Abdullahi Umar Ganduje The National Chairman of the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),
By Edwin Olofu Chief Press Secretary to the National Chairman of APC.
As Nigerians celebrate the 63 Independence anniversary of the country, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has assured of good governance under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
In a goodwill message, signed by his Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje called on the citizenry not to despair as measures already put in place by the APC-led administration would reposition the country to achieve growth and development.
The APC chairman called on Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious leanings to sustain the culture of peaceful coexistence to ensure the unity and cohesion of the country.
According to him: “On behalf of the entire members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to all Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day Anniversary celebrations. I rejoice with you. I salute you all.
“Today is indeed an auspicious day as it marks an epoch in the life of our dear nation. Sixty-three years ago, on this very day, our beloved country was granted independence to chart its destiny and build a new nation!
“Without a doubt, you will agree with me that the journey has not been without obstacles. It has been characterized by opportunities, prospects and challenges including a three-year civil war which has brought out the resilient Nigerian spirit of perseverance, industry and abiding faith in the country.
“As a party, let me restate that the APC will remain true to its promises and pledges to the people. None of these promises I repeat, will escape our attention and none will be treated lightly.
“The present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready to live up to the renewed Hope manifesto of the APC- to reposition Nigeria towards sustainable growth, development and economic prosperity.
” Fortunately he has hit the ground running to fix the infrastructural and economic reversals of the previous years.
“Under this administration, Nigerians can rest assured that it will be fine again, that their worries will be made a thing of the past, that both the youth and age will be well secured.
“There will be sufficient jobs with decent wages, medicare, housing and other basic infrastructure that can guarantee the citizenry a better life.
“At this juncture, let me recognise and appreciate the immeasurable contributions, efforts, sacrifices and patriotism of our founding fathers, their vision, courage and perseverance laid the foundation for the emergence of this great and inspiring nation called Nigeria.”
Even in advanced Democracies like that of Northern parts of the world it will be very difficult to fight Judicial Arm of Government in Democratic System. In any Democratic settings, no Arm of Government can fight Judicial Arm and succeed. Even the President in Democratic System or Governor can’t succeed if he has the intention to fight Judicial Arm of Government. They are the most important and strongest arm in Democracy. Their word “Yes or No” is final.
You can challenge them with the fact in laws (Constitutionally) UpTo the Supreme Court of Justice but not with derogatory words. Derogatory word is not part of Democracy. The system prioritize peace, stability, economic security and societal development.
Judicial Arm of Government are the most organized and most vibrant part (platform) of Democracy. In social sciences (in all-over the world) they are the most “learned people” in knowledge because they are the best in research and interpretation of laws. Research is an important part and back bone of knowledge in any parts of the world.
What is knowledge? Experts assert that knowledge means “analysis and interpretation of knowledge is what makes someone to be described as knowledgeable”. This means that if you can’t analyze and interpret what the knowledge says, this means you’re not talking about knowledge but something else.
Both Judicial Arm of Government and political parties are amongst the 57 key elements and principles of Democratic System. Global political strategy/communication experts such as Professor Albena Azmanova cautioned that “Democracy never fight one another”. This means that Democratic system is not an issue of fight or using derogatory words against anybody. The system is purely for the benefits of the world, the nation and global societies. Former (late) President of America George Washington popularize the saying that “Democracy is a game of the people, by the people and for the people”. That’s Democracy for you in both advanced and emerging democracies like Nigeria.
Although Professor Paul Collier of Oxford University London, observed in his book (Wars, Guns and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places, UK, 2009) that Africa will make a good show in the near future in democracy.
This is a good system that was created in Athens 508Century to give opportunity for global citizen in every human society to vote or be voted to represent the electorates in the corridor of power for the sake of governance. And the system will work effectively if rules and principles of the game is use correctly. The current President of America Joe Biden says yesterday (28/09/2023) that “something dangerous is happening in America now”. This is as a result of impeachment inquiry begins in the National Assembly of America. But experts argues that the impeachment will not succeed for the fact that it has to go via Senate which the Democrat party has the majority 51/49 more than the Republican party. Hence, Democratic System is about rules and principles of the Constitution of the land.
