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Tag: Kano

  • Medical practitioners raise concern over current doctor to patient ratio in Kano

    Medical practitioners raise concern over current doctor to patient ratio in Kano

    The National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners has raised concern over the current doctor to patient ratio in Kano State, threatening to embark on strike from October 1.

    The secretary of the association in Kano, Dr. Anas Idris Hassan, made this known while addressing newsmen on Saturday.

    He stated that despite reaching an agreement with the Kano State Government months in June, their demands are yet to be met.

    Hassan said the government has not addressed the issue of hazard allowance, specifically the post COVID-19 allowance, which has been paid by the federal government since 2021 but yet to be received by Kano doctors.

    He further mentioned that newly employed medical doctors, who were hired by the Kano State Government in September 2023, have not been paid their salaries.

    The medical practitioner also expressed concern over the dilapidated state of Kano hospitals and the lack of necessary equipment, stressing the urgent need to address these issues.

    He highlighted the critical doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s standard.

    He noted that there are an estimated 20 million people in Kano, served by only 600 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients.

  • Constitution Review: Senators list LG autonomy, state police, others at Senate retreat in Kano

    Constitution Review: Senators list LG autonomy, state police, others at Senate retreat in Kano

    The Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review began a two-day retreat in Kano on Friday, lists LG autonomy, state police as key areas of focus.

    The lawmakers also announced plans to produce a draft bill by December 2025.

    Key discussions at the event, jointly organized with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), focused on Local Government (LG) autonomy, state police, and the role of traditional rulers, particularly in addressing security challenges.

    Speakers emphasized the need for joint engagements between the National Assembly, state governors, state assemblies, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed amendments do not face rejection at the state level.

    In his opening remarks, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Jibrin Barau, expressed confidence that the ongoing review would reflect the wishes of Nigerians. He stressed that the constitution review must be guided by values of freedom, equality, and justice.

    Barau called for synergy between the Senate and House of Representatives committees, as well as collaboration with key stakeholders like the executive, governors, and civil society, to ensure a comprehensive and successful review process.

    *”Our decisions will have far-reaching implications for generations to come,”* Barau stated, urging lawmakers to approach the task with care. He described the retreat as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and collective problem-solving.

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, echoed the call for synergy between both legislative chambers. He highlighted the importance of aligning with stakeholders such as traditional rulers and faith-based leaders to achieve successful reforms.

    Kalu also urged for early transmission of resolutions to the states, adding that the collaboration between the Senate and the House would help conclude the constitution review before the commencement of political campaigns leading up to the 2027 elections.

    The Chairman of the Conference of State Houses of Assembly Speakers, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, praised the early start of the review process, contrasting it with the delays during the 9th Assembly. Ogundoyin, who also serves as Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, assured that state assemblies are prepared to review transmitted proposals promptly.

    Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan commended the current Assembly for its efforts and urged lawmakers to pay attention to issues of women’s rights and the constitutional role of traditional rulers. Lawan expressed optimism that the 10th National Assembly would meet the constitutional review targets set by Nigerians.

    He called for legislative action to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on LG autonomy and urged his colleagues to restore local governments’ functionality, emphasizing their importance in governance and development.

    The retreat is aimed at paving the way for significant reforms, focusing on tackling insecurity, strengthening local governance, and addressing gender issues in the constitution. Lawmakers are expected to continue engagements with key stakeholders to finalize the review process.

  • Court rejects APC’s application to stop conduct of Kano LG polls

    Court rejects APC’s application to stop conduct of Kano LG polls

    A Federal High Court in Kano has refused an application by the All Progressives Congress(APC), seeking to stop the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission(KANSIEC) from conducting the Oct. 26 local government elections in the state.

    The applicants  Aminu Aliyu-Tiga and APC through his counsel, Mustapha Idris, filed a motion exparte dated Sept.18 and filed Sept.20.

    The applicant’s are seeking the court to restrain KANSIEC from conducting the elections and also grant an injunction order directing all parties to maintain status quo.

