Headlines
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
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
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Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
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K-SAFE appeals to Kano Executive Council to pass revised education bill
