The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kano

  • NPHCDA holds retreat on polio for Yobe LGA chairmen

    NPHCDA holds retreat on polio for Yobe LGA chairmen

    As part of measures to strengthen routine immunization in Yobe State, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has organized a sensitization retreat on polio and immunization for the seventeen local government chairmen of Yobe State.

    The meeting which is holding at the Grand Central Hotel, Kano is to fashion out specific target objectives and result oriented solution the will  bridge the gaps left in the drive against polio in the state.

    Declaring, the retreat open, the State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Taskforce on Immunization in the State, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu commended the organizers of the program, adding the, “the meeting would not have come at a better time than now when efforts are being made to consolidate on the achievements recorded towards promotion of primary healthcare deliver, particularly on issues relating to Polio eradication and a routine Immunization in Yobe State”.

    Aliyu informed that despite the challenges of insecurity which make access difficult to some communities in the state, the Reaching Every Settlement Strategy has been effective and ongoing since December 2016 with the assistance of vigilante groups in the state.

    Part of the commitment of the state in the eradication of polio in the state according to Engr. Aliyu include, “standing payment of N10 million counterpart fund to augment logistics and other requirements since April, 2012, sponsorship of State Technical Team, border synchronization with Bauchi, Jigawa and Gombe States and Inter-Local Government Areas in addition to review meetings in respect of immunization Plus Days…etc”.

    He commended their major partners, Aliko Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their contributions in the state in the drive against routine immunization which has brought about a dedicated tripartite Basket Fund Account which has bridged tremendously the funding gaps experienced in the past.

    Engr. Aliyu noted that the tripartite MoU has also led to the strengthening of routine immunization in the state through the purchase of three Toyota Hilux vehicles, training of primary health care staff on data management and the construction of two zonal satellite stores at Gashua equipped with health facilities and solar refrigerators in addition to installation of 50 KVA and 30KVA Standby generators among others.

    He promised that no stone will be left unturned in achieving the desired objectives of realizing the attainment routine immunization in the state.

    In his remarks at the meeting, the State Commissioner of Health Dr. Bello Kawuwa said the political commitment of Yobe in the drive against immunization is overwhelming with the presence of the deputy governor  at the retreat.

    He regretted that there are still some pockets of communities in the state that are still inaccessible for immunization in some local government areas.

    The representatives of the Executive Secretary of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Mohammed Zubairu Mahmoud who is also the North East Zonal Director of NPHCDA said the emerging threats in the Lake Chad Basin are worrisome and so  Yobe needs to gear up, stressing that it’s not yet time for Yobe to start celebrating for achieving a polio free status in the state.

    “As we progress in our march to eradicate polio, let me draw our attention to the fact that we are not yet there and we must begin to put in place measures to sustain the gains so far achieved and maintain our free status in the face of threats from our neighbors (Chad region) that may be harboring the disease. Our campaign quality needs to be higher than 90%, gaps in surveillance (Bursari, Nangere and Yunusari) must be bridged and children inaccessible due to insecurity in Gujba (Buni, Madimanari), Yunusari (Degel Ture, Dekwa), Tarmuwa (Mafu) and Damaturu (Sasawa) must be vaccinated if we are to guarantee that we are polio free.

    ” Recently, we have evidence from the joint MICs/NICS survey (24% coverage for NEZ) that the quality of routine immunization still leaves much to be desired in terms of coverage and quality. Routine immunization is key to maintaining and sustaining a polio free state and the agency has introduced an emergency program (NERICC) to accelerate RI coverage within the shortest possible time. Your cooperation is very important.

    “Therefore, this review must come up with solutions to improving the situation before we can celebrate any success in polio. From our perspectives, it is clear to us that providing security, effective leadership and accountability are major ingredients to getting us there. As we deliberate and depart from this review, we must strategize and rededicate ourselves to providing that effective and accountable leadership, complete reach to children in the in-secured areas through RES and/or RICS etc and vaccinate them, and ensure that health workers provide good quality immunization services to our mothers and children,” Dr. Mahmoud said.

    The Emir of Bade, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar at the meeting also emphasized on the need for the re gearing of my re efforts in the process.

    He condemned the attitude of the healthcare providers and some immunization caregivers, while calling for attitudinal change.

    The Chairman of ALGON in the state who is also the chairman of Gujba Local Government, one of the Local Government hitherto ravaged by the insurgents pledged on behalf of the 17 Local Government chairmen to redouble their efforts in the immunization drive.