*Judicial Arm—–
The work of Judicial Arm of Government is to interpreat the laws of the land that is enacted or formulated by the Legislative Arm of Government and signed up by the Executive Arm of Government of the Nation or State. Hence, the system is very simple to be practiced/operated.
This writing understands that Judicial Arm of Government seems to be the strongest arm in the system. This is because of the fact that law is the most important part of the system and is the platform that everyone must go to in case of any wrong doing. Judicial Arm is the final resolution to any wrong or right doing and the last hope of a common man or any politician. Judicial Arm is the most important part of the Democratic System. Only lawyers and judges understand the law not ordinary people.
*Political party—–
Political parties are an important part of the Democratic System. It entails human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of want, elections etc. Political party is the platform whereby every member of the party can contest in elections. But political parties are the formation and authorisation of the Constitution in a Democratic System. And it’s the Judiciary that has the knowledge to interpret the Constitution of the country.
We need to stand up and protect the Democratic System in Nigeria. As a country with 3% of global population the system may help the future generations yet unborn in the years to come. If Nigeria’s Democracy must succeed; both political stakeholders and pragmatic politicians must allow the law to take it’s cause.
Abbati Bako,psc,bsis,UK Political Strategy and Communication Consultant and former Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (OFR) on Public Affairs—–
The Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Hajiya Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, has lamented how good traditions of Hausa people were abandoned and discarded by the society.
She said the ministry is determined to revitalize and mark such important heritages which, according to her, truly showcased the ways of life of Hausa people.
The Commissioner made the disclosure while discussing with journalists as part of World Tourism Day celebration held at Kano State Tourism Board, Wednesday.
Accordingly, the ministry is making arrangements to celebrate ‘Kallan kowa immediately after harvesting period, Garko pointed out.
Kallon kowa is a long-forgotten culture in Hausaland, where people, especially farmers, expressed their appreciations for the farm produce they harvested from their farms.
The Commissioner said the ministry is reviewing some of the culture that are no longer practiced, with view to reinvigorate and present them to the world at subsquent cultural festivals.
She then thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for all the necessary support and cooperation given to the ministry.
When shall the world be at peace and free of war, security challenges and conflicts and can the Havana’s meeting of G77+ 2023 change the world of our time?
Abbati Bako,psc,bsis,Kent,UK Political Strategy and Communication Consultant IPRC, Nigeria-
Can we described the current G77+ as a replica of Non-aligned Nations? This means that Non-aligned Nations perished in the history of global political economic and social activities? What are the activities of the non-aligned countries? For what purpose was the organization created? What is their foreign policy stance? Does the organization so far achieve its purpose and objectives as regards to foreign policy stance? Does it have a similar function with NATO, Commonwealth or G77+ for example? What future prospect does the movement have? And why some other nations of the world did not join the movement especially developed nations of the northern part of the world? After analyzing and digesting these questions this writing will come up with its argument as whether the countries that aligned themselves as G77+ can achieve desirable foreign policy result or not . And again, the Havana’s meeting will change the global economic direction or global political and social issues.
Also the writing will base its argument on actions rather than on mere statements. For example, on September 11, 2007 the non aligned movement rejected any “interference” in Iran nuclear transparency deal with United Nations inspectors by western countries through the United Nations Security Council. And again, on July 30, 2008 the non-aligned movement welcomed the continuing cooperation of Iran and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and reaffirmed Iran’s right to the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. This is the kind of statements used to come out from this movement but with no actions; in case of an aggression or military attack from the west or Israel what measures or action would the non-aligned movement will take? For the past more than fifty years; this organization has never taken any practical actions that will safeguard or serve the interest of their member nations. Has they ever do? Can the Havana’s meeting be purely the global solutions to economic crunch and aridity especially amongst the global South?
In the early 1960 to 1990s the activities of non-aligned countries include holding conferences at different time around the world; voicing out their views on world affairs, be it economy, social and political matters. That is to say the main aims are to represent the political, economic and cultural interest of the developing world. The NAM does not have the constitution or a permanent secretariat. Its highest decision making body is the conference of heads of states or government, which usually meets once every three years. At this time the post of NAM chair is passed to the host country of the summit. Cuba took up the chair of the NAM at the September 2006 at Havana summit, taking over from Malaysia. The last meeting was held in July 2009 in Egypt. Since then much has not been heard of Non-aligned Nations. History repeat itself this year 2023 the meeting of G77+ took place in Havana’s Cuba and over 134 nations were in attendance and their final resolutions was on global economic direction. This is for the fact that the global economy is shrinking since the global population reaches 8+Billion.
