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Kano

Health, Kano

KHETFUND Launches Statewide Sensitization Campaign on Healthcare Financing Access

In a concerted effort to broaden awareness on healthcare financing opportunities and improve access to essential health support, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND), Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, has launched a sensitization tour across government health agencies, state-owned health facilities, and health training institutions under the Kano State Ministry of Health. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Farouk Isa Musa, the Public Relations Officer of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), who noted that KHETFUND is a Kano State Government agency established to mobilize and manage funds dedicated to strengthening the health system. The agency supports a wide range of interventions, including infrastructure development, equipment procurement, workforce training, and healthcare financing reforms. The initiative is intended to enhance understanding of KHETFUND’s operations by engaging stakeholders and beneficiaries at all levels, providing detailed insights into the agency’s mandate, funding mechanisms, and procedures for accessing support. Read Also: UNICEF, KASPA Forge Stronger Ties to Improve Social Protection Outcomes in Kano According to Dr. Zahraddeen, the sensitization campaign seeks to demystify the agency’s work and empower eligible institutions including state-owned hospitals, the colleges of nursing and midwifery, colleges of health sciences and technology, and the Northwest University with vital information needed to benefit from available resources. “Our mission is to ensure that every stakeholder is aware of the health funding opportunities available through KHETFUND,” she stated, emphasizing that transparency, accessibility, and impact remain central to the agency’s vision. “This tour is an opportunity to engage directly with our partners, understand their challenges, and reinforce the need for judicious use of funds. Our collective goal is to build a resilient healthcare system that truly serves the people,” she added. In his remarks, the Director-General of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharm. Gali Sule, expressed appreciation to KHETFUND for its interventions and continued support to his agency. These include the provision of counterpart funding for the construction of a world-class PharmaGrade Warehouse and the remodeling of the Drug Manufacturing Unit into a modern Quality Control Laboratory. He commended the efforts of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose approval and cooperation made the interventions possible. “Having the KHETFUND leadership on-site underscores their commitment to transparency and collaboration. It motivates us to do more and remain accountable to the communities we serve,” Pharm. Sule said. Also speaking at the event, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Adamu, Director of Operations at KHETFUND, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the agency’s operations, funding sources, strategic priorities, and health programs supported under its mandate. The event concluded with an inspection tour of the ongoing remodeling project at the Drug Manufacturing Unit, which is being transformed into a Quality Control Laboratory.

Kano, Sport

Meet Kano Coach Who Promoted Two Different Clubs to NPFL Rabiu Tata

Kano-born and highly experienced coach, Rabiu Tata, has once again proven his managerial brilliance by guiding Barau FC to promotion into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Under his leadership, Barau FC secured one of the two NPFL tickets available in Group A of the NNL Super 8 playoffs held in Asaba, Delta State, alongside Wikki Tourists of Bauchi. Tata took over from Coach Salisu D Black, who parted ways with Barau FC at the start of the 2024/25 Nigeria National League (NNL) season by mutual agreement. Read Also: Barau FC Appoints Ladan Bosso as New Technical Adviser This achievement marks the second time Tata has guided a team to the NPFL, having previously led Jigawa Golden Stars to promotion in 2019. Born on June 12, 1973, in Kano State, Tata’s educational background reflects his dedication to continuous learning and self-development. He attended Gwagwarwa Special Primary School, Kano from 1980 to 1986, followed by Trium Model College, Kano, from 1986 to 1989. He later studied at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, earning a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) from 2007 to 2010. Rabiu Tata holds a CAF B Coaching License, which he earned in 2014. He also attended a La Liga coaching seminar in Abuja and has completed several coaching courses both locally and internationally, including programs organized by the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) in Lagos in 2019. Tata has managed multiple clubs including Jigawa Golden Stars, Kebbi United, and Malumfashi FC, before taking charge of NPFL debutants Barau FC for the 2024/25 season. In 2023, he led Kebbi United to victory in the State Federation Cup, and in 2024, he guided the same club to the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup. His coaching career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion, establishing him as one of the most promising football coaches in Kano and Nigeria. Rabiu Tata was also awarded Best Coach of the NNL Super 8 Tournament in Asaba for his exceptional performance in leading Barau FC to NPFL promotion. Going into the 2025/26 NPFL season, Tata will collaborate with Barau FC’s newly appointed Technical Adviser, Isah Ladan Bosso, as the team looks to make a strong debut in Nigeria’s top-tier league.

