Humanitarian

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget, Malam Ladan Ajumawa, has commended the efforts of the Community of Practice on Accountability for its advocacy visit to the ministry to seek relevant information on the ongoing zero-dose immunisation initiative in Kano State. Ajumawa gave the commendation today during a meeting with members of the Community of Practice, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and reviewing strategies to address the challenge of zero-dose and under-immunised children in the state. He explained that the ministry plays a key role in supporting the preparation of government documents in line with macroeconomic considerations during the budget process. According to him, the 2026 state budget has already been approved and assented to by the governor, while the appropriation warrant has been signed, directing the Accountant-General to commence the release of funds. Ajumawa noted that the Commissioner for Budget and Planning had already highlighted key projects and programmes captured under the 2026 budget, describing the development as part of the government’s commitment to effective budget implementation. Read Also: BOOST Project Strengthens Community Mobilisation Through Kano Tricycle Associations Forum He further clarified that the responsibility for accessing budgetary funds lies primarily with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Finance. “Every MDA has a provision in the state budget. It is left for them to access the funds either through a memo to the State Executive Council or through their supervising ministry,” he said. The Acting Permanent Secretary urged MDAs to maintain strong working relationships with their supervising commissioners and ministries in order to facilitate the release of funds meant for their programmes. He explained that agencies and parastatals cannot directly submit memos to the governor but must channel their requests through their supervising commissioners. “The funds are there, but due to the problems MDAs create for themselves, they are sometimes unable to access them. The major challenge is the failure to follow due process in seeking administrative approval,” he added. Ajumawa also stressed the need to review the commitments of development partners under the donor cooperation framework in order to ensure transparency and accountability. He said understanding the level of funding commitment by partners, including counterpart funding arrangements, would encourage the state government to contribute its own share in supporting development initiatives. The Acting Permanent Secretary assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to monitor ongoing projects and activities, noting that the ministry now operates an improved tracking system through its Monitoring and Evaluation Department. Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Director of Development Support Coordination of the Ministry, Sadiq Muntari Sadiq, recalled that the performance of the health sector budget in 2024 stood at about 95 per cent, adding that the 2025 performance is expected to record similar progress. He noted that releases for health-related programmes and support from development partners are often carried out on a quarterly basis. Sadiq emphasised that the health sector remains one of the critical areas that require sustained commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders. He also called on development partners to work closely with the ministry and regularly report their activities to ensure proper coordination and smooth implementation of programmes. Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano State Community of Practice on Accountability, Comrade Salisu Yusuf, said the meeting was aimed at reviewing the performance of the 2025 health budget and identifying areas that require improvement. According to him, the review would help stakeholders develop a clear roadmap for future actions. Yusuf noted that there has been noticeable improvement in routine immunisation across the state, particularly in 15 targeted local government areas. He added that the BOOST project is currently being implemented in Gezawa and Ungoggo Local Government Areas, with plans to expand the initiative to other areas in order to ensure that more children benefit from life-saving vaccines. The BOOST project, implemented by Save the Children International with support from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is designed to demonstrate effective and scalable strategies for reducing zero-dose and missed vaccinations among children. Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government institutions and development partners would help improve immunisation coverage and ensure healthier outcomes for children across the state.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Better Opportunities for Optimal Services Targeted (BOOST) Immunisation Project has intensified its community engagement efforts in Kano State through a strategic advocacy visit to the leadership of the Kano State Tricycle Associations Forum (KASTAF). The BOOST project, implemented by Save the Children International with funding support from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is designed to reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunised children across the state. The engagement was conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Community of Practice on Immunisation, Budget Tracking, Advocacy and Accountability (KN-CoP), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with influential community groups capable of mobilising grassroots support for routine immunisation. The Kano State Tricycle Associations Forum (KASTAF), one of the largest male-dominated associations in the state with an estimated membership of about 100,000 tricycle operators, was identified as a strategic partner due to its members’ daily interaction with residents across urban and peri-urban communities. Read Also: BOOST Partners Seek Policy Backing, Sustainable Financing for Vaccination Drive During the meeting held at the KASTAF State Secretariat in Kano, the association’s leadership welcomed the initiative and pledged full support for the objectives of the BOOST project. The forum committed to assisting in raising awareness among tricycle operators and their passengers, promoting compliance with immunisation schedules across communities, and addressing issues of non-compliance, including restrictions from some household heads that continue to hinder routine immunisation uptake. Speaking during the engagement, representatives of the BOOST Project emphasised the importance of leveraging established community networks to enhance vaccine acceptance and ensure that children in underserved areas receive life-saving immunisation. The advocacy delegation was led by the BOOST Project Policy and Advocacy Officer, Umar Ibrahim, alongside the Co-Chair of the Kano Community of Practice, Comrade Salisu Yusuf, and other members of the team. Responding to the visit, the State Secretary of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORON), Abdulkarim Yusuf, expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged the association’s commitment to supporting the mission. He noted that with thousands of members across the state, the association has the capacity to ensure that immunisation awareness messages reach a wide audience. Yusuf further called on members of the forum to begin sensitising their families and communities about the importance of vaccines and the role they play in preventing childhood diseases. The BOOST project, which commenced full implementation in 2023 will run until December 2027 across selected local government areas in Kano State. Stakeholders said the collaboration with the Kano State Tricycle Associations Forum (KASTAF) marks a significant step toward community-driven efforts aimed at reducing preventable childhood illnesses and ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines.

