Headlines
Kano COVID-19 response ineffective–Elders
Nasiru Yusuf
A group of Kano elders under the leadership of Bashir Tofa has described Kano state government’s response against COVID-19 as “ineffective”.
The group tagged “Kano Against COVID-19 Initiative” is a composition of technocrats, bureaucrats, politicians, academics, lawyers community leaders and civil society activists.
In a statement signed by Mr Tofa on behalf of other members of the group and sent to KANO FOCUS on Thursday, the elders described the situation in Kano as “worrisome, if not alarming.”
The statement observed that “There is inadequate preparation at the state level and control measures were ineffective. There was lack of clear messaging to the citizens.”
The elders expressed dismay with what they described as “discordant tunes coming from some religious and community leaders expressing doubts about the existence of the disease.”
According to the statement, the coronavirus disease in Kano “now appears to be in a full scale community transmission with many deaths recorded in the last two to three weeks”
The elders lamented that the crisis within the state’s Task Force on COVID-19 after some of its members became infected with the coronavirus had caused a set back in the management of the pandemic.
It was in this context that Kano stakeholders and community leaders came together in a citizen initiative – Kano Against Covid-19 to determine how best to assist in contributing to an effective strategy for dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak in Kano:
- Engage in advocacy and mobilization along the three tiers of government, within the community, the private sector, civil society and international partners to combat the pandemic.
- Identity the key problems and challenges that bedevil the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 In the State.
- Develop an intervention logic practices with the competencies and capacity to address the problem and challenges identified.
- Develop a framework on how to engage collectively to contribute to a better strategy of curtailing and containing the spread of the virus in Kano.
- Provide a strategy that adequately prepares for the post-covid era, in Kano.
The elders, according to the statement, have met with the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 (PTF) Dr Sani Aliyu and Head of Ministerial Committee to Kano Nasir Gwarzo, along with his colleague, Mukhtar Mohammed.
To this end, the elders advocated for expanding testing and the provision of more testing centres and kits.
The provision of more bed spaces for isolation, holding areas and case management of patients and the unified management protocols for all COVID patients in the state, the group recommended.
“A significant number of medical personnel have become infected so there is urgent need for the procurement and delivery of sufficient PPEs for their protection.
“Most medical centres in the State have stopped admitting patients for non-covid-19 infections and a system of triage, sorting and provision of telemedicine facilities should be introduced urgently to ensure medical care for all sick persons.
“Urgent measures to provide for the welfare of Advocacy for health care workers- comprising remuneration, accommodation, adequate protection and Health Insurance.
“Establishment of a joint task force consisting of the members of the current State Task Force and representation from AKTH and NOH Dala – for improved synergy and coordination and for unified decisions and synergy in the implementation of strategies.”
The governing council of Kano Against COVID-19 has Alhaji Bashir Tofa as chairman with Abba Dabo, M. Y. Bello, (VC, BUK), Shamsuddeen Usman (former minister of National Planning) and Fatima Mukhtar (VC, FUD) as members.
Other members are Fatima Abdulrahman, Isyaku Tofa (Danadalan Bichi), Sule Yahaya-Hamma, A. B. Mahmoud, and Auwalu Yadudu.
Whil the steering committee has Jibrin Ibrahim as chairman with A B Mahmoud, Awwalu Yadudu and Mohammed Tabiu as members.
Others are Maryam Uwais, Mahmoud Sani, Aisha Oyebode, Amal Hassan and Y. Z. Ya’u.
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.
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.
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.
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