Headlines
Kano confirms Lassa fever outbreak, places 292 persons on watch list
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano state government has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, saying it has placed a total of 292 persons who appear to show active symptoms of the deadly virus.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa also confirmed the death of two medical doctors at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and a pregnant woman as a result of the Lassa fever.
He said 292 contacts have so far been lined-listed and are currently being followed as required by the guidelines of managing epidemic diseases.
Mr Tsanyawa added that the state Ministry of Health was officially notified by a reference laboratory in Abuja that two of the suspected Lassa fever cases have been confirmed positive.
Tsanyawa said the index case was a 28-year old pregnant woman from Gwale local government area who became sick two weeks after the death of her mother, who was referred from a private hospital to AKTH.
“We also got another response from one of our disease control unit of Tarauni local government, which informed us of three people who were suffering from lassa fever.
“After sending the samples to Abuja for confirmation, two out of the three patients were diagnosed positive of Lassa fever and have passed away, while the third patient is at Yar-gaya hospital receiving treatment,” he explained.
He said following the report, the Kano state government swung into action so as to expeditiously curtail the spread of the viral disease.
The commissioner explained that part of the measures being taken to curtail the spread of the disease include re-activation of the state’s Isolation Center at Yar-gaya town in Dawakin Kudu local government area of the state.
In addition, he said the government has also “activated a rapid response team (RRT), conducted state emergency preparedness and response committee meetings as well as preparations of drugs and other consumables.”
Dr Tsanyawa said government has planned to further intensify surveillance on Lassa fever thorough engagement of traditional and religious institutions, production and airing jingles and sensitization of health personnel.
He assured citizens of the state and all stakeholders that the government is ready to partner with all persons, groups and organizations in its determination toward providing qualitative healthcare services for people of the state.
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.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
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