Kano, News

Kano Hospitals Management Board Begins Recruitment of Medical Doctors

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has commenced the recruitment of medical doctors to address the growing shortage of healthcare personnel in public hospitals across the state. In an internal memo directed to Chief Medical Officers and Zonal Directors, the board called on qualified candidates with an MBBS degree to submit applications for the position of Medical Officer. Read Also: Paramilitary Recruitment Resumes as FG Fixes Portal Glitches “All interested doctors with an MBBS degree who have been inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), including those trained outside the country who have passed the required assessments and obtained their MDCN certificate, are hereby advised to apply as Medical Officers to the board headquarters,” the notice read. The statement, signed by Dr. Aisha Bello Dambatta, Director of Medical Services, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, emphasized that the recruitment drive is focused on strengthening capacity at health facilities that are currently understaffed. The board urged eligible candidates to submit their applications without delay, as the state government intensifies efforts to improve healthcare delivery and access across all regions.

Kano, News

Kano Commissioner in Crisis as Alleged Drug Dealer Danwawu Jumps Bail

Sulaiman Danwawu, a suspected notorious drug trafficker recently granted bail by the Federal High Court in Kano, has reportedly absconded, leaving his surety, the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, in a precarious situation. Sources revealed that Commissioner Namadi, who stood as surety for Danwawu, used his official position to secure the bail, an action that has sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation. Following the controversy, it was gathered that the commissioner made several efforts to reach Danwawu, urging him to report himself in light of the growing backlash. However, a source close to the matter said Danwawu went underground. Read Also: Tinubu Hails Ganduje’s Leadership, Commends Role in Establishing APC Progressive Institute “When Danwawu noticed the public uproar that his bail had caused, he switched off his phones, left the commissioner in the lurch, and refused to show up,” the source said. In response to the development, the commissioner swiftly issued a formal letter on Friday, withdrawing his suretyship before the Federal High Court in Kano. The letter, titled *“Application for Withdrawal of Suretyship of the Defendant in Respect of Charge No: FHC/KN/CR/93/2025 – Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Sulaiman Aminu”*, was addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. “I hereby intend to withdraw as a surety of the above-mentioned person who is standing trial before this honourable court for the alleged offence,” the letter read. “My withdrawal is based on personal grounds and also to protect my image and dignity as a public servant. I hope my application will be considered accordingly,” Namadi concluded. The case continues to attract public interest as authorities search for the fleeing defendant.

Environment, Kano, News

FAO 2025 Mission Concludes in Kano with Renewed Commitments and Fresh Tree Replanting Efforts

The 2025 Kano Mission of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has come to a logical conclusion following a robust brainstorming session aimed at evaluating previous interventions and charting new strategies for greater impact. The session, which held at the Kano-ACReSAL conference hall, followed a field visit to one of the project’s intervention sites in Gabasawa Local Government Area, where a beating-up exercise was conducted to replace missing trees. During the visit, approximately 5,000 seedlings of various tree species including Acacia, Parcia, Tamarind, Baobab, and Mahogany were successfully replanted. Read Also: A New Chapter Begins: Celebrating the Appointment of Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator In a statement issued at the end of the session, the mission team expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far and provided key recommendations to address emerging challenges. These include tackling issues such as animal intrusion, ensuring sustained community engagement, and promoting increased participation of women in environmental restoration initiatives. The team also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate the sharing of ideas, encourage creative problem-solving, and achieve shared development goals. Mission participants included the World Bank’s Co-TTL, Engr. Chinedu, along with focal persons and technical assistants from FAO, the Federal Project Management Unit-ACReSAL, and key representatives from participating states. Speaking during the session, the State Project Coordinator, Malam Aminu Gidado Yusha’u, commended the mission team for their technical support and unwavering commitment, which he described as instrumental to the success of the intervention in Kano State. He also appreciated the Kano-ACReSAL team, particularly the focal staff, for their dedication and determination towards achieving the project’s objectives.

Kano, News

PCRC National Chairman Visits AIG Zone One Headquarters, Inaugurates New Caretaker Committee

The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, has paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone One Headquarters, Kano, AIG Ahmed Garba. The highlight of the visit was the formal inauguration of a new Caretaker Committee for the Zone One PCRC. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), CSP Bashir Muhammad, who described the visit as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen police-community relations in the region. During the visit, both Alhaji Olaniyan and AIG Ahmed Garba jointly inaugurated the new Caretaker Committee, which will oversee the affairs of the Zonal PCRC for a period of three months, pending the conduct of fresh elections. Honourable Yusuf Tabuka was named as the Chairman of the new committee. Read Also: AIG Zone I Receives Gauta Club on Courtesy Visit, Warns Against Unguarded Utterances The ceremony attracted the presence of top police officers, community leaders, and representatives of various organisations, who pledged their support for the renewed drive to deepen grassroots collaboration on security matters. In his remarks, Alhaji Olaniyan thanked AIG Garba for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to launching impactful projects across the Zone aimed at boosting trust and cooperation between the police and residents. He noted that partnership remains a key element in ensuring effective community policing and sustainable development. On his part, AIG Ahmed Garba commended the National Chairman for his dedication to strengthening police-community relations and assured him of the Zone’s full support. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly inaugurated committee to make a difference in bridging the gap between the police and the public. The new Caretaker Committee is expected to champion initiatives that promote security awareness, rebuild trust, and foster community-led development efforts across the Zone.