Nicholas Rengger observed that, “Since mid-1950s delegation from countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America have met in conference, from time to time, to define their common attitude with relation to international affairs, and to try to bring about closer solidarity in economic, cultural, and political field. These countries, which represent the less privileged parts of the world as some time referred to as “third world” or since most of them form part of neither the western (capitalist) bloc or the eastern (communist) bloc, as the “non aligned” or uncommitted nations.” Nicholas Rengger concluded.
*Countries independence
In this respect, it is worth saying that, the non- aligned countries had made tremendous achievements by taking stand in their foreign policy to see all nations of the world got independence from their colonies and maintain peace and integrity in their sovereign nations. But this writing argue that in term of economic and practical political prosperity the non- aligned nations are still backward, some of them underwent civil war, military coups and dictatorship and some are still at loggerhead with each other, like India and Pakistan.
But very few of them, like Brazil, Indonesia and India just to cite example (the formation of BRICS is a fantastic economic idea or the changing of opening up of G+77), who the world must be recon with in the world economy and democratic practice. Another negative example is on one of the non-aligned member nation that is Bangladesh. The foreign policy of this poor nation with other countries of the world has been so moderate and place heavy reliance on multinational diplomacy especially at the United Nations and WTO since independence in 1971.
It stressed its principle of friendship towards all nations of the world. But still the country remains the most corrupt and poorest nation on earth. Why non-aligned nations cannot help the poor nations like Bangladesh, as the EU trying to bail out Greece or Spain from economic crunch or aridity? Can the G77+ do such kind of bailout made to Spain, Greece and other European Nations?
This writing understands that the NAM relevance in the affairs of the world must be questioned. And the same question can be applied for G77+. Since the collapsed of USSR and the death of cold war the NAM outlived its usefulness. In fact, globalization marginalized the activities of non-aligned movement. This writing understands that the non-aligned countries have not achieved much purpose in term of economic independence among themselves for the past 70 years.
Sincerely, the future of NAM depended solely on its response to global challenges and the same thing can happens to G77+. Second, the purpose of the organization as stated in the Havana convention of 1979 to ensure the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racism and all form of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference or hegemony as well as against great power and bloc politics. Hence, the same thing can happens to G77+. Also among the purpose include, respect for the fundamental human rights and for the purposes and principles of the charter of the United Nations. Third, although no point has been raised on security matters among non-aligned countries in those years, this writing understands there is need that the non-aligned countries to include security stand in their foreign policy; similar to that of NATO. This means that the G77+ can do that but emphasis must be given to economy.
For example, NATO has been in existence since April 1944. USA, Canada and ten European nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington DC. Today seven decades plus some months; the NATO offer security for its allies in Europe and other continents of the world; and that helped much in spreading western type of democracy and capitalist system economy and suppresses of communism around the world. Forth, the possibility of future prospect among non-aligned nations is very bleak. No nation or organization can achieve any economic, political or social prosperity without security among its members. The non-aligned nations consists more than 55% of the world population, but what benefit are they gaining within themselves in term of economy and security since the past 77 years? None!
Currently, the G77+ consists of about 80% of global population and 2/3 of global economic interplay. Can they come out with effective, sound and serialize strategic economic planning that will change the global economic impact in favour to Global South? This writing understands that is possible. But the primary aim of the movement is to avoid backing, supporting or aligning with any super power nation or bloc in case of war or conflicts; but the foreign policy of current generations of global leadership must change to a more peaceful world than before. The current war between Russia and Ukraine must be brought to an end. Negotiations and mediations under the leadership of UN and NGO’S can be an effective an sound to resolve the crisis.