The Kano State Government has provided financial relief to victims of a fire outbreak in Zago town, located in Dambatta Local Government Area. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. According to the statement, the assistance, amounting to N6,576,537.33, was distributed to 28 affected beneficiaries to cushion the impact of losses suffered during the inferno that occurred in February 2025. Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amina Yusuf Yargaya, said the government under Abba Kabir Yusuf remains deeply concerned about the welfare of its citizens, particularly those affected by disasters. Read Also: Ganduje, Wife in Saudi Arabia for Ramadan Lesser Hajj KASSOSA Holds 15th Ramadan Iftar, Reuniting Science School Alumni in Kano Salihu Sagir Takai and Kano’s Succession Debate She noted that the government would continue to provide support to communities facing such challenges in order to ensure the wellbeing and stability of residents, while urging the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the assistance. Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abdullahi Isyaku Kubarachi, said an assessment was conducted to determine the extent of the damage caused by the fire before the relief support was approved. He advised residents to always ensure that fire is properly extinguished after domestic use, particularly at night before going to bed, assuring that SEMA would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to respond promptly to emergency situations and support affected communities. In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, Garba Ibrahim, urged members of the public to adopt preventive measures to avoid fire incidents, reiterating the government’s readiness to assist victims of emergencies whenever the need arises. Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant on Social Support, Muttaqa Sani Gaya, reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to improving the welfare of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups and those affected by disasters. Expressing appreciation for the intervention, the Chairman of Danbatta Local Government Area, Jamilu Abubakar Danbatta, represented by Abdulkadir Muhammad, thanked Governor Yusuf for the support, noting that the assistance would help affected residents recover from the losses incurred during the incident. The beneficiaries also expressed gratitude to the Kano State Government for the intervention and support during their difficult time.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has commended Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu for his humanitarian gesture in supporting 501 orphaned families ahead of the 2027 Ramadan period in Kano Municipal. Speaking at the empowerment programme organised under the Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu Youth Coalition for Tinubu 2027, Ganduje described Dan’amu as a “good Samaritan” who demonstrated competence and dedication during his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State. He noted that the initiative was timely, particularly as Muslims prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, urging beneficiaries to offer prayers for the sponsor in appreciation of the gesture. Furthermore, Ganduje called on Kano residents to continue supporting the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while also reaffirming the need for sustained backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. He expressed satisfaction with ongoing developments in Kano, citing improvements in security and governance, and welcomed the political realignment in the state. Ganduje also recalled previous engagements with the sponsor, noting that Dan’amu had earlier demonstrated political commitment through initiatives such as hosting a colloquium in Kano prior to the 2023 elections. Read Also: Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano Dadiyata: Sani Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim Against Ganduje Dadiyata: Ganduje Dismisses El-Rufai’s Claim as Baseless, Politically Motivated According to him, the empowerment programme reflects the ripple effect of federal appointments and interventions under the Tinubu administration, which he said continue to impact lives across Kano State. In a related development, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, stated that the initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to support vulnerable groups. He recalled that the state government had previously earmarked significant resources for similar interventions, stressing the need for more individuals to emulate such humanitarian efforts. Waiya further expressed optimism that the state’s political realignment would yield positive outcomes for Kano and its people. Also speaking, the Director General of the National Productivity Centre and Chairman of the Northwest Tinubu Support Groups, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, commended the sponsor for his commitment to grassroots development, reiterating his support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people. Earlier, the sponsor of the programme, Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu, explained that the initiative was part of his continuous efforts to support vulnerable communities, particularly during Ramadan. He disclosed that beneficiaries were carefully selected across 13 wards in Kano Municipal and other local government areas, in collaboration with ward heads and community leaders