Kano, News

Waiya Reaffirms Kano’s Commitment to Curbing Thuggery and Substance Abuse

The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to combating drug abuse and political thuggery through collaborative efforts and strategic public enlightenment campaigns. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, following a courtesy visit by the Coordinator of Kiru Reformative Centre, Ms. Cheryl Aminta Kwagga, to the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs as part of her stakeholder engagement drive. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, welcomed the visit, describing it as timely and strategic, and emphasized the state government’s readiness to partner with credible institutions in addressing youth-related social vices. Read Also: Waiya’s Transformative Impact on Kano’s Public Image “You have come at the right time. I am currently chairing a stakeholders’ coordinating committee on a project that targets thuggery and other associated vices. We are already working towards engaging organisations like the Kiru Reformative Centre,” he stated. The Commissioner explained that the initiative, code-named Safe Corridor: The Kano Model, has already recorded success in reaching out to delinquent youths. He said many have shown willingness to undergo rehabilitation and reintegration into society. “We have profiled hundreds of youths who are now ready to turn a new leaf. They are willing to abandon the dangerous path of thuggery and drug abuse and become useful to themselves and to society,” he said. Waiya also disclosed that a comprehensive action plan for the project is in its final stages and will soon be made public. The plan, he noted, includes targeted programmes designed to eliminate the root causes of crime among young people. He assured the Kiru Reformative Centre of the Ministry’s full support, stressing that drug abuse remains a major catalyst for criminality and social decay. “We will work closely with your Centre to provide the needed public awareness and sensitisation required to reform our youth,” he stated. In her remarks, Ms. Cheryl Aminta Kwagga appealed for the Ministry’s partnership in creating public awareness about the Centre’s reformative efforts. She acknowledged the Ministry’s key role in shaping public opinion and mobilising community support. “This battle must be fought together,” she said, “especially by leveraging the Ministry’s media expertise to reach affected communities.” Ms. Kwagga added that her visit was part of a broader stakeholder mobilisation effort aimed at addressing the root causes of youth restiveness through advocacy, rehabilitation, and community-based interventions.

Education, Kano

Day Science College Principal Hails NECO Exit Strategy by Kano Science Board

The Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board has expressed satisfaction over the smooth handling of student dispersal following the completion of the 2024 NECO examinations. Speaking to journalists, the Principal of Day Science College, Kano, Malam Abba Tukur, commended the orderly manner in which parents and guardians picked up their children after the exams concluded on Wednesday evening. Malam Tukur explained that the measure was introduced to prevent the usual post-graduation jubilation by some students, which in the past has led to unruly behaviour and safety concerns. Read Also: Kano Government Announces 3rd Term Vacation Date for Schools “This initiative was introduced by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Associate Professor Dahiru Sale Muhammad, as part of his mission to safeguard students and prevent any form of public disorder,” he said. The principal further linked the precaution to the rising incidents of phone snatching and street crimes often perpetrated by youth gangs within Kano metropolis. “Such celebrations can sometimes provide cover for criminals to operate and pose serious risks to the public,” he warned. Malam Tukur reiterated the board’s commitment to providing quality science and technical education in line with its mandate. He also called on parents to continue supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning environment and ensuring student safety. He expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary, Associate Professor Dahiru Sale Muhammad, for his tireless efforts in repositioning science and technical education across the state. Many of the parents were visibly joyful and expressed satisfaction with the new arrangement as they picked up their children safely and without incident.

