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.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Governor of the Year 2024 (Good Governance) by Vanguard Newspaper, in recognition of his transformative achievements in the education and healthcare sectors.
The recognition was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Governor Yusuf received the award at a prestigious event held in Lagos, where eminent personalities from across the country were honoured for excellence in leadership and service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the selection process was based on merit and verifiable impact, commending the awardees for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief, Eze Anaba, praised Governor Yusuf for setting a high standard in governance through his commitment, innovation, and focus on people-centered policies.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Vanguard for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kano State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens, especially education, health, and social welfare.
Other recipients of the Good Governance Award included Governors Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Governor Yusuf was accompanied to the ceremony by members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, special advisers, local government chairmen, and close political allies.
This latest honour comes just four days after he received the Governor of the Year (Education) award from Leadership Newspaper.
The Governor is also scheduled to receive the Africa Good Governance Award from Heritage Times Magazine later this month in Morocco.
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