KNSG to Utilize International Development and Donor Projects-Kano AG

Abdulkadir Abdulsalam Accountant General Kano State

By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa

Kano state Government under the leadership of Executive Governor Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf reaffirmed its commitment to pursue all assisted World Bank projects and other international donor funding Agencies towards achieving project deliverables within         iron-triangle constraints (scope, cost and time).

In a statement signed by the Director Public Enlightment Ministry of Finance Bashir Habib Yahaya stated that,The assertion was made by the Accountant General of the State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam during a strategic meeting with the state stakeholders of international development and donor funded projects including coordinators, accountants and supervising MDAs.

Abdulsalam questioned why some of the projects fail to achieve the project deliverables within time and that led to serious setback towards in terms of socio-economic development of the state. He made an example of water, education, health and agricultural projects and linked there importance to the human capital development of Kano residents.

Abdulkadir has assured Kano people of His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf commitment to ensure maximum utilization of all international development and donor projects towards uplifting livelihood and prosperity of Kano state residents.

In his remarks shortly afterthoughts meeting on behalf of all stakeholders, the state coordinator of Agro precessing productivity enhancement and livelihood improvement support project (APPEALS), Malam Hassan Ibrahim registered his appreciation and described the meeting as key toward achieving more development

He thanks the new Accountant General on behalf of the projects staff and emphasized that the forum had gingered them to put more efforts on various projects to achieve the desired goals

Hajj 2023: We Loss no Pilgrim in Medina – NAHCON*

Sheikh Ibrahim Idris Mahmud

By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that it has recorded no loss of pilgrims in Medina.

The NAHCON Medina Coordinator, Sheikh Ibrahim Idris Mahmud, made the disclosure in press briefing held yesterday at the NAHCON office in Medina

According to a statement signed by  Mal. Ibrahim Abdullahi Member, National Media Team National Hajj Commission
said that as at yesterday, 33,818 pilgrims had arrived Medina in 80 flights while 10,386 have so far moved to Mecca in preparations of the Hajj exercise.

The Coordinator further stated that within this period, pilgrims have been performing their prayers in the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Mosque and making visitations to some spiritual and historical places.

Sheikh Mahmud also said that NAHCON has opened central clinic at the Commission’s office and three other outposts in strategic pilgrims accommodations in order to attend to pilgrims that need medical care.

The Coordinator pointed out that NAHCON has inspectoral, monitoring and evaluation committees that go round and listen to pilgrims and submit reports to the relevant committees for proper actions, adding that it aimed at ensuring that the interests of the pilgrims are adequately looked after.

He also disclosed that there has been a manager in each building accommodating pilgrims and his room and contact are made known to them so that whatever pilgrim wants if he/she contact the manager he will link him up to the relevant committee so that his/her ordeal is addressed in due course.

The Coordinator noted that the Commission is aware that some caterers are not complying with the agreed terms and conditions of feeding the pilgrims, pointing out that NAHCON has summoned and discussed with them that if there is any problem they should let the Commission know for proper action to be taken and can work together to sort it out, adding that “And we warned them them that they should abide by our rules and regulations.    

On Raudha permit, Sheikh Mahmud explained that the issue started last year and NAHCON was not aware till when they came to Saudi Arabia where the authority told them that Raudha permit has been introduced that no pilgrim will be allowed access to Raudha except he/she has permit.

He further explained that this year NAHCON has made arrangement for ensuring that every pilgrim has opportunity to entre Raudha, lamenting that “Unfortunately, about three to four days back we couldn’t register a pilgrim due to technical problems. Even on Wednesday  we had meeting with the officer in-charge of the Raudha. He told us that we should exercise patience because they have about 60,000 applications from various countries hanged. And states pilgrims welfare boards are aware of it.”    

On reducing the number of days in Medina, the Coordinator said that the construction works being taken place in Medina causes congestion, which is why NAHCON was advised to reduce days of staying in Medina for two reasons; first for the NAHCON to bring in more pilgrims, second for the Saudi authority to decongest the city.
   
He concludes “Life is all about challenges. As I am speaking to you, these challenges are being addressed. The Commission’s management is committed to ensuring that pilgrims are performing their Hajj rites in ease while staying in Medina.”

No cause for alarm, Visa processing on course – NAHCON

Our attention has been drawn to a news story in the Leadership newspaper of today, Friday 9th June to the effect that over 45000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj. This is as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This report is not only misleading but mischievous aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.

Truly, there was a technical problem relating to the visa processing, but it has been resolved at the moment, visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues. Thus far, over 35000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be airlifted in the next 10 days.
It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots more than 58,000 visas have been processed so far for Nigerian pilgrims. Of these, 20000 visas were issued between yesterday and today while the remainder will be processed by tomorrow. Despite the hiccup, the Commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before the 20th of this month.

As a matter of fact, all the states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement. Moreover, considering our resolve to airlift all our pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat and the need to synchronize the airlift with the available accommodation in the city and not to overcrowd the place the commission was cautious of pushing more pilgrims out
In conclusion we want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.