The past signing agreements in2010 and beyond between Washington and Moscow on reducing nuclear stock files is a very good example. This writing argue that non-aligned movement is a toothless, hungry and sick dog in terms of security and economic solidarity. The non-aligned movement held meeting in Cuba on June 2-5, 1982 and “approved a resolution sponsored by Cuba, (but modified), supporting Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Falkland (Malvinas) Island, deploring the British offensive to recapture the island from Argentina and underlining that the British policy backed by the United States was affecting the whole region”. Hence, all the past happened should be forgotten and all the global stakeholders Relationship- be focused on global economic growth.
*NON-ALIGNED NATIONS
If, from the beginning, the aims and objectives of the founding fathers of this movement were to freeing the nations from colonialism, racism and nepotism, they left legacy and deserved credit for the job well done and their desirable efforts to salvage their nations from foreign domination and colonization. But now we are in the 21st century living in the globalized system where democracy and market capitalist economy uniting the nations; example, the 28 European Nations (EU), the G7, the BRICS and G20 and (democracy never fight one another) and G77+. The cold war was no more. The era of USA—USSR struggle for world power is now a history; there is only one world super power that is the USA. The struggle and the aim of foreign policy of today’s modern world are to dominate the world with economic power and ensure the security of all members of the organization or movement. So, the issue of wars, conflicts and other global crisis must be resolved for the sake of “YOU THE PEOPLE!”
This writing argues that the framework that governing the foreign policy of non-aligned movement must be re-check, re-shape and re-designed to come to terms and conditions with the globalization’s policy of the world, although this writign strongly view that the NAM nations should sticks to their own culture and values, but they should fine tune their foreign policy on economy, security and foreign policy for the benefit of the member nations of non-aligned movement. Therefore, the same policy can be maintained by G77+ Nations. And the BRICS’s “World Development Bank” and United Nations’ Agency (WB/IMF) can find tune ways and means (not be rival) to come to terms that will help South South Nations of the World to solve their economic aridity.
Professor Chris Brown observed that “From a foreign policy perspective, states attempt to change their environment in accordance with aims and objectives they have set for themselves. From a structural perspective, states attempt to adapt to their environment, making the best of the cards the system has dealt them. Either way, states act in the world. How? What is the nature of diplomacy or ‘statecraft’-a slightly old-world term that has recently been given a new lease of life? “ The thoughts and decision making of today’s leaders seems to be different from leaders of 19s or 20s century. This writing understands that the global leadership of today is much more concerned with the general peace of human family than competitions in nuclear arms race. The race is on capitalist market economy, democracy, equality, human rights, rules of law and “Globalization Policy”.
Therefore, non-aligned nations must take notes that developing their own nations at this comparatives world is not an easy task. Europe and America were not built over night; it took time for planning, sacrifice, perseverance, hardworking, determination and patriotism. It is absolutely imperative for the so called non-aligned movement to take similar measures if they are to develop their own parts of the world; for themselves and the generation yet unborn. This writing refers the Non-aligned Nations to G77+ movement similar in policy on economy much than the arms race in this world. This writing understands that the global North should ensure global economic balance with the Global South. Africa has about 35% of global resources hence, Global Economic Integration should critically looks at Africa especially on FDR. Africa is a huge market having 17% of global population.
Countries that are not in non-aligned nations There are several countries that are not in non-aligned movement; most of them are advanced nations of Europe and North America. These countries are called first world. These countries are democratic and capitalist oriented nations. These countries are highly developed in term of human development indices. The first world countries of the world are measured by their power of wealth (Gross National Product) GNP, military mighty, social and political standard. The United States of America, Canada and the European countries are good examples of first world countries or called technologically advanced nations. United States of America is currently the global leader (26 of global economic activities takes place there) they are the economic power house of the world but with only 4% of global population (according to George Friedman,09).
On the other hand, European Union (EU) is an economic and political union between 28+ member countries located primarily in Europe. They developed a single market through a standardized system of law which applies in all member states, ensuring the free movement of people, goods, and services and speaks with one voice when it matters world politics, economy or security issue. Some of these countries remain observers in the activities of non-aligned movement. The rationale behind why the advanced countries are not in the non-aligned movement is because of their contention and satisfactions in the affairs of the world and absolute control of their foreign policy mission. They have already developed their own part of the world.