to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals were reached. Dan’amu revealed that the intervention included the distribution of food items such as rice, spaghetti, and cooking oil to ease the burden on beneficiaries during the fasting period. He added that additional allocations were made to APC structures, including party leaders and women groups, to further extend support to grassroots communities. According to him, the initiative is rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasise care for orphans and the less privileged, as enshrined in the Qur’an and Hadith. He further disclosed that the programme would also serve as a platform to sensitise residents ahead of upcoming political engagements, while highlighting ongoing federal projects in Kano as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the state. Meanwhile, the APC Chairman in Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, commended the sponsor for his foresight and generosity, urging political office holders and appointees to emulate such people-oriented initiatives. He emphasised that the party would continue to recognise individuals who contribute meaningfully to community development, noting that such efforts would be considered in future political opportunities. The empowerment programme was attended by several dignitaries, including the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi; party leaders from Kano Municipal, and other stakeholders. In the end, stakeholders reiterated the importance of sustained humanitarian efforts and political collaboration in improving the welfare of citizens, particularly at the grassroots level. Photo News:

Journalists in Kano State, under the aegis of the Kano Concerned Journalists Forum, have organized a public sensitization walk to raise awareness on menstrual health and hygiene, while advocating improved access to sanitary pads for women and girls. The awareness walk, which took place on Saturday morning, saw participants trek from the Kano State Government House to Premier Radio, Kano. The exercise was organized in partnership with the Rigar Kariya Foundation and attracted media professionals, health advocates, and experts from various fields, all united in promoting menstrual hygiene management and the dignity of women and girls. Speaking during the exercise, the Chairperson of the Kano Concerned Journalists Forum, Hajiya Aisha Ahmad Ahmad Ismail, emphasized the need to break the silence surrounding menstruation and ensure adequate support for women and girls. “Menstrual health is not a luxury; it is a basic human right,” she said. “Many girls miss school, and many women suffer in silence simply because they cannot access sanitary pads or proper information on menstrual hygiene.” Read Also: 300-Year-Old Kano Farming Settlement Faces Extinction Over Sand Mining The fight against drug abuse, a failed strategies or a war we cannot win CITAD Launches Grassroots Menstrual Hygiene Intervention in Kano According to her, the awareness walk was aimed at educating the public and encouraging collective responsibility in supporting women and girls. She called on government agencies, private organizations, and well-meaning individuals to support initiatives that provide sanitary pads and promote menstrual health awareness. “When families, communities, and institutions support menstrual health, they promote education, good health, and social inclusion,” she added. Participants carried placards bearing messages advocating menstrual hygiene, girl-child support, and the elimination of stigma associated with menstruation. The organizers described the walk as part of ongoing efforts to leverage media advocacy and community engagement to address public health and social issues affecting women and girls in Kano State.

Kano State Government has expanded its social protection interventions with the approval of a free healthcare programme targeting 20,000 orphans and senior citizens across the state. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA), Rabiu Khalil Kura. The initiative is being implemented by KASPA as part of its mandate to provide social care and protection services to the poor and most vulnerable members of society. Speaking during a roundtable discussion with agency directors at its Kano headquarters, the Director General, Dr. Fateema Abubakar Abdullahi (Amneef), said the programme aligns with the social protection agenda of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. It is aimed at easing hardship and improving access to essential services for vulnerable populations. Read Also: UNICEF, KASPA Forge Stronger Ties to Improve Social Protection Outcomes in Kano Dr. Abdullahi explained that the free healthcare intervention will focus on orphans and senior citizens, ensuring they receive timely medical attention without financial barriers. She added that eligible beneficiaries will soon be able to access application forms, with possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) as a key requirement for enrolment. The Director General also noted that, with continued support from Governor Yusuf, KASPA will soon roll out additional programmes aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing livelihoods, and improving the economic wellbeing of poor and vulnerable households across Kano State. She urged non-governmental organisations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to collaborate with the agency in supporting vulnerable groups, especially as the Ramadan period approaches.

