By Ihechukwu Sunday
The Federal Government has applauded the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for signing into law the establishment of the Kano Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, a move aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity to combat infectious and tropical diseases.
The commendation came from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Muhammad Pate, who led a high-powered delegation from the ministry, the Gates Foundation, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation on a courtesy visit to the Kano State Government House yesterday.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, noted that Professor Pate’s commendation came less than 24 hours after the governor assented to the bill, expressing confidence that the new law would enhance disease surveillance, prevention and control mechanisms in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Pate revealed that the delegation was in Kano to assess the recent resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in the state, calling for an urgent, coordinated response to curb its spread.
He also raised concerns over Kano’s alarming maternal and newborn mortality rate, which stands at 639 deaths per 100,000 live births, well above the national average. According to the minister, reducing these deaths in Kano would significantly improve Nigeria’s overall health indicators.
To bolster healthcare delivery, the minister announced plans for Federal Government intervention, including the establishment of three maternal care centres and the expansion of primary healthcare services under a special intervention initiative.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Faruq Umar Ibrahim, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to eradicating poliovirus and improving public health in Kano.
He pledged to sustain collaborations with the Gates and Dangote Foundations, recognizing their longstanding commitment to healthcare development in the state.
He noted that while his administration has made significant strides in the health sector, critical challenges remain, particularly in routine immunization, maternal health and supply chain management.
He vowed to intensify immunization efforts, enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and ensure the availability of essential vaccines.
He further disclosed that his government had reinstated counterpart funding for routine immunization, addressing gaps inherited from the previous administration and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services.
On his part, Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, recalled that the organization had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kano State Government in 2012 to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization.
However, with the resurgence of cVDPV, he emphasized the need for renewed efforts to eliminate the disease once and for all.
Similarly, Dr. Ahmad Iyan, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, conveyed Alhaji Dangote’s deep concern over the poliovirus resurgence in Kano. He stressed that the business magnate remains committed to ensuring Nigeria is completely free from polio.
Dr. Iyan acknowledged the frustration of returning to the fight against poliovirus a decade after the last recorded case of wild polio virus in Kano but urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts in tackling the root causes of the outbreak.
With strong commitments from both the state and federal governments, alongside continued support from international partners, Kano is set to reinforce its healthcare system and combat emerging health threats.
As stakeholders gear up for a renewed fight against poliovirus and other public health challenges, the establishment of the Kano Centre for Disease Control marks a critical step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of residents.
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Obi prays for God to grant Soludo greater heights Chuks Eze The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to show humility, gratitude and compassion, following what he described as an ‘unfortunate and bitter’ outburst by the governor. Speaking to journalists at the just-concluded Nigeria Guild of Editors meeting at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, Obi congratulated Soludo for securing a second tenure and urged him to appreciate God’s mercies by responding to victory with grace rather than resentment. Obi’s remarks came after Soludo provoked controversy during his certificate-of-return ceremony, where he mocked his critics by calling Obi a ‘frustrated politician without a club’ and accused him of damaging the education system in Anambra. “I feel compelled to respond because if I do not, I will be accused of dodging the question,” Obi said, expressing surprise at Soludo’s remarks. “On an occasion meant to celebrate his certificate of return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure; a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity, he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate.” Obi clarified his involvement in the recent Anambra election, saying, “I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited. At none of these events did I mention anyone by name or meet with traditional rulers, market leaders or any other group to discuss candidates. There was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation,” he stressed. Reflecting on the Election Day, Obi recounted how he quietly fulfilled his civic duty, conscious of the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership. “I witnessed irregularities and disruptions that could have easily escalated into chaos,” he said. “When outsiders attempted to cast votes in our community, I stepped in and urged my people to remain calm and allow them to act peacefully. In that moment, I was reminded that integrity must always take precedence over politics. True leadership is measured, not by the contest for power, but by the courage to uphold fairness, restraint and the dignity of our people, even in the most trying circumstances.” Addressing Soludo’s mocking remarks, he used a vivid metaphor from football to clarify his perspective: “On the day of the election, journalists approached me as if I were on the ballot. I reminded them that I served as governor 13 years ago and have since moved on to a higher level in national politics. In football terms, if gubernatorial candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. I play well at that level, and my record speaks for itself.” He also reflected on his age and historic achievements in Anambra State. “In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our 40s. I was the first to serve a second tenure. I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God grants him even greater heights, if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion and a genuine concern for the people,” he said. He concluded with an appeal, saying, “We must recognise the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness; it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people.”
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