 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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Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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