    He requested for the provision of logistic vehicles for the council areas to enable them reach some of the difficult terrains in the hinter areas of the LGAs.

     

  • Kano Police command parade 13 suspected armed robbers

    Kano Police command parade 13 suspected armed robbers

    A notorious 30-year-old notorious armed robber, Yusuf Umar, clad in military camouflage, was among 12 other robbery syndicate caught in a robbery operation at Tokarawa Village, Kano Wednesday.

    Speaking to Reporters at the Command’s headquarters in Kano Wednesday, while parading the 13 armed robbers, on behalf of the State CP Rabiu Yusuf, the Command’s spokesman, DSP  Magaji Musa Majiya, said the arrest of the armed robbers, followed a distress call.

    Majiya, explained that, the Special Anti-robbery Squad SARS of the Command promptly responded to the distress call, swooped on the Armed robbers at Tokarawa quarters, Gerzawa Local Government Area and arrested Yusuf Umar, who was clad in military camouflage, alongside 33-year-old Amadu Mohammed.

    Majiya, disclosed that SARS operatives, after searching their hideout recovered one locally made assault rifle, one revolver pistol, four rounds of live ammunitions, a set of military uniform, one cutlass and two motorcycles.

    Other items recovered from the armed robbers include, their Golf 3 operational vehicle, with registration number: AX571 KMC, painted taxi colour, all of whom confessed to commited the crime.

    Furthermore, the PPRO, said the suspects confessed to belong to a six-man syndicate, who have been operating and terrorizing members of the public in Gerzawa Local Government Area.

    Also, Majiya disclosed that while they are carrying out their nefarious activities,they often block GGSS Jogana junction on Kano/Ringim/Hadeja Road.

    Another suspect arrested during investigation, according to the PPRO, include Murtala Adamu of Aujarawar Alkali in Gerzawa Local Government Area, an auto mechanic, who leaks information to the gang of victims to be attacked, especially when he sights’ valuables when invited for mechanical repairs at home.

    According to the Police Command spokesman, another syndicate was burst at Hotoro quarters, during which two notorious armed robbers, who snatched a Sienna vehicle at gun point but was subsequently recovered and handed over the authentic owner at the Command yesterday, after showing proof of ownership.

    Other items recovered from the armed robbers, include charms, cars and motorcycles, as well as different plate numbers.

  • Amachree commiserates with Kano people

    Former President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Chief Mike Amachree, has commiserated with the family and people of Kano State on the death of foremost statesman, the late Alhaji Maitama Sule, who died recently.

    Amachree said Alhaji Sule was a true Nigerian who had so much love for Nigeria and everything Nigerian. He described the late statesman as “the man who spoke English better than an English man.’

    He said:“Alhaji Maitama Sule’s death is a great loss to the country. He was a person I interacted and worked with. He had so much passion for tourism and culture. He always wished to be involved in anything that would lead to the growth of the country.

    “We worked together in the early 90s when I was part of the organizing  committee that launched the Plateau Tourism Development Fund under the chairmanship of General Yakubu Gowon.  Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, was the special guest of honour  on the occasion.

    “Alhaji Maitama Sule was among those that convinced General Babangida to honour the event and was the Master of Ceremony. He carried out the job of raising funds for the development Plateau State tourism with  so much passion. He was a person that loved tourism and culture and lent his presence and wisdom to such events.”

    He is a person the nation would miss so much for his energy and passion for the country. May Allah grant his family, Kano State and the country at large the fortitude to bear the lost, Amachree said.

  • Kano NDLEA boss laments youths’ drug addiction

    Commandant of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State, Hamza Umar, has expressed worries over the alarming rate of youths’ addiction to hard drugs.

    Umar, who spoke during activities to mark the World Drugs Day in Kano, noted that the trend has taken a disturbing and frightening dimension.

    Despite the persistent campaign against drug abuse, Umar regretted that uniforms and guns cannot halt the ugly trend, hence, his appeal to religious communities to help sensitise the youths on the dangers of drug abuse.

    He admonished religious leaders to complement the agency by preaching to their followers to desist from hard drugs consumption.

    His words: “There is no way we can sustain this war without the support of religious organisations because uniforms and guns cannot solve the country’s problems. The bitter truth is that in this society, almost every class, from the so-called elite to the downtrodden, are affected by drug abuse.”

