News
PWDs empowered to advocate for heightened inclusivity at Advocacy, resource mobilization workshop
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A two-day workshop focused on advocacy and resource mobilization for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has equipped participants with the tools and knowledge to advocate to Government and stakeholders.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event, provided comprehensive insights into both State and National health laws, designed to empower and strengthened PWDs capacity to contribute to societal development, influence policy formulation that takes cognizance of their needs and wellbeing.
The workshop took place at Joclarif Hotel Zaria, Kaduna State from 11th – 12th September 2024 with support from FCDO LAFIYA in collaboration with Sightsavers.
Facilitator Esther Bature emphasized the importance of persistence and patience in advocacy efforts, highlighting how these traits are essential for achieving long-term goals.
She also stressed the need for PWDs to conduct thorough Power, Interest, and Influence Analysis (PEA) when approaching different stakeholders.
“Understanding who holds power and how to influence them is crucial in making advocacy efforts impactful,” Bature remarked.
She noted that tailored, specific advocacy approaches are often more successful, but they require careful planning and time, which can be both an advantage and a challenge.
One of the workshop’s key presentations was delivered by Mr. Monday, Ojunugwa Okoli from Sightsavers, who discussed accessibility, inclusivity, and the importance of effective communication in creating an equitable society.
Okoli shed light on the revised PWD Bill of 2021, which aims to foster inclusive education and improve access to healthcare services for PWDs.
He acknowledged that while these provisions represent significant progress, implementing these changes can be slow, especially in rural areas.
The screening of a powerful video on social and educational inclusion for children with disabilities underscored the need to break down barriers and avoid segregation.
Another participant appreciated Kano State Contributed Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) for the enrolling PWDs into their vulnerable programme, and further appealed to KSCHMA for increased enrolment of PWDs in their vulnerable programme, While also assuring of JONAPWDs availability to partner with KSCHMA to improve equitable enrolment.
The workshop has provided the platform to strengthened participants on effective advocacy and engagement with a potential of translating into tangible results mainstreaming of PWDs.
Headlines
SFH appoints Dayyabu Yusuf to lead strategic health partnerships, RevoHealth HMO
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Society for Family Health has appointed Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf as Group Director, Impact Partnership and Engagement, as well as Managing Director of RevoHealth HMO Ltd., in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare access and sustainable health systems across Nigeria and Africa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment was announced on the organisation’s official Facebook page on Saturday.
According to SFH, the new leadership appointment signals the beginning of a fresh phase focused on improving impact, expanding access to healthcare services, and advancing sustainable health transformation initiatives across the continent.
The organisation stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to building integrated health systems and promoting innovative platforms in healthcare financing, workforce development, advisory services, and sustainable health interventions.
SFH expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would further strengthen the organisation’s impact and deliver lasting value to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
Yusuf is a seasoned public health professional with more than 18 years of experience in the design and implementation of public health, social marketing, and health systems strengthening programmes in Nigeria.
He is widely recognised as a health systems expert, health economist, programme management specialist, and community engagement practitioner, with extensive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH), HIV/AIDS, malaria, child survival, and nutrition interventions.
He has also built strong technical expertise across the family planning and maternal, newborn and child health continuum, while leading large and complex teams on multiple development programmes.
Yusuf possesses strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, having worked closely with senior government officials, lawmakers, and influential traditional and religious leaders to drive institutional and behavioural changes that support effective programme implementation.
A seasoned trainer, Yusuf has trained various cadres of health professionals and is known for his practical expertise in participatory community engagement approaches.
He holds a degree in Microbiology and a Master’s degree in Health Economics from Bayero University Kano, as well as an MSc in Microbiology from University of Abuja.
Headlines
Kwankwaso commends IGP over probe into Dadiyata’s disappearance
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
News
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