The developed nations are the one formulates the activities of the world affairs; be it economy, political and social matters. They are not dependent at all economically or otherwise; with or without most of the nonaligned countries the advanced countries can survive forever. Therefore, they have no intention what so ever to design a foreign policy that will make it imperative for them to join such ineffective organization.
Second, they also have their own different organizations such as NATO, G7, EU and so on; which they channeled their foreign policy stance unanimously. These organizations are more vibrant, sophisticated and advanced and far more effective in foreign policy mission than the so called non-aligned movement.
Last, another reason is that, the absolute control of United Nations Security Council is in their hands, therefore, the fear of any foreign policy mission that will go contrary or against their wishes has not been expected and could not go beyond their sight. Also, most of the nations in the NAM are dependent in terms of economy, while advanced nations are independent economically.
*Conclusion
For many years the non-aligned movement leaders have been criticizing USA and Western world over the control of United Nations and other international structures. The question one might ask is, apart from verbal criticism what action has the NAM taken? Also, the Non-aligned movement criticized the USA for the invasion of Iraq and the right of the North Korea to own a nuclear technology. What of the other side of the issue? (That is the terrorism and the competition of nuclear arm race?). Non-aligned movement must reinvent its purpose in the current world system. Another major question is whether the NAM can maintain its fundamental ideologies, principles and national independence and territorial integrity and other struggle against colonialism and imperialism at this time of globalization and in the name of G77+? If no, this writing has argues that there is an urgent need of dissolution of this ineffective organization or on the other hand the foreign policy stance of non-aligned movement or G77+ be redefined. If yes, it is necessary for the movement to emphasize its principles of multilateralism, equality and non aggression. But the NAM must learn from other sister organizations such as EU, NATO and so on and so forth; in the need to become a stronger voice for the Global South, and an instrument that can be utilized to promote the needs of member nations at the international level and strengthened their political leverage when negotiating with developed nations. This writing strongly repeat that if NAM or G77+ cannot fine tune its foreign policy stance that will make it effective and vibrant in the current globalized world the organization be dissolved.
Abbati Bako,psc,UK,Political Strategy and Communication Consultant, IPRC Nigeria
Ref……-BBC website 2009 -Brown, Chris, Understanding International Relations, (New York, 2005) Pp80 -Belis, John, the Globalization of World Politics, (New York, 2008/2020) Pp17-27 -NAM news, website, George Friedman USA,2009 -Regger, Nicholas, Treaties and alliances of the world, fifth edition, (UK 1990) Pp551
The Act chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Bala Sani Shehu, better known as Bala Malam, has restated the commitment of the athletes for the ongoing NYG in Asaba.
Alhaji Balama Sani Shehu, in an interview with newsmen, said all arrangements have already been put in place as Kano athletes start chasing medals.
The chairman said this is the first in history, as all Kano athletes have passed the screening.
The leader of the delegation, Alhaji Bala Sani, assured that Kano athletes are in a strong position and will continue to play by the rules of the game at the 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba.
The Act. chairman thanks the Kano state government for the kind consideration given to them to carry out their duty.
Kano state Government has reaffirmed it’s determination towards achieving workable budget at the local government areas for the year 2024.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam stated this while flagging off a two day workshop for the local government personnel that will populate the 2024 annual budget in compliance with National chart of account, international public sector accounting standard (IPSAS) holding at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna State.
The Deputy Governor who was represented by the Senior Special Adviser on Local Government Affairs Hon. Garba Durbende explained that,the Kano state governments under the watch of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf will not relent on it’s efforts towards achieving a total shift in the accounting reporting system and budgetary process both at Federal, state and local governments, this made it imperative for Local government councils to recognize, accept and familiarize themselves with the nitty-gritty of the substances, This also informed the choice of local government Treasurers,Heads of PRS and internal Auditors to be the first batch of the selected participants of the seminar who are responsible for preparation, compilation and tracking of local government annual budget and other accounting transactions.
He thereby charged the participants to pay attention on what will be transferred through out the season.
Earlier in a welcome address the permanent Sectary,Kano state ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs,Yusuf Datti Hussain commended the Kano state governments for organizing and ensuring the workshop became a reality.