Kano, National, Politics

Why Ganduje Still Matters: A Power Bloc Too Strategic to Ignore

As Nigeria’s political compass tilts once again in the direction of realignment, Kano State long regarded as the heart of Northern politics is drawing renewed national attention. At the center of this quiet but consequential reshuffling is the former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is reportedly making aggressive moves to return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). But amidst the unfolding drama, a critical oversight is surfacing, the strategic neglect of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the APC. Political narratives being pushed by some actors are downplaying Ganduje’s relevance. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth particularly in a state as politically layered and complex as Kano. Dr. Ganduje is not a product of sudden influence or short-lived popularity. His journey spans over four decades in civil service and public administration. A trained technocrat with advanced knowledge in public administration and planning, he rose steadily through the bureaucracy before venturing into mainstream politics. He served as Commissioner, Deputy Governor, and ultimately two-term Governor of Kano State, each role marked by a legacy of quiet but strategic governance. Read Also: How Kano People Missed Dr. Ganduje What separates Ganduje from many of today’s political actors is his administrative depth. His background in civil service shaped his leadership style, pragmatic, detailed, and policy-focused. His ability to blend bureaucratic understanding with grassroots politics earned him respect across several layers of governance. During his tenure as governor, he tackled infrastructural gaps, introduced policy reforms in health and education, among others. One of his far-sighted interventions remains his proactive approach to the herders-farmers crisis, long before it became a federal priority. Ganduje launched a grazing reserve project in Dansoshiya Forest and sent 60 Fulani youths to Turkey to study artificial insemination, aiming to modernize livestock breeding in Northern Nigeria. His initiatives and policy papers in this direction helped shape the foundation for the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a ministry that is set to transform the livestock value chain and elevate the economic base of herders across Nigeria. His brief but eventful leadership of the APC at the national level was a continuation, not a climax of his political journey. He helped manage internal party tensions, stabilized post-election structures, and coordinated seamlessly with the presidency. His leadership may have concluded formally, but the political influence, networks, and credibility he cultivated remain very much intact. Those who mistake his exit from the national party chairmanship as a loss of relevance are missing the broader picture. Ganduje has simply returned to a more calculated position, one that allows him to focus on local and regional dynamics without abandoning his national influence. In Kano, anyone who has governed for eight years leaves behind not just a legacy but a loyal structure. Ganduje’s political machinery remains deeply rooted in ward, local government, and state-level institutions. From lawmakers to traditional leaders, many who rose during his administration still owe him allegiance. What some in Abuja fail to understand is that Kano is not a one-man show. It is a multi-bloc political environment. Each bloc whether Kwankwasiyya, Gandujiyya, or others holds sway over a different segment of the electorate. Ignoring one in favor of the other risks destabilizing the delicate balance that keeps the APC competitive in Northern Nigeria’s most populous state. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a grandmaster of political calculations, must tread carefully. Elevating Senator Kwankwaso’s bloc at the expense of Ganduje’s will not unite Kano, it will fracture it further. The notion that Ganduje has lost grip is largely a narrative pushed by his rivals, many of whom are motivated by their own ambitions rather than party cohesion. Rather than sideline him, the presidency and party stakeholders should re-engage Ganduje as a tested strategist and reliable northern political force. His contributions to APC’s national stability, his civil service experience, and his loyal base in Kano make him a vital part of any lasting political arrangement. In truth, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remains a man with unmatched political stamina deeply experienced, quietly calculating, and still commanding influence where it matters most. His relevance is not just in the past it is embedded in the very dynamics of the present and future political landscape of Northern Nigeria. Umar Idris Shuaibu is a journalist and writes from Kano.

Kano, News

YouLead Programme Produces Young Entrepreneurs in Kano

Fifteen young Nigerians have successfully completed a youth leadership training programme organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in Kano. The graduation ceremony, held at CITAD’s office, marked the conclusion of the first batch of the Youth Leadership Development Programme (YouLead), designed to equip young people with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to combat growing youth unemployment. Speaking at the event, CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z. Yau, explained that the programme was developed in response to the high rate of youth joblessness. Read Also: NBTE Team Assesses Eleven Programmes at Audu Bako College of Agriculture “We are here to witness the graduation of the first batch of the YouLead programme, where 15 young participants received intensive training and incubation support to develop their business ideas—whether in the private sector or in social enterprise,” he said. Engr. Yau noted that the trainees also participated in internship placements with various organisations to gain practical experience and understand workplace dynamics. “For us, the gain is that this idea is working. When we began, they came daily for lectures as if they were in a classroom. We recognized their unemployment status and offered transport support to encourage participation,” he said. He reiterated that CITAD’s support does not end with graduation. “We will continue to monitor their progress, provide guidance, further training, and link them with opportunities such as business grants.” Some of the graduates shared testimonies of how the programme transformed their lives by helping them acquire skills and start earning independently. Habiba Usman Hassan, one of the graduates, now runs a small restaurant offering traditional dishes. “Before this programme, I didn’t even think of starting something on my own,” she said. “Now, I not only cook and sell, but I also feel proud when people call me ‘chef’ in the neighbourhood.” Another participant, Auwal Ibrahim Adamu, has launched a small bakery and is already gaining recognition in his community. “It started with just a little flour,” he said. “Now, people wake up early to wait for my bread. This training changed my life.” The YouLead programme aims to empower youth with practical knowledge, entrepreneurship guidance, and leadership exposure to build a more self-reliant and productive generation.

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