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
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.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
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.