    The respondents are KANSIEC, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General Kano State, INEC, DSS, Commissioner of Police Kano and NSCDC state Commandant.

    Others are Anas Muhammad-Mustapha, Prof Sani Lawal-Malumfashi, Mukhtar Garba-Dandago, Isyaku Kunya, Shehu Kura, Kabiru Zakirai and Aminu Inuwa-Fagge.

    Justice Simon Amobeda, refused the applicants prayers stating that the respondents shall be put on notice to show cause why the prayers shall not be granted.

    The court also approved an accelerated hearing of this case.

    The judge ordered parties to ensure that necessary processes were promptly filed to expedite the quick hearing and resolution of this matter.

    The judge also ordered that no party shall do any act that will prejudice the hearing and quick determination of this matter.

    Amobeda adjourned the matter until Oct.4, for hearing.

    NAN reports that a Kano State High Court on Sept.24, restrained 19 political parties from taking any action that could scuttle or frustrate the forthcoming Local Government Elections in the State.

  • 5 police officers dead, 11 others injured in Kano auto crash

    5 police officers dead, 11 others injured in Kano auto crash

    The Police Command in Kano has confirmed the death of five police officers in a ghastly motor accident at Karfi town in Kura Local Government Area of the state.

    The Spokesman of the Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said 11 other police officers sustained injuries in the crash.

    He said the accident occurred at Karfi village in Kura LGA while the officers were returning to Kano from an official assignment.

    “The accident occurred at Karfi, some few kilometers to Kano and five of the officers died as a result of the accident while 11 others sustained injuries.

    “It was gathered that the vehicle in which the police officers were traveling had a head on collision with a trailer in the village.

    “Five officers died on the spot while 11 others, who sustained various injuries, were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention”.

  • Remo Stars stand firm atop NPFL table after winning in Kano

    Remo Stars stand firm atop NPFL table after winning in Kano

    Leaders Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne returned to the top of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday by stunning former champions and hosts Kano Pillars.

    The 2023/2024 runners-up were dislodged on Saturday by another former champions, Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt who beat hosts Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in Lafia.

    But Remo Stars reclaimed their position with a 2-0 win in Kano about 24 hours later to be on nine points from three games.

    Goals from Sodiq Ismail (26th minute) and Frank Mawuena (60th min.) gave the league leaders the win to preserve their 100 per cent record so far.

    NAN reports that Remo Stars hold sway with an invincibility that has seen them score five goals without conceding in three matches.

    Four of the goals have come from two 2-0 wins away, while they scored the other goal in the only home game they have had so far.

    Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna are also on the upswing, beating hosts Plateau United 2-1 in Jos to move into third position behind Rivers United who are on seven points.

    Kufre Ebong gave them the lead in the 17th minute and he made it a brace for himself in the fourth minute of added time.

    It was a little too late for Plateau United as they scored their lone goal through Sam Pam a minute later.

    Both Rivers United and Niger Tornadoes are on seven points from three matches each, scoring four goals each from two wins and one draw each.

    But, while Rivers United have conceded only one goal so far, Niger Tornadoes have conceded two goals.

    Sunshine Stars FC of Akure could only draw goalless at home in Ijebu-Ode against Abia Warriors of Umuahia to move into fourth place with four points.

    They are, after Match Day 3 fixtures, just ahead of El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri who beat hosts Nasarawa United 4-3 a day earlier in Lafia.

    Both Sunshine Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors are on four points, but the former are better on goals difference, while the latter have however played a match less.

    Heartland FC of Owerri, Ikorodu FC of Lagos, Bayelsa United of Yenagoa and Lobi Stars occupy the table’s bottom spots from 20th up to 17th respectively with one point each.

    Also, Kwara United of Ilorin, Bendel Insurance of Benin and defending champions Rangers International of Enugu have one point each and are in the 16th to 14th spots respectively.

  • Count me out of Kano emirate tussle -Ganduje

    Count me out of Kano emirate tussle -Ganduje

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), D Abdulahi Ganduje has washed his hands off the alleged fresh plot to dethrone the 16th Emir of Kano, Mohammed Lamido Sanusi.