  • Kano court refuses bail to 10 suspects accused of kidnapping

    Kano court refuses bail to 10 suspects accused of kidnapping

    A Kano Chief Magistrate Court on Wednesday denied bail application to 10 suspects who allegedly conspired and kidnapped  two year-old Ali Dauda.

    The suspects are facing a three count charge of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and concealing and  keeping in confinement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the two-year-old victim was kidnapped on May 21 at Kawon Lambu Quarters, Kano.

    The suspects are Amina Ibrahim, 86, Tessy Chukwu, 38, Christiana Uju, 55, and six Juvenile suspects.

    The presiding Senior Magistrate, Hajiya Salma Ahmad in her ruling ordered the remand of the six Juvenile suspects in Goron Dutse Children Remand Home, after they all pleaded not guilty.

    Ahmad also ordered the other three suspects to be remanded in prison custody pending the advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    She directed that a 14-month-old baby of the second suspect, Tessy, be taken to Nasarawa Motherless Babies Home, where she would be taken good care of.

    The Judge also ordered the defence counsel, Magaji Mato, to liaise with the Ministry of Justice for speedy dispensation of the case.

    She told the defence counsel to seek bail of the accused persons in a High Court since the Magistrate’s Court has no jurisdiction to grant bail on capital offence.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Mercy Ayeni, had oppossed the bail application in view of the gravity of the offence.

    Ayeni said that on May 21, at about 6 p.m, the six Juvenile suspects all of Kawon Lambu Quarters, Kano conspired and kidnapped Dauda from his mother, one Lubabatu Ali.

    “They kidnapped the boy and took him to the second suspect, Tessy with the intention she would take the same boy to Christiana in Anambra state for adoption,” she said.

    The prosecutor said that the first suspect had confessed  to have earlier promised to provide Tessy with a new born baby.

    Ayeni said the offences contravened sections 15 and 16 of the Terrorism (prevention/Amendment) Act 2013 and section 277 of the penal code.

    The case was adjourned til July 12 for mention.

  • We are importing poison, not rice, Gov. Bagudu warns

    We are importing poison, not rice, Gov. Bagudu warns

    Gov. Abubakar Bagudu, the Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Rice and Wheat Production, has condemned the continuous importation of rice into the country, describing it as importation of poison.

    Bagudu, who is also the governor of Kebbi, told journalists on Sunday in Birnin-Kebbi that the imported rice, auctioned by different countries, was no longer good for human consumption.

    The chairman, who expressed regret over citizens’ patronage of foreign rice, said imported rice usually contained preservatives, which are poisonous.

    He disclosed that there were three major importers of rice into the country who specialised in importing very cheap, auctioned rice into the country.

    The governor said that Thailand in April 2017, auctioned 1.62 million tonnes of rice at about $140 per tonne whereas the market price of it was $700 per tonne.

    “Countries, particularly Thailand, India, China and Vietnam, buy a lot of paddy from their farmers and keep in storage sometimes, as long as nine years so that by so doing, they are supporting their farmers.

    “A country like Thailand, for example, may have eight million tonnes of rice in storage; so occasionally, they will auction the ones that are almost going bad that is, the one that is not fit for human consumption.

    “They sell the paddy as low as 20 per cent less than the international market price.

    “Those that import rice into Nigeria will go and buy the paddy and clean them up.

    “Because they do not buy rice at the international price, our local farmers who are offering rice for $500 will not be competitive.

    “If that importer is to buy fresh rice, he cannot bring it into Nigeria below $700 per tonne.

    “This is the biggest obstacle to our rice efforts because consumers say local rice is expensive; it is not expensive because we are not comparing it with equivalent rice elsewhere,” the chairman explained.

    The governor said that out of the 600 million tonnes of rice produced in the world, Nigeria produced about six million tonnes which represented one per cent of the production.

    Bagudu said that rice could grow in the 36 states of the federation and called on stakeholders and citizens to come together to significantly advance rice production.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on June 7, established a National Rice and Wheat Task Force to set up targets that will yield comprehensible and self-evident results in rice and wheat production.

    At the inauguration of the task force, Osinbajo said the Federal Government was trying to evolve a strategy for the economy, for employment and for feeding the people.

    Other members of the Task Force are Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano and his Ebonyi counterpart, David Umahi.

    Others are the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Lokpobiri Heineken, the President of Rice Farmers Association, Mr Aminu Goronyo and the President, Wheat Farmers Association, Alhaji Salim Muhammad.

