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Tag: Kaduna

  • Group warns against rising malnutrition, says 40% of children under five affected in Kaduna

    Group warns against rising malnutrition, says 40% of children under five affected in Kaduna

    The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has raised an alarm regarding the escalating malnutrition crisis affecting women and children, particularly in Kaduna State, which has concerning statistics.

    During a media engagement in Kaduna, CS-SUNN Executive Secretary Sunday Okoronkwo cited findings from the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The survey reveals that 40.7% of children under five in Kaduna are stunted, an increase from the 37% reported in 2018.

    On a national level, the data shows that 40% of children under five are stunted, and 55% of women of reproductive age suffer from anemia. This increase in malnutrition rates necessitates urgent action.

    Okoronkwo emphasized the wide-ranging consequences of these conditions, which impede cognitive development, weaken immunity and increase vulnerability to illness.

    He underscored that malnutrition not only impacts the immediate well-being of children but also hampers long-term productivity.

    Highlighting the benefits of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), he said that research has shown MMS to be effective in reducing anemia and promoting healthy pregnancy outcomes.

    Okoronkwo called on the Kaduna State Government to prioritize MMS distribution and leverage the Child Nutrition Fund to double its investments in nutritional interventions.

    In her remarks, Kaduna State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Ramatu Musa Haruna, urged the media to play an active role in promoting the uptake of MMS as an essential step toward combating malnutrition.

    She noted that the state government had recently allocated 400 million Naira as a commitment to child nutrition funding, aimed at procuring and distributing MMS to pregnant women across the state.

    Haruna highlighted that adequate supplementation is critical to ensuring the health of both mothers and their babies.

    Dr. Zainab Muhammad Kwaru, Project Coordinator for the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, detailed ongoing efforts to distribute MMS at the community level.

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    She said: “Since 2022, ANRiN has delivered over 16 million doses of MMS through non-state actors who reach pregnant women and adolescent girls by going house to house across Kaduna’s 23 Local Government Areas.”

    Kwaru then noted that a blueprint for training healthcare providers at health facilities is in development to ensure consistent access to MMS.

    Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Alheri Monday from Jama’a LGA, shared her positive experience with MMS during her last pregnancy.

    She reported significant health improvements compared to her first pregnancy, noting her second baby weighed 3.7 kg, up from the 2.8 kg weight of her first.

    Monday emphasized that MMS reduced symptoms such as vomiting and improved her overall appetite, underscoring the importance of making MMS accessible to all pregnant women in the state.

  • Kaduna has surpassed 90% primary healthcare target – Dep Gov

    Kaduna has surpassed 90% primary healthcare target – Dep Gov

    Kaduna State has exceeded the target of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency’s target of 90% performance by 8%, reflecting the dedication and hard work of Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who disclosed this at a retreat for all the newly elected 23 local government chairmen of Kaduna State at the weekend, said the administration has been making a lot of gains in primary healthcare.

    According to her, the state was ranked 15th with just 55% performance in 2015, but with shared passion and commitment; it has attained 98%, which underscores the government’s efforts.

    The Deputy Governor who is also a medical doctor, warned the chairmen not to rest on the state’s laurels, adding that ‘’too many of our women still give birth in the hands of unskilled attendants, while we still fall short of achieving full immunisation cover across the state, among other challenges.’’

    ‘’As local government chairmen, you are at the frontline of this battle for the wellbeing of our people. You are not just administrators; you are the guardians of your communities’ futures.

    ‘’Every child vaccinated is a future secured. Every mother receiving proper antenatal care is a family protected. Every healthcare facility improved is a community strengthened,’’ she counseled.

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    Dr Balarabe urged the council chairmen to treat healthcare not just as a mandate but as a moral imperative as parents, not only as government officials, by encouraging their spouses ‘’to become ambassadors of health within your communities.”

    While conveying Governor Sani’s warm felicitations, she reminded that ‘’investing in Human Capital Development is Agenda 5 of this Administration’s S.U.S.T.A.I.N Manifesto. Health and Education are the 2 major barometers for measuring progress in HCD.’’

    ‘’The administration of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, stands ready to support you in this mission. Our commitment to rural transformation remains unwavering.

