Headlines
Malaria: Kano Government, partners distribute 8.8m mosquito nets in Kano
Nasiru Yusuf
The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), SFH, Chemonics have planned to distribute over 8.8 million treated nets procured with support from Global Fund
KANO FOCUS reports that the gesture is part of a bid to achieve universal coverage of the Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) as well as to reduce the burden of malaria in the state in particular and the country at large.
Briefing journalists at a media parley in the state as part of activities to kick start the exercise, Dr. Ernest Nwokolo, Project Director Global Fund Malaria Project, Nigeria, SFH, described the media as important partners in achieving the objectives.
Journalists during the media parley
Dr. Nwokolo urged the media to help the state Ministry of Health to continue with the exercise, suggesting that as the mosquito could fly up to five kilometers, malaria control should be a community issue.
“That is why we are doing the campaign. In developed countries, like the United States, mosquitoes are flying there too, but they don’t carry the diseases,” Dr. Nwokolo said.
Journalists during the media parley
Earlier in her presentation on ‘Overview of ITNs Campaign Process in COVID-19,’ Mrs. Sesugh Deborah Oryiman, Demand Creation Representative of SFH, said they intended to embark on door-to-door campaign this year in order to create awareness on the disease as well distribute the nets to households.
She told the journalists more on the campaign process, which she highlighted that it involved macro-planning, which involves planning at national level down to local government areas; micro-planning, which is bottom top approach; implementation, where it involves training, orientation, community mobilization and transportation of the nets and post campaign activities.
On her part, the Demand Creation CTAT of SFH, Abimbola Oloruntogbe who made another presentation on: ‘Mass Campaign: Media Orientation,’ while outlining the situation in the country, said over 31 million estimated cases of the disease occur annually in the country.
Abimbola Oloruntogbe addressing journalists
Oloruntogbe said according to statistics, two out of four persons having malaria in the West African Sub-region, live in Nigeria, pointing out that malaria cases lead to low productivity, saying that the country nearly accounts for 110 million clinically diagnosed cases.
She said their expectation in the state was that every community should be aware of the nets distribution exercise, stating that they could only achieve the objective through the support of the media.
Journalists during the media parley
She highlighted on the benefits of sleeping under the net and how to use the net correctly among other things, explaining that the nets to be distributed are not adequate, but individuals could buy more to cover the rest of the family.
The exercise was started on October 16 and it is expected to last till December 8.
It would be recalled that in 2019, over eight million insecticide treated nets (ITNs) were distributed in the state.
However, evidence showed that after three years, the insecticide wears off and would no longer be able to kill the targeted vectors.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dr Goni Faruk Umar has urged Muslims to embrace Taqwa in their daily lives, describing it as a foundation of Islam and a key to righteous conduct and success in this world and the hereafter.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Islamic scholar made the call while delivering a Juma’a sermon at the New Juma’a Mosque, Rumfa College, Kano.
In the sermon, Dr Goni Faruk Umar explained the meaning of Taqwa using classical Islamic scholarship, including an account involving Umar ibn al-Khattab and the companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b to illustrate the concept.
According to the account cited in the sermon, Sayyadina Ubayy once asked Khalifa Umar bin Khattab whether he had ever walked along a thorny path. When Khalifa Umar bin Khattab answered in the affirmative, Sayyadina Ubayy asked how he navigated it. Khalifa Umar bin Khattab replied that he gathered his clothes and proceeded cautiously to avoid being pricked.
Sayyadina Ubayy then explained that this was the essence of Taqwa: being constantly mindful of one’s actions and carefully avoiding what displeases Allah.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar said Taqwa should not be limited to acts of worship but should also guide Muslims’ conduct in contemporary society, particularly in their use of digital platforms and social media, control of the tongue, and relationships within the family.
He urged worshippers to exercise restraint in their speech, act responsibly online and uphold their obligations to family members in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also highlighted the spiritual and worldly benefits of Taqwa, including relief from hardship, ease in personal affairs, forgiveness of sins and increased rewards in the hereafter.
Quoting verses from the Qur’an, he cited Allah’s promise in Surah At-Talaq, verses 2 and 3, that whoever fears Him will be granted a way out of difficulties and provided for from sources they could not have anticipated.
He also referred to Qur’an 65:4–5, which promises ease in affairs, the removal of sins and the multiplication of rewards for those who maintain Taqwa.
The scholar reminded Muslims that worldly life is temporary and that the hereafter is their permanent destination. He therefore urged them to regard Taqwa as the best provision for the journey beyond this life.
Citing Qur’an 2:197, he emphasised that the best provision for the hereafter is Taqwa, urging believers to remain conscious of their responsibilities to Allah.
The sermon also featured prayers and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and companions, in accordance with the Qur’anic instruction in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56.
Dr Goni Faruk Umar concluded by encouraging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, follow the guidance of the Prophet and make righteousness a guiding principle in their daily lives.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Political allies and loyalists of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Arc Aminu Dabo, have begun resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following his withdrawal from the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that the supporters, operating under the political group Dabo Alheri Ne, reportedly include members across Kano State’s 44 local government areas.
Barely two days after Dabo announced his resignation from the APC, a prominent stakeholder of the group, Garba Zakiru Dambatta, said members had welcomed the decision and were showing solidarity by submitting their resignation letters to their respective ward party chairmen.
Dambatta, a former APC chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area, said the group’s members were disappointed with what they described as the prolonged marginalisation of Mr Dabo and his supporters within the party.
According to him, despite Mr Dabo’s contributions to the APC and efforts to strengthen the party and manage disagreements among its members, some key stakeholders had continued to sideline him and his loyalists in party activities.
Dambatta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to standing by Mr Dabo’s political decisions and supporting his future political journey.
He also urged the former NPA managing director not to succumb to political pressure or reverse his decision to leave the party.
“This step you have taken, we have the conviction that it is the beginning of a new chapter of goodness in your life,” Dambatta said.
Among the prominent members of the group identified as supporting Mr Dabo’s decision are Abba Rabee’u, a former Senior Special Assistant on Political Awareness; Almustapha Jilani Danmalam, a former Senior Special Assistant on Education; Jamilu Abdullahi Zangon-Mata, a former Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurship; and Fahd A. Dabo, a former Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation.
The individuals reportedly served during the second term of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The group also said several other party loyalists and supporters were backing Dabo following his resignation.
However, the statement did not provide the number of members who had formally resigned from the APC or indicate whether the party leadership had responded to the development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Five players of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Club have been invited to the national camp of Nigeria’s Special Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
KANO FOCUS reports that invited players are Isah Yusuf, Abba Musa, Habu Friday, Emanuel Betel and Usman Ahmed. They are currently in Abuja with the national team as preparations intensify for the global tournament.
The Team Manager of Kano Pillars Amputee Football Team, Jamilu Uba Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission.
Adamu described the invitation as recognition of the players’ dedication, discipline and outstanding performances.
He expressed confidence that the players would represent Kano State and Nigeria with honour at the championship.
According to him, the call-up also demonstrates Kano Pillars’ commitment to nurturing talented amputee footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico. A total of 24 countries, including seven African nations, are expected to participate.
The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, congratulated the five players on their invitation, describing it as well deserved.
Babangida expressed confidence that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by the national team selectors.
He assured the players of the commission’s continued support and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to making Kano State and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
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