The Save Yateem Orphans Foundation has expressed its willingness to partner with the Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ahead of the forthcoming Ramadan feeding programme. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the ministry, Ibrahim Abdullahi, following a meeting between the Executive Director of the foundation, Hauwau Muhammad Hadi, and the Commissioner of the ministry, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, in his office. Hadi said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration between the foundation and the state government through the ministry, particularly in preparation for the Ramadan feeding programme targeted at orphans, widows, almajirai, persons with special needs and other vulnerable households across the state. She explained that Save Yateem Orphans Foundation is a humanitarian, non-profit organisation established to promote the welfare, dignity and sustainable development of orphans, adding that the foundation has remained consistent over the years in delivering community-centred interventions designed to alleviate hardship and restore hope among vulnerable groups. Read Also: Muslim Charity Organisation Partners Kano Government to Support the Needy Why Gobirawa’s Centuries-Old Agrarian Life is at Risk in Kano Governor Yusuf Leaves NNPP, Says Decision Guided by Kano’s Interest As preparations for the 2026 Ramadan feeding programme intensify, Hadi said the foundation plans to expand coverage, ensure proper coordination, uphold dignity in service delivery and strengthen accountability mechanisms. She, however, expressed concern that some independent organisations funded by external donors often carry out feeding programmes without adequate coordination and supervision, stressing the need for government oversight. Hadi suggested that the ministry should strengthen coordination of all Ramadan feeding initiatives to ensure that donor organisations adhere to humanitarian best practices and that the safety and dignity of beneficiaries are protected. Responding, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, thanked the foundation for the visit and its commitment to supporting the welfare of vulnerable persons in the state. He reaffirmed that the ministry remains open to partnerships with donor organisations willing to complement government efforts at alleviating hardship, especially among the less privileged. Kibiya further disclosed that since assuming office, the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has consistently allocated substantial funds annually for the Ramadan feeding programme to cushion economic hardship and support thousands of residents across the state. He assured the foundation of the ministry’s readiness to partner with it and other humanitarian organisations to ensure the successful delivery of the feeding programme and similar interventions. The foundation later presented an award of excellence to the commissioner in recognition of his selfless service to humanity.

The Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to sustain partnerships with donor agencies to improve the lives of the less privileged across the state. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the ministry, Ibrahim Abdullahi, following a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Muslim Charity Organisation to the Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Aliyu Adamu Kibiya, in his office. Kibiya said the ministry remains committed to providing humanitarian services to vulnerable groups in the state, noting that collaboration with donor organisations was critical to achieving meaningful impact. He recalled that the England-based Muslim Charity Organisation recently donated a 32-seater coaster bus to the ministry to enhance the smooth execution of humanitarian activities, an intervention received on behalf of the ministry by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. According to the commissioner, the ministry is charged with the responsibility of supporting the less privileged through various humanitarian programmes aimed at improving their welfare and livelihoods. Read Also: Why Gobirawa’s Centuries-Old Agrarian Life is at Risk in Kano He added that the ministry welcomes partnerships with donor organisations willing to complement government efforts in areas such as skills acquisition, empowerment, and other social interventions, while commending the organisation for the donation of the vehicle, which he said would significantly boost humanitarian outreach across the state. Kibiya further solicited the organisation’s support in areas including empowerment programmes, data digitalisation, Almajiri support, as well as the provision of school uniforms and bags for schoolchildren, stressing that the initiatives were targeted at improving the wellbeing of the needy. Earlier, the Programme Director of the organisation, Irfan Rajput, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the organisation and the state government, as well as exploring mechanisms for sustained collaboration. Rajput assured the commissioner that the organisation would study the ministry’s requests with a view to supporting them and possibly introducing additional interventions in the state. He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to continuing its partnership with the Kano State Government through the ministry to improve the lives of the less privileged.