    The retreat, sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was held at Bristol Guest Palace, Kano, attended by a broad coalition of stakeholders.

    UNICEF’s Chief of Social and Behaviour Change, Kshitij Joshi, explained that: “The objective of this meeting is to interact and engage the chairpersons, identify areas and opportunities of collaboration to achieve the health of children in Kaduna State. And it has been an amazing engagement for all the development partners, as we also learned from their ideas and insights that could accelerate the process we are trying to achieve in Kaduna State and Nigeria.”

    A communique signed at the end of the retreat recognised a slight reduction in maternal mortality, as child mortality rates remain critically high.

    Delays in accessing care, severe infrastructural and basic equipment deficits, high out-of-pocket expenditure/ low health insurance coverage, restrictive access to PHC services due to insecurity in some local government areas, vaccine refusals/ hesitancies and cases of non-compliances, poor community linkage for outreach services in the hinterland, were identified as challenges hindering effective primary healthcare service delivery in Kaduna.

  • NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

    NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, handed over 58 people rescued by the security agencies in joint operations to the Kaduna State Government.

    Ribadu handed over the victims to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who will hand them over to the government.

    Gen. Musa who presented the victims to the representative of the state government and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sani Kila, said that no money was paid for their rescue.

    ” The rescue is as a result of  combined efforts of the military and other security services.

    “The operation was both kinetic and non-kinetic which requires efforts by all and not just the military kinetic efforts,” he said.

    The CDS said that all Nigerians must take ownership of the operation for the security agencies to succeed.

    “What we are seeing out of this, is the success of the collaboration right from the top. From the presidency, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence to  all agencies working together, including the Kaduna State Government.

    “The governor has been very supportive and very helpful and it is this collaborative effort that has made it possible for us to be able to rescue these individuals.

    “It is a joint effort and we were able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals,” .

    “Now, I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not  work together, it will be extremely difficult for us to succeed.

    “The success depends on all of us working together because it is a whole-of-society approach,” said.

    Musa said that certain individuals had been trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed by sabotaging the efforts of the government.

    He added that the security agencies were working round the lock tirelessly to make sure Nigerians feel safe and protected.

    “Today is Saturday, many people would have wanted to be home, relaxing, but we are working. Saturday, Sunday, day and night and all Nigerians have keyed up, and everybody is contributing to the success we are seeing.

    “I want to also inform Nigerians that we will continue to work hard together and will not leave any stone unturned until every Nigerian that is in captivity is freed and Nigerians are free to move about within the country, both day and night, as it used to be before.

    “We assure Nigerians that we are getting all the support to ensure that we work, and we assure Mr. President that we will do everything possible, and including Nigerians, until we succeed, we’ll continue to push,” he added.

    The defence chief clarified that contrary to the believes of many, not all persons involved in banditry were willing tools, adding that some were conscripted.

    He said the military will  continue to go after the perpetrators, adding :”they will not be let free for the innocent blood they have shed”.

    The National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were kidnapped from their homes and farm lands in Gayam, Sabon layi and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Laka said that troops of I Division, on Nov. 14, at about 1500hrs successfully led a joint operations leading to their rescue.

    He said the victims comprised 35 males and 23 females.

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    According to the him, preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious bandit called JANBROS.

    “During the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of Kilometers through the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.

    “Upon their rescue, the government provided them with all the necessary assistance required to stabilise them for subsequent handing over to ONSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups, where they have been examined and six were admitted.

    “The six admitted victims have recovered and joined us for subsequent handing over to their respective families,” he said.

    The Chief of Staff to Kaduna Governor, Sani Limankila thanked the security agencies and called on all Nigerians to team up with security agencies to end kidnapping.

    (NAN)

  • Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler, vandals In Kaduna

    Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cattle rustler, vandals In Kaduna

    Kaduna Police Command, through Operation Fushin Kada, has arrested six kidnappers, a cattle rustler and five suspects involved in vandalism. 

    The operations also led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.

    In a statement by the Command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, he said on November 12 four members of a kidnapping syndicate were apprehended in Rahama Village, Dutsen Wai Village, and nearby areas.

