Headlines
Gov. Yusuf Launches 2024 Polio Eradication Drive in Kano
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, officially launched the 2024 Polio Eradication campaign in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating the polio virus and other childhood diseases.
The campaign, which aims to vaccinate all eligible children in the state, is part of efforts to strengthen children’s immune systems and curb the spread of the virus, especially as Kano remains one of the 18 high-risk states in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday.
In his speech, Governor Yusuf highlighted the state government’s determination to intensify vaccination efforts, working with health agencies and local communities to reach every corner of Kano.
Since Nigeria’s certification as a polio-free nation in August 2020, the governor emphasized that Kano has not let down its guard.
“We are committed to maintaining vigilant surveillance and ensuring routine immunization continues to protect our children,” he said.
He also called on parents to seize this opportunity to have their children vaccinated and to practice proper hygiene and sanitation for the betterment of society.
Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude to development partners, religious leaders, and the Emirate Councils for their ongoing support.
He assured them of his administration’s continuous backing of health programs aimed at improving the welfare of Kano’s citizens.
Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who also chairs the State Task Force on Polio Eradication, lauded the governor’s unwavering dedication to healthcare issues. “The governor’s timely intervention and commitment are commendable,” Gwarzo said.
Meanwhile, Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf explained that Dawakin Kudu was chosen as the flag-off location due to its unique health challenges, such as low immunization coverage and hard-to-reach communities. He called for targeted efforts to address these gaps.
The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by Dr. Bashir Muhammad Dankadai, stressed the need for a robust public awareness campaign, urging households to embrace routine immunization as a means of protecting future generations.
The 2024 Polio Eradication campaign marks a continued effort by Kano State to secure the health of its youngest citizens, ensuring the hard-earned polio-free status of Nigeria is upheld.
Headlines
Dabo’s resignation triggers wave of defections from APC in Kano
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.
Headlines
Five Kano Pillars Amputee Players Invited to Special Eagles Camp Ahead of World Cup
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.
Headlines
Former NPA MD Aminu Dabo resigns as APC caucus chairman in Dambatta
Ibrahim Khalil
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Aminu Dabo, has resigned as the party’s caucus chairman in Dambatta Local Government Area and withdrawn his membership of the ruling party.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dabo, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), announced his resignation in a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman of Dambatta Gabas Ward.
In the letter, personally signed by him, Dabo said he took the decision after careful consideration of personal reasons and his future endeavours.
He confirmed his resignation during a telephone conversation from Abuja on Wednesday, saying he had formally submitted the letter to the appropriate party officials in Dambatta for necessary action.
“I remain grateful for the cordial relationship I enjoyed and appreciative of the experience gained during my time of service,” he said.
The former NPA managing director also thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him to contribute to its development and progress during his membership.
“I sincerely appreciate the support and opportunity I have received from the party leadership,” he added.
A statement issued by Abdullahi Othman, Media and Publicity Aide to Dabo Dabo, said the former NPA MD did not disclose further details about his reasons for leaving the APC in the resignation letter.
