Humanitarian

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and government agencies in Kano State have renewed calls for improved health and immunization financing to tackle the growing challenge of zero-dose and under-immunized children. The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday, convened under the BOOST Project (Better Opportunity for Optimal Service and Targeted Immunization for Zero Dose and Under-immunized Children). The initiative is being implemented by Save the Children International with funding support from GSK. The meeting, which brought together representatives from the State Primary Health Care Management Board, the Ministry of Planning and Budget, the Kano State Advocacy Group, and the media, focused on strategies to strengthen accountability and expand vaccine coverage. Related: VaxSocial Launches Digital Immunization Campaign in Kano Co-Chair of the CSOs, Salisu Yusuf, said the session was aimed at keeping partners aligned with the project’s objectives. He urged stakeholders to remain committed to the BOOST work plan, noting that consistent effort was crucial to improving accountability and coverage across the state. Also speaking, Umar Ibrahim, Advocacy Officer for the BOOST Project, explained that the engagement reviewed and validated health and immunization budget tracking data for 2024 and the first half of 2025. He said the process helped to measure progress, highlight challenges, and develop recommendations for policy advocacy. Read Also: OSN Annual Conference Opens with Free Cataract Surgeries in Kano At the meeting, participants recommended increased budgetary allocation for routine immunization services and stronger monitoring of funds. They also called on stakeholders to regularly track validated data to ensure efficient use of resources at the community level. The session reaffirmed continued support for Gezawa and Ungoggo Local Government Areas, which are among those covered under the BOOST Project. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with stronger financing and accountability, Kano State could significantly reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children, giving more children the chance to grow up healthy and protected.

The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has presented ₦5 million and plots of land to the families of 22 Kano athletes who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident on May 31, 2025. The athletes were returning from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State when the accident occurred. This was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists in Kano by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Ibrahim Adam. During the Kano State Executive Council meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Kwankwasiyya City, Governor Yusuf suspended proceedings to receive and console the bereaved families. According to Ibrahim Adam, the Governor described the athletes as “heroes of Kano” and emphasized the state’s commitment to honoring their memory. Read Also: Kano Government to Convert Historic Kurmawa Prison into Heritage Museum “The Governor listened to the families with compassion and immediately directed that all donations collected for them be disbursed without delay,” Ibrahim Adam stated. Breakdown of Donations to Families and Survivors A total of ₦6,709,375 has been raised and distributed to the families of the deceased volleyball players and injured survivors, according to Ibrahim Adam, a representative of the organizing committee. The funds were contributed by various individuals and organizations, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Remi Bola Tinubu, who donated ₦110 million — ₦5 million each to the families of the 22 deceased players. The Ogun State Government also contributed ₦32 million, covering ₦1 million each for the 22 deceased and 10 injured victims. Additionally, Engr. Sagir Ibrahim Koki donated ₦2.2 million as part of general support to the affected families, while the Volleyball Association of Nigeria provided ₦500,000 in solidarity. All contributions have been disbursed to the intended beneficiaries, providing much-needed relief and support in the wake of the tragic incident. Each bereaved family received ₦6,709,375, while each injured athlete received ₦1,709,375. “This is a reflection of national solidarity and empathy,” Ibrahim Adam noted. In addition to the donations, Governor Yusuf pledged ₦5 million and a plot of land to each of the 22 bereaved families. Survivors of the accident will also receive ₦2 million and a plot of land each. “This is the Governor’s personal commitment to ensuring that these families are not forgotten,” Ibrahim Adam emphasized. According to Ibrahim Adam, the total support package for each bereaved family amounts to ₦11,709,375 plus a plot of land, while each injured survivor will receive ₦3,709,375 and a plot of land. Governor Yusuf concluded the session with prayers for the deceased and appreciation for all donors. “May Allah reward everyone who contributed and grant eternal rest to our fallen athletes,” Ibrahim Adam conveyed. This act of compassion and leadership by Governor Yusuf has been widely praised across Kano State, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens said Ibrahim.