    “The suspects, Yahaya Abdullahi, Shamsu Ibrahim, Linus Obasi, and Hauwa Mohammed, all from Dutsen Wai Village in Kubau LGA, were arrested. Abdullahi confessed to conspiring with Ibrahim to kidnap a woman from Rahama Village, who was held in Obasi’s brothel under Mohammed’s watch until a ₦3 million ransom was paid for her release,”the PPRO added.

    The police spokesman also stated that in a separate operation on November 6, 2024, officers in Ikara LGA arrested two members of a gang that has been terrorising residents.  

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    According to him: “The suspects, Surajo Hassan and Abdulhadir Usman, admitted to multiple kidnappings and robberies, including one case where a victim was held for 60 days before an ₦8 million ransom was paid. Both suspects disclosed receiving ₦1 million each as their share.

    “On November 13, 2024, officers arrested a 27-year-old cattle rustler, Audu Abdullahi, in Kujama. He confessed to belonging to a syndicate operating with AK-47 rifles and other weapons. A search in a nearby bush led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and charms.

    “Meanwhile, officers responding to a distress call from the Kaduna State Vigilance Service at the Trade Fair Complex arrested three suspects—Salisu Mohammed, Mohammed Abubakar, and Aliyu Isah—caught vandalising armored cable wires. They confessed to the crime and named Abubakar Garba and Isiaku Abdullahi as receivers, who were also arrested.”

  • NAF airstrikes dismantle bandits’ strongholds in Kaduna neutralise several terrorists

    NAF airstrikes dismantle bandits’ strongholds in Kaduna neutralise several terrorists

    The Air Component of “Operation Fansan Yamma” has dismantled a major bandits’ enclave located within Dunya Hill and Batauna Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Akinboyewa said the strategic airstrikes were conducted on Nov. 12 in furtherance of the intense air interdiction campaign in North West nicknamed “Operation Farautar Mujiya”.

    According to him, the affected areas have long served as safe havens for bandit groups due to their dense vegetation and the natural protection provided by an array of caves.

    He said the objective of the airstrikes was to dismantle the entrenched criminal networks and degrade their capacity to operate effectively.

    Akinboyewa said the airstrikes were preceded by intensive intelligence gathering that meticulously identified high-value targets, including key logistics hubs and hidden armouries used by the bandits.

    He said that the aerial assault resulted in the neutralisation of many combatants as well as the obliteration of significant stockpiles of weapons and resources critical to the bandits’ operations.

    “Since the commencement of this intensified campaign, credible sources from local communities have confirmed that bandits are on the run, their once-secure enclaves in disarray.

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    “In a sign of the operation’s success, multiple reports have emerged detailing the escape and liberation of several kidnap victims, who have managed to regain freedom amidst the chaos inflicted upon their captors.

    “The NAF continues to execute these precision airstrikes to incapacitate the criminal groups terrorising the Northwestern region, and provide decisive advantage for our surface forces.

    “This sustained effort not only demonstrates the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and security but also provides renewed hope to communities that have long suffered under the threat of banditry.

    “More updates on the outcomes of Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA are expected in the coming days,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • ‘Why Kaduna tops IGR ranking in North’

    ‘Why Kaduna tops IGR ranking in North’

    Governor Uba Sani’s policy of financial inclusion and widening the tax net as well as reorganising the entire Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), have resulted in increased internal revenue generation in the State.

    The Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Mr Jerry Adams, who was speaking to newsmen over the weekend, said that it is not surprising that Kaduna State was ranked as the subnational with the highest revenue generation in 2023 by the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS).

    Last week, NBS released the Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) of all in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), showing that Kaduna State raked in N62.49 billion last year, emerging the state with the highest IGR earnings in the North.

    Speaking to newsmen, the Executive Chairman of KADIRS said that the credit goes to Governor Uba Sani for automating tax administration in Kaduna State and providing work tools to drive the process.

    According to him, KADIRS now has a One-Stop-Tax portal called ‘’Pay Kaduna Portal’’, which enables citizens to pay their taxes from anywhere, without physically coming to the tax agency’s offices.

    ‘’This automation has reduced leakages in the system. By just clicking on the particular tax icon, a tax payer can pay Withholding Tax, Stamp Duty Tax and so on,’’ Mr Adams said.

    The Executive Chairman also pointed out that the Governor Uba Sani administration has widened the tax net without increasing tax in Kaduna State.