    Report has been circulating in the social media captioned “Ganduje leads fresh plot to dethrone Emir Mohammad Sanusi” and “fresh plot by Ganduje to dethrone Muhammad Sanusi as the Emir of Kano”.

    In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala dispelled the allegations and insinuations, saying his principal has nothing to do with the emirate tussle in Kano.

    He noted that Ganduje was no longer the Governor of Kano state nor the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and so could not be linked with any fresh plot or plan to dethrone or enthrone anyone as Emir of Kano.

    “It should be made categorically clear that Dr. Ganduje has nothing to do with the present enthronement or dethronement of Emir Mohammad Sanusi in Kano state.

    “It should be noted that Dr. Ganduje is no longer the Governor of Kano state or the Speaker of the Kano state House of Assembly and therefore cannot have anything to do further with the Emirship of Kano”.

    According to Chief Okpala, Dr. Ganduje is not also involved in any plan to advise Emir Ado Bayero to abdicate the throne as alleged.

    “It is laughable that Dr. Ganduje who has left office as Governor for some years now would be accused of masterminding a fresh plot to remove or enthrone an Emir.

    “According to the publication Ganduje is not only alleged to be plotting to remove Emir Sanusi, they said he is also plotting to advise Alhaji Ado Bayero to abdicate his throne as Emir of Kano for peace to reign.

    This is to say the least preposterous and absurd”.
    Okpala stated that Ganduje once led and governed Kano state creditably and has since moved on, focusing on other more important national issues, as he leads Nigeria’s governing All Progressives Congress (APC) .

  • Kano building collapse: Death toll rises to 3 – NEMA

    Kano building collapse: Death toll rises to 3 – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the death toll from the building collapse at Noman’s Land Quarters, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano, has risen to three with two injured persons.

    The NEMA Coordinator, Kano Territorial Office, Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, confirmed the development to NAN in Kano on Thursday.

    NAN reports that a two-storey building at Noman’s Land Quarters collapsed at about 2 am.

    Abdullahi said: “Four persons earlier rescued by our team included a husband, wife and two children.

    “Out of the victims, the two children were confirmed dead, while the couple were rushed to Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano for treatment.

    “The dead bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.”

    The NEMA chief also said that the search and rescue operation’s team recovered one trapped body from the rubbles of the collapsed building.

    “Our search and rescue operation is still ongoing to rescue one remaining trapped victim.

    “We are still looking for her, maybe she fell inside water because there is water close to the collapsed building.

    “We ordered the Kano State fire service to dive and check the girl’s body under the water.

    “We have also informed the Emir of Water (Sarkin Ruwa) to check if the water has taken the trapped victim’s body,” Abdullahi said.

    NEMA, Kano State Fire Service, Police, Red Cross, NSCDC, SEMA and other volunteers were among the search and rescue team.

  • 2 dead, 2 injured in Kano building collapse

    2 dead, 2 injured in Kano building collapse

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday confirmed two persons dead and two injured in a two-storey building collapsed at Noman’s Land Fagge Local Government Area of Kano.

    Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, NEMA Coordinator, Kano Territorial Office, confirmed the incident to NAN in Kano.

    He said, “The agency received a distress call today at about 2:00 a.m from a good samaritan that a two-storey building collapsed at Noman’s Land Quarters, Kano.

    “On receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team to the scene.

    “Four persons rescued by our team were husband, wife and two children; out of the victims, the two children were confirmed dead, while the couple were rushed to Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano for treatment” Abdullahi said.

    He noted that the search and rescue operations were still ongoing to rescue trapped persons in the building.

    The Kano State Fire Service, Police, Red Cross, NSCDC, SEMA and others were among the search and rescue team.

  • Kano Perm. Sec., Kwankwaso’s nephew arrested over alleged drug scam

    Kano Perm. Sec., Kwankwaso’s nephew arrested over alleged drug scam

    The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested five persons, including Alhaji Mohammed Kabawa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, over an alleged multi-billion naira drugs supply scam.

