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How I survived COVID-19–Prof. Abdulrazak, co-chairman, Kano task force
Nasiru Yusuf
Professsor Abdulrazak Garba Habib, co-chairman of the Kano Task Force on COVID-19 has narrated how he battled the deadly coronavirus disease, which he contracted in the line of duty about a month ago.
Mr Habib, who spoke in an audio message obtained by KANO FOCUS on Thursday, recounted that he had spent 20 days in isolation and was discharged after testing negative to the COVID-19– a deadly respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
“My name is Abdurrazak Garba Habib. I worked at the department of medicine within Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital at Bayero University, Kano. I am happy to inform you of my discharge from COVID isolation centre here in Kano following a negative follow up test result.
“I got infected while serving as part of Kano state Task Force on COVID-19. I suffered a moderately severe disease, with high fever, cough, mild shortness of breath, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, severe weakness and ultimately mild shock,” he recalled.
“I was sick for about one month. And on admission for twenty days, treated with nine medication. ….Oxygen, steam inhalation using black seed, olive oil, ginger tea, among other things. Overall, I lost seven kilograms of weight,” he added.
Mr Habib, who lamented how health workers are being infected with coronavirus, also recommended strict adherence to lockdown, social distancing, use of face masks and personal protective equipment for health workers.
“I will like to reiterate the need for us as healthcare workers to emphasize that COVID is true. And we should adhere to known effective preventive measures of social distancing, lockdown, use of face masks, provision and utilisation of full personal protective equipment for front-line personnel.
“I am saddened to learn several colleagues have been infected. I pray for their full recovery,” he said.
Kano commissioner of health, others also discharged
The Kano state government confirmed that apart from Mr Habib, the state’s Commissioner for Health Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa is also among 22 patients that were discharged after testing negative to the COVID-19.
This was revealed in a statement by Muhammad Garba, the Commissioner for Information on Thursday.
Mr Garba said “among the discharged patients were Professor Abdulrazak Garba Habeeb of the Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Bayero University, Kano who is also the co-chair, state Task Force on COVID-19; Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, the state commissioner for Health among others.”
The commissioner pointed out that “all the patients have tested negative for the disease after the two follow up tests and have therefore reached full recovery.”
He advised the public to continue to observe the strictest personal hygiene through regular hand washing, use of face mask and social distancing.
On Tuesday, The Kano State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Sunusi Bala said 34 doctors tested positive to the novel coronavirus in the state and one of them had died.
Mr Bala explained that many of the victims were the doctors working at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and other private clinics in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on residents to give maximum support and cooperation to the newly established Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the union also commended the Kano State Government for establishing the task force and appointing Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado as its chairman.
The NUJ made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Press Centre Conference Hall in Kano.
The congress described the establishment of the task force as an important step towards addressing drug abuse and urged residents to cooperate with it to enable it discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The union’s position comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse and its associated social challenges, particularly among young people.
The congress also urged politicians and other political stakeholders to conduct their electioneering activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in accordance with established rules and regulations.
It called on political actors to shun thuggery, hate speech and defamatory statements capable of undermining peace and unity in the state.
On security and community relations, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently address recurring farmers-herders conflicts to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.
It stressed the need for proactive measures to promote peaceful coexistence between farming and herding communities.
The congress further called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the harmattan season approaches.
While commending the government’s efforts to revitalise water supply and improve access to potable water in Kano metropolis, the union urged it to extend similar interventions to rural communities.
The NUJ also welcomed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a step towards strengthening governance and service delivery.
However, it appealed to the governor to consider appointing a professional from the media industry as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, citing the strategic importance of the ministry.
On road safety, the congress called on traffic regulatory agencies to intensify public enlightenment and road-user education to reduce accidents amid ongoing infrastructure development and increasing traffic activities across the metropolis.
The union also congratulated the NUJ Kano State Council on securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming Media Security Summit, describing the development as a significant achievement for the council and the media industry.
At the meeting, the congress also filled the vacant position of Assistant Secretary with Comrade Mubarak Ismaila Madungurum, a journalist with Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Kano.
The congress concluded with special prayers for departed colleagues and relatives, including Ismaila Garba Gwammja, the mother of the council’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, and the wife of Comrade Dahiru Ibrahim Biso.
It prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear the losses.
The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Kano State Council Chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Dederi, and Secretary, Comrade Hauwa Zaharadeen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sworn in six newly appointed commissioners, three advisers and 19 permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the ceremony followed the confirmation of the six commissioner nominees by the Kano State House of Assembly on October 26, 2026, after completing the legislative screening process.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Air Commodore Salisu Yusha’u (retd.), assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Namadi Dala, Investment; Prof. Sani Lawan Manunfashi, Higher Education; Muktar Ishaq Yakasai, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Science and Technology; and Idris Garba Mustapha, Special Duties.
In a related development, the governor announced a minor cabinet reshuffle involving the redeployment of two commissioners to different ministries.
Under the new arrangement, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who previously served as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, has been moved to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Similarly, Hamza Kachaco has been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle leaves the Ministries of Information and Internal Affairs, as well as Solid Minerals and Mineral Resources, vacant pending further decisions by the state government.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the appointments and redeployments are aimed at strengthening government institutions, improving administrative efficiency and repositioning key ministries for effective service delivery.
The governor urged the new appointees to demonstrate dedication, integrity and commitment to their responsibilities, stressing the need to prioritise public interest and contribute to the development of the state.
He also charged them to work collaboratively in advancing his administration’s development agenda and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Gov Yusuf congratulated the appointees and wished them success in their respective assignments.
Ibrahim Khalil
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redeployed the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as part of a cabinet reshuffle involving eight ministries.
KANO FOCUS reports that under the new arrangement, Waiya moves from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Youths and Sports, while Hon. Hamza Safyanu Kachako has been transferred from the Ministry of Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Environment.
The reshuffle also assigns new commissioners to several ministries.
Hon. Yushau Soja has been assigned to the Ministry of Internal Security, while Hon. Idris Garba Mustapha will oversee the Ministry of Special Duties.
Similarly, Hon. Muntari Ishaq Yakasai has been assigned to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Hon. Ibrahim Namadi Dala will head the Ministry of Commerce.
Other appointments include Hon. Ibrahim Tsanyawa as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Prof. Sani Lawal as Commissioner for Higher Education.
The reshuffle affects eight ministries, with the changes involving both new portfolio assignments and the redeployment of serving commissioners.
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Kano Sports Commission congratulates Waiya on appointment as youth, sports commissioner
Governor Yusuf swears in six commissioners, three advisers, 19 permanent secretaries
Kano Cabinet Reshuffle: Waiya Moves from Information to Youths and Sports Ministry
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