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    Mr Adams disclosed that KADIRS has been expanding the tax net in a horizontal manner since July last year, as against the vertical approach of the past which led to stagnation.

    The Executive Chairman also maintained that the overall policies of Kaduna State Government helped significantly in improving its IGR.

    ‘’The policies of the Uba Sani administration have human face and this has made businesses and companies that have left Kaduna State in the past, to return. Coupled with that, he has initiated a lot of business-friendly policies which are having positive impact on revenue generation,’’ he said.

    Mr Adams also said that the rural transformation of the Kaduna State Government has improved voluntary tax compliance ‘’because people can see how their money is being spent.’’

    ‘’Our motto is ‘Tax For Service’ and the present administration has demonstrated this by the laudable projects that it is embarking on, in the areas of roads construction, building new schools and other projects,’’ he added.

    The Executive Chairman called on the people of Kaduna State to pay their taxes as and when due, especially Property Tax and Ground Rents, adding that companies should also remit Pay As You Earn Taxes promptly.

    He said that KADIRS has the potential of improving on its tax collection and boosting the IGR of Kaduna State, given the support that it is getting from the Governor.

  • Kaduna Gov. approves N72,000 new minimum wage for workers

    Kaduna Gov. approves N72,000 new minimum wage for workers

    Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has approved a minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants in the State from November 2024. 

    This move, according to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, underscores the administration’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare and supporting the less privileged.

    In a statement, Musa noted that the decision aligns with Governor Sani’s lifelong commitment to worker rights and social welfare.

     “This new wage increase is part of the governor’s efforts to uplift the lives of civil servants and improve living standards for vulnerable and underserved communities in Kaduna State,” he said.

    As part of the initiative, the Kaduna State Government will also launch a free transportation scheme for civil servants. 

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    According to the statement, 100 CNG-powered buses will soon be deployed to provide free daily transport for government workers, easing their financial burden and boosting productivity.

    The free transportation scheme will be managed by a Joint Management Committee, comprising representatives from Organised Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) with State Government officials.

    Sani reaffirmed his commitment to introducing policies aimed at uplifting the people of Kaduna, promising “Kaduna State Government will continue to implement measures that bring relief to our citizens. With the support of our people, we are determined to make Kaduna a model for social welfare interventions.”

  • Kaduna to offer free screening on non-communicable diseases

    Kaduna to offer free screening on non-communicable diseases

    The Kaduna State Government will offer free screening services for  half a million citizens across the entire state,  for Non Communicable Diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

    A statement issued by the Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Umma K Ahmed, said the screening, which will be done in two phases across the three senatorial zones, will be tagged ”Project 10 Million – Know Your Number, Control Your Number.”

    According to the commissioner, the free screening is in line ”with the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum’s (NHCF) national initiative aimed at combating the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes, in Nigeria.”

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    Hajiya Umma  said the would-be beneficiaries of the free  screening are adults from 18 years and above, adding  that  ”NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes pose a serious health challenge, contributing to approximately 27% of all annual deaths in Nigeria totaling around 447,800.”

    Hajiya Umma promised that the first phase will be done in Zaria, Sabon Gari, Makarfi, Soba local governments in Zone I, adding that the exercise will take place in  Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi local governments in Zone II.

  • Kaduna restricts movement ahead of Local Government elections

    Kaduna restricts movement ahead of Local Government elections

    The Kaduna state government has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 19.

    The restriction, which will last from 6 am to 7 pm, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, it was stated that the restriction will affect all vehicular movement, commercial activities, and any other actions that may disrupt public peace during the election period. 

    “However, individuals on essential duties with proper identification will be exempt from the restriction,”he added.

    He urged residents of the state to comply with the directive, warning against actions that could disturb the electoral process. 

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    The Commissioner noted that security agencies have been deployed across the state to enforce the restriction and ensure strict compliance.

    He then  advised citizens to report any suspicious activities or actions that could undermine security during the elections to the security operations room via the following phone numbers: 09034000060 and 08170189999.