    Also arrested by the commission was the chairman of the state branch of  Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir, who is also the Chairman Tauroni Local Government Area (LGA).

    Similarly, the anti-graft agency arrested the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of the NNPP National Leader, Sen. Rabi’u Kwankwaso, in connection with the alleged scam.

    The suspects were accused of connivance to award a contract to Novomed for the supply of drugs to 38 LGAs government areas in the state, thus violating public procurement laws.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that each of the 38 LGAs paid N9.150 million to Novomed for the procurement of drugs but the drugs were not supplied.

    “We have 44 LGAs in the state and they succeeded in collecting N9.150 from 38 councils for supply of the drugs that were not supplied

    “The findings also revealed that all the suspects are cooperating with the commission’s investigation team”, a source close to the case told NAN.

    The Public Relations Officer of the commission, Kabiru Kabiru, confirmed the arrests, adding that the investigation was ongoing.

    Kabiru said the commission was working to unravel the full extent of the alleged scam and bring those responsible to justice.

    He also confirmed that the suspects were in the commission’s custody as at the time of filing this report.

  • 2027: I’ll reclaim Kano for APC – Doguwa

    2027: I’ll reclaim Kano for APC – Doguwa

    Rep. Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano state) has pledged to reclaim Kano state for the All Progressive Congress (APC) and deliver in 2028.

    This will be possible if he is appointed Director-General of the 2027 APC Campaign Project in the state.

    In a statement on Sunday, Doguwa promised the leadership of the party to deliver the presidential and governorship seats.

    “As a 7th term lawmaker, I am seizing the opportunity to urge the leadership of the APC to graciously allow me to coordinate and serve as a Director-General of Kano state APC Campaign  Project in 2027.

    “I vow to deliver victorious results in the gubernatorial and presidential elections before noon on the day of election,” he said.

    Doguwa, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), also pledged selfless service to his constituents, APC and the NASS.

    He said he had remained a strategic member of the APC, of the parliament and a humble servant of his constituents.

    According to him, he stands tall in the Kano state political space as the only member elected under the platform of the APC in the whole of Kano South Senatorial District.

    Doguwa said that he is the only major threat to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government in Kano state and to the National Leader of the party, Sen. Rabiu kwankwaso.

    He said that the NNPP government in Kano state had performed below expectation as it had done little to develop the economic and social wellbeing of the people of Kano state.

    Doguwa refuted his colleague, Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin (NNPC-Kano state), allegation that described him as “an obstacle to peace in Kano state and a liability to the APC”.

    Doguwa, who is also the Chairman, Northern Regional Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, said he will always prefer peace in the state over his political ambition.

    “My peaceful nature and attitude can best be confirmed by my religious and mutual relationship with my constituents, and the traditional rulers.

    “Above all my timely support to the different security agencies like the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the local vigilante groups.

    “I support in many ways, such as distribution of operational vehicles, motorcycles, and other supportive materials and resources.

    “My simple response to the claim that I am a liability to the APC, is that I am an asset, a source of pride, and a goldmine to the APC both in the state and in the country.

    “In my parliamentary or legislative track records, I have never been found to be a traitor, mischievous or disloyal to any of my principals.

    “I have always served and discharged my legislative duties with due diligence and with all sense of humility, honesty, dedication and utmost respect to my colleagues and my principals,” he said.

    Doguwa added that he has never been suspended or found wanting for over 33 years as a member of the House of Representatives.

    He dared Jibrin to present his track records to put the matter to rest once and for all following ongoing disagreements between both Kano state lawmakers.

    Doguwa is also the Chairman Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Pipelines Vandalisation in Nigeria.

    He served as the Majority Leader of the 9th House of Reps and the Chief Whip of the 8th House.

    Other positions held in the past assemblies include, Chairman of Special Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, former Chairman Special Committee on New Naira Re-design, and Chairman Committee on Millennium Development Goals.