Yusuf Datti further assuared their readiness towards achieving proper implementation of policies and programmes for the well being of residents of Kano state.
In a paper titled, Budget Process and key consideration at local government areas level by Yakubu Sabi’u Garin Danga,a Director in Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget highlighted some of the strategic process of allocating resources for effective budget implementation at local government levels.
The Two day workshop is expected to be concluded on Sunday the 24th September,2023.
In 2019, the Kano State Primary Health Care Board took a proactive step in improving healthcare access for its citizens. They constituted a Minimum Service Package Monitoring Team (MSP MT), entrusted with the crucial task of monitoring and tracking MSP implementation. Their mission included mobilizing and coordinating resources from government, partners, philanthropists, and community volunteers, all aimed at aligning efforts towards MSP implementation.
Fifty Primary Health Centers (PHCs) were carefully chosen to pilot the Kano Minimum Service Package (MSP) program, and their journey yielded remarkable achievements. The MSP MT engaged tirelessly with the staff of these facilities, community support structures, and various stakeholders at all levels to ensure these healthcare centers functioned optimally.
Health facility engagement visits were carried out, accompanied by the development of improvement plans and costings in alignment with the BHCPF quality improvement plan. Moreover, sources of funding for each facility were identified to support MSP implementation. Monthly facility revisits and regular night shift visits became routine, all in pursuit of the noble goal: ensuring at least one functional health facility per ward and enhancing access to quality healthcare services.
Recognizing the need to expand the MSP program’s reach, the Kano State Primary Health Care Board made the decision to increase the number of MSP facilities to one hundred in the current year. To achieve this, decentralizing the MSP monitoring structure became essential for efficient tracking, resource mobilization, coordination, and oversight functions.
In light of these objectives, MSP monitoring team members were carefully selected from across all 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, based on predefined criteria.
With invaluable support from UNICEF and technical expertise provided by CHAI, a comprehensive two-day orientation meeting was conducted for 132 LGA MSP monitoring team members. These teams are now poised to play a pivotal role in providing oversight functions, aligning resources, and closely monitoring and tracking MSP operationalization at the facility level.
Conclusion:
The expansion of the Minimum Service Package Monitoring Team and the continued commitment of the Kano State Primary Health Care Board demonstrate a strong dedication to enhancing healthcare access and quality for the people of Kano. The remarkable progress achieved thus far serves as a testament to the power of effective collaboration, resource mobilization, and tireless effort in pursuit of better health outcomes for all.
As we move forward with our expanded team and renewed vigor, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that every community in Kano has access to quality healthcare services through functional health facilities. The journey continues, and together, we will achieve even greater milestones in the realm of public health.
Malam Idris Nuhu is the Program Manager Minimum Service Package Monitoring Team Under Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board
The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has unveiled a beneficiary guide that explains the relevant procedures the beneficiaries should follow before accessing funds from the Agency.
It could be recalled that the Agency was established by the Kano state government under the law No. 3 of 2017 and charged with responsibility of collection, managing and disbursing funds to the public health institutions and other health related services in the state through their MDAs.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the guide has explicitly stated the procedure and process of accessing the funds, as well as how application should be made by the beneficiary agencies.
Dr. Labaran explained that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is poised to revitalizing the health sector of the state, pleasurably noting that that is why His Excellency is strengthening the health agencies for them to achieve their mandates effectively and efficiently.
The Commissioner further stated that KHETFUND has been a very significant Agency in the state’s healthcare system that supports its sister agencies and health educational institutions financially in executing projects and programmes that enhance service delivery in the health facilities.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Hajiya Amina Aliyu Musa, Dr. Labaran has charged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the guide for the overall benefit of the people of the state.
He commended the effort of the KHETFUND for coming up with the guide, maintaining that it is in line with the commitment of His Excellency of ensuring prudence, transparency and accountability in his administration.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Fatima Zahradeen, said the decision to come up with the guide is necessary owing to the commitment of the administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf of total transformation of the health sector of the state, and to address the funding gap which is in tandem with the global best practice.
She said the Agency is receiving lofty of requests from its various beneficiaries on healthcare system as a whole to provide interventions, adding that the funds are accessed after assessment, screening and verification before onward transmission to the Honourable Commissioner for approval.