  • Kano spends N419m on Ramadan

    The Kano State government has spent over N419,207,744 on Ramadan feeding in the 44 local governments.

    Chairman, Supervisory Committee of the Ramadan Feeding Mohamed Garba, who gave a breakdown of the disbursement of funds yesterday, said the government released N308, 353, 744 to the state, N110,854,000 and to the local government, bringing to total figure to N419, 297,744 million.

    Mohamed added that 10 additional feeding centres were created, bringing the centres to 186, as against the 165 last year.

     

  • Osinbajo seeks Reps’ approval for $1.5b external loan for 10 states

    Osinbajo seeks Reps’ approval for $1.5b external loan for 10 states

    The House of Representatives is set to consider the approval of $1.5b external loan for 10 states.

    The states are Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, Ogun and Ondo.

    The loan request presented to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara by the Acting President was meant infrastructural development for the affected states.

    In the letters dated 25th May, 2017, he stated that the request was in tune with the 2016-2018 External Borrowing Plan earlier approved by the National Assembly.

    Osinbajo stated that the total loans being presented for special consideration and approval is US$1,492,400,000.00.

    While soliciting for the approval of the House, he added, “It will be highly appreciated if you could kindly give this request an expedited consideration and approval to enable the states meet up with all other effectiveness conditions for implementation of the projects in their respective states”.

    The breakdown showed that Kaduna is seeking $350m from World Bank; Ogun, $350m (World Bank); Ebonyi, $70m (AfDB); Abia, $100m (AfDB); Katsina, $110m (Islamic Development Bank), Jigawa, $32.4m (Islamic Development Bank); Ebonyi, $80m (Islamic Development Bank); and Kano, $200m.

    Enugu, Kano, Plateau and Ondo loan requests totaled $200m from French Development Agency.

  • FG alerts on birdflu outbreak of in 7 states, FCT

    FG alerts on birdflu outbreak of in 7 states, FCT

    The Federal Government on Friday alerted the public to the outbreak of Avian Influenza or Bird Flu in the FCT and seven states of the country.

    raised the alert at a meeting with state Commissioners of Agriculture in Abuja on Friday.

    Mshelbwala listed the states affected by the outbreak to include Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Plateau, FCT and lastly, which reported a case on May 30.

    He said that the disease had spread across 26 states of the federation and the FCT since it started in 2008 affecting 800 farms in no fewer than 123 local government areas.

    Mshelbwala, who said that there were no scientifically proven vaccines for bird flu, noted that the Federal Government was adopting quarantine, movement control, stamping out, decontamination and bio-security measures to curb the spread.

    The director expressed regret over the poor bio-security practices by some poultry farmers, adding that it was the major reason for the continuous spread of the disease.

    According to him, the Federal Government has paid over N674 million in compensations to 269 farmers across the affected states.

    “Our national action plan encourages proper regulation of the poultry industry and enforcement of annual registration of all actors along the poultry value chain including farmers, traders, egg merchants and feed millers.

    “It also encourages the creation of veterinary extension services to facilitate the control and proper inspection of poultry and poultry products,’’ he said.

    Mshelbwala said that the way forward to the containment of the disease was to ban importation of poultry and products, quarantine and bio-security measures, among others.

    He, however, warned poultry farmers against illegal vaccination of birds, saying that it was a deadly alternative to the control of the disease.

  • Court remands labourer for rape of 13-year-old girl

    Court remands labourer for rape of 13-year-old girl

    A 25-year-old labourer, Nasiru Ibrahim, who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl, was on Friday remanded in prison custody on the orders of a Kano Magistrates’ Court.

    The accused was arraigned on a one-count charge of rape, contrary to section 283 of the penal code.

    The police prosecutor, ASP Rufa’i Inusa, had told the court that one Sadi Salisu of Unguwa Uku Quarters Kano, reported the case at Zaria Road police station Kano, on May 21.

    Inusa said that on the same date at about 4.30 pm the complainant 13-year-old sister was sent to grind tomatoes.

    “On her way back, Ibrahim deceived and took her into an uncompleted building  near an old graveyard situated at Unguwa Uku and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.”

    The prosecutor said that Ibrahim was caught by a good samaritan while committing the offence.

    However, when the plea of the accused was taken, he pleaded not guilty.

    The Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Jibril, ordered Ibrahim to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till June 29, for further mention.