  • Gov Sani building 62 roads, spanning 700 kilometers across Kaduna – KADRA MD

    Gov Sani building 62 roads, spanning 700 kilometers across Kaduna – KADRA MD

    The administration of Governor Uba Sani had in the last 16 months initiated 62 roads, spanning over 700 kilometers across the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, who stated this while speaking with journalists after inspection of some ongoing rural road projects, said some of the 62 road projects have been completed, while others are at various stages of completion.

    The KADRA boss who said, most of the roads were deliberately located in the rural areas to boast the rural economy, as part of Governor Uba Sani’s rural revitalization programme, however assured all the abandoned urban road projects inherited from the previous administration, will be completed in due course.

    According to him: “The Governor Uba Sani’s administration recognizes that well-constructed roads are the backbone of economic activity, connecting farmers to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. The achievements we celebrate thus far are not just about roads and bridges; they represent our commitment to building a more connected, prosperous, and inclusive Kaduna State. 

    “We have more 62 roads initiated by this administration, spanning more than 700 kilometers. The projects we have initiated are not just for the present, but for the future of Kaduna State, a future we are building together.

    “The central policy thrust of Governor Uba Sani’s administration is Rural Transformation aimed at revitalising the rural economy and bridging the urban-rural divide. By investing in massive infrastructure projects, we are not only enhancing connectivity but also curbing rural-urban migration.

    “These developments have positively stimulated economic activities in rural areas, leading to a reduction in post-harvest losses and facilitating the easy transportation of farm produce to markets. This, in turn, empowers our farmers and strengthens the local economy.”

    Baba Ahmed also emphasised Sani’s unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of the urban poor, who have often felt marginalised and disconnected from the dividends of democracy, noting that, many citizens are now jubilant as they witness tangible development in their communities, particularly through improved access roads, installation of streetlights, and other vital infrastructure projects.

    “These efforts are not just about development; they are about inclusion. They are designed to uplift the living standards of all residents and ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for progress,” he said.

    He listed some of the roads to include: 22.5km Asphaltic Road from Gwantu through Kibam to Godogodo; Reconstruction/Upgrading of Asphaltic Access Roads within the Old Panteka Market; Reconstruction of a 6km asphaltic road from Rafin Guza to Hayin Na’iya to Malalin Gabas to Kukumaki: Construction of a 13km Access Road Connecting Turawa to Dinya through Da’a, Kurungupi, and Kadage in Soba Local Government Area; Construction of a 5.8km Access Road from Gwaraji to Wusar, connecting Igabi and Kajuru Local Government Areas, and construction of a 15km Access Road Connecting Kasuwar Magani to Wusar in Kajuru Local Government Area.

    He listed others to include: Reconstruction and Upgrading of Ja Abdulkadir Asphaltic Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna; Construction of a 5.525km Asphaltic Road from Airport Road to Tudun Biri Community; Completion of Abandoned PAN Drive to Kachia Road; Construction of a 35km Access Road from Gadan Gayan through Gwaraji to Kujama Junction; Reconstruction of a 14.8km Asphaltic Ring Access Road from Danbushiya Junction to Danhonou 2; Reconstruction of a 35.6km Road from Bagoma to Gagumi and reconstruction of a 21.95km Asphaltic Road from Madauchi to Kafanchan, linking Jema‘a to Zangon Kataf LGA.

    He disclosed that, one of the landmark projects underway is the construction of about fifteen (15) Networks of Roads and bridges connecting College Road Unguwan Dosa to Millennium City, saying that, vital infrastructure is to be constructed under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangement and will link hundreds of communities, significantly enhancing economic prosperity in these areas.

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    He said the construction of those important roads are transformative development for the benefiting rural communities, through facilitation of the movement of goods and services. “the roads are poised to boost agricultural productivity, reduce travel time, foster economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for residents of the affected communities.

    Speaking about the abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration, the KADRA MD said; “It is no longer news that, this administration inherited so much debt, and we have so many abandoned projects which we inherited. But, there is plan for the completion of these roads. We are prioritizing these road.

    “As you may be aware, the section of PAN Drive has been completed, we are now working on Ohinoyi Road, as well as Sultan-Surami Road. All these are projects we inherited and we are taking them one after the other. The truth is that, we cannot not complete all the inherited projects at once, because we have budgetary constraints, but we have a concrete plan to complete all these projects,” he said.