Dr. Fatima added that in view of these voluminous requests, the Agency deems it pertinent to come up with the booklet which plainly spelt out sources of the fund, funds utilization, beneficiaries and the process of accessing the funds.
She enjoined all beneficiaries specially focal persons to abide by the guide and consider it as their guideline for accessing the funds, and to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the resource utilization in any approved intervention.
The Executive Secretary eulogized the sterling leadership style of Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf for his support to her agency in approving requests that require uppermost attention so as to maintain the sustenance of the universal health coverage in the state.
The Director Operation of the Agency, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Adamu, later took the participants to the general overview of the KHETFUND and content of the beneficiary guide and entertained questions, comments and observations with a view to make the guide stronger.
The Staff of Kano State Primary Health Care Facilities has been warned to be Dedicated and Prudent in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Director General Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board Dr Muhammad Nasir Mahmoud give the warning while meeting with Apex facility In-charges, Local Government Areas Drug officers, Primary Health Care Coordinators, and Zonal Directors at the Board Headquarters.
Dr. Nasir who highlighted on the huge resources allocated to the health Sector especially at the Primary Health Care facilities said, the present administration has observe with dismay how some facilities in charges are under utilizing and handling funds under Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency Fund (KSCHMA) and directed for proper Utilization of the funds allocated for the purpose meant for.
The Director General further stated that Government has completed arrangements for the general rehabilitation of all facilities as well as provision of working material to the facilities as part of effort to enhance services at the Facilities.
Dr. Nasir stressed the need for all staff to redouble efforts in discharging their responsibilities inorder to compliment the present administration efforts towards the enhancement of the Primary Health Care service in the State.
The High-level strategy which lasted for three days is a session involving Apex facility In-charges, LGA drug officers, PHC coordinators, and Zonal Directors convened with the Director General to optimized BHCPF and KCHMA funds for healthcare excellence.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated Solar Power accessories to 30 Schools selected from 11 Local Government Areas of Kano State.
The items which were distributed to 15 Primary Schools and 15 integrated Islamiyya Schools of the state include 120 Solar Panels, 60 Batteries, 30 Solar Inverters and 30 Charge regulators.
It could be recalled that UNICEF had recently distributed Tablets to 65 Primary Schools in Kano under the Nigeria Learning Passport programme to increase access to learning platform to schools’ pupils.
Handing over the solar accessories to the state ministry of education, the UNICEF Chief Field Officer Mr. Raham Rahul Muhd disclosed that the donation was part of the UNICEF commitment to expand access to learning through dedicated online platform to children under the Programme of Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP).
” Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform that offers curriculum designed content for early childhood education, primary and secondary education, Adolescent skills and Technology/Vocational education.
” The programme therefore responds to the need of both in and out of school children and youth who are in need of additional support to receive education of sufficient quality ” he said.
Mr. Rahul noted that Kano State is still left behind in access to and use of the learning passport, stressing that there is need for the state to reach a target of 75,000 Subscribers and Users by December, 2023.
According to him, the state was able to meet the target of only 22,000 subscribers and that explains the need to redouble it’s effort in involving teachers, students and parents in the platform system.
He further maintained that the donated items should primarily be utilized to support digital learning readily available and accessible to the intended beneficiaries.
” I therefore urged the beneficiaries schools to make the best use of the items by giving them the needed protection as well as proper maintenance ” he appealed.
Receiving the items, the state Commissioner of education Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa represented by the Permanent Secretary Hajiya Kubra Imam thanked UNICEF for donating the solar items, assuring that the ministry would form a strong monitoring team that would go round to ensure proper utilization of the items by the benefiting schools.
The Commissioner also implored Community and Schools Based Management Committee (SBMC) to work together in ensuring that the items are properly utilized.
Doguwa disclosed that considering the importance of the digital learning passport programme, the ministry would be fully committed to see that Kano meets 100% of Subscribers and Users of the platform.
” We are going to use all the necessary measures to meet not only 70% of digital learning subscribers in Kano but we are hoping to reach the target of 100% digital learning subscribers in our schools ” said Doguwa.
Fame News 