We therefore urge the public and the pilgrims to disregard the news report which is meant to cause disaffection, panic and anxiety among Nigerians. We want to reiterate our commitment to airlift every eligible Nigerian pilgrims to the Holy land not only in good time but also in comfort and best welfare service.

Mousa Ubandawaki
Deputy Director, Information and Publication

Kano Deputy Governor Affirms No Reversal on Demolition of Illegal Structures

By Najib Danbazau

Comr. Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo
Deputy Governor Kano State
(Photo Credit: GKR)

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has reiterated the government’s commitment to continue with the ongoing demolition of illegal structures, originally initiated by the previous administration.

Speaking during a meeting with members from the Association of Progressive Tarauni LGA at the Government House yesterday (Thursday), the Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and restoring order in urban areas.

Abdussalam stressed the necessity of demolishing these structures to ensure sustainable urban development and protect the interests of the general public. He expressed concerns over the negative impact of unregulated structures on infrastructure, drainage systems, and public safety.

Citing specific examples, the Deputy Governor highlighted how public assets were sold by the previous administration for personal gain, without considering the consequences on the community. He mentioned the division and sale of lands within the historic Massalacin Waje at Fagge LGA and portions of the Eid prayer ground, both of which have significant cultural and religious significance.

Abdussalam questioned the silence of those who opposed the demolitions, particularly religious leaders, when the former governor was selling public assets to his family and close associates. He also expressed dismay at the sale of portions of graveyards for the construction of shops, while emphasizing the efforts made by the current administration to improve such areas.

Regarding the Hajj Camp, the Deputy Governor explained how facilities within the camp were divided and sold, despite its purpose of serving as an exercise ground for pilgrims. However, he noted that the present Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has taken steps to reconstruct the camp and ensure essential amenities are provided.

The Deputy Governor also mentioned the demolition of Daula Hotel, originally established by the late Audu Bako to train students in tourism and event planning. He expressed disappointment that the assets were demolished and sold by the former governor to his family members.

Public assets sold by the previous administration include the New Kano Government House at Kwankwasiyya city, equipments at Triumph, lands surrounding Yusuf Maitama Sule University and Dansoshiya Forest, and large farmlands across several LGAs.

The Deputy Governor assured affected individuals and interest groups that the government would handle the situation with fairness and sensitivity. He emphasized that a comprehensive assessment and verification process had been established to determine the legality of structures before their demolition.

Furthermore, Abdussalam called on residents to cooperate with the government and adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the relevant authorities.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the Association of Progressive Tarauni LGA, Malam Nura Dan’jani Hadeja, expressed their support for the current administration’s efforts in demolishing illegal structures erected and sold by the previous administration. The visit served as a gesture of congratulations to the Deputy Governor on their recent victory

Kano Deputy Governor Engages Workers of His Office

By Najib Danbazau

Comr. Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo
Deputy Governor of Kano State

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has held a crucial meeting with the workers of his office.

The purpose of the meeting was to foster effective communication, address concerns, and enhance the overall functioning of the office.

The meeting between the Kano Deputy Governor and the workers of his office aims to promote effective communication, build rapport, and ensure the smooth functioning of the office in alignment with the government’s vision and goals.

During the interactive session, Deputy Governor Abdussalam expressed his desire to engage directly with the workers, emphasizing the importance of their feedback and the resolution of any challenges they might be facing.

“This meeting provides a platform for you, my esteemed employees, to express your grievances, offer suggestions for improvement, and seek clarification on any issues you might have,” stated Abdussalam.

The Deputy Governor also underscored the significance of teamwork, dedication, and efficient service delivery in achieving the government’s objectives.

“It is imperative for the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and other heads to diligently supervise the activities of the workers, acknowledging and appreciating well-delivered services while frowning upon substandard ones,” he emphasized.

Abdussalam further emphasized the necessity for junior staff members to respect their seniors, while senior staff members assume responsibility for effective service delivery through their supervision.

Addressing the gathering, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Deputy Governor, Engr Muhammad Adamu, assured the workers of his commitment to maintaining a conducive working environment and fostering a positive and productive relationship between the workers and the government.

During the meeting, a staff member highlighted the need for the Deputy Governor’s intervention in rebuilding the capacity of the office’s staff through training and educational advancement opportunities.

Human Resource Bedrock for Organisational Accomplishments…Clerk KNHA

By Uba Abdullahi

Parliamentary Staff of the Kano State House of Assembly had been urged to brace up and discharge their official engagements with zeal and honesty in accordance with global best practice.

The call was Made by the Acting Clerk of the House Alhaji Ali Maje during a meeting with Staff of the House, stressing that workforce remain bedrock for attainment of government objectives at all the times.

He reminded them to always display high sense of respect and maturity while interacting with Honorable members of the House at all the times.

Alhaji Ali Maje further stressed that the management of the House would not condone non challant attitude to duty and implored them to always upheld high sense of confidencialities in their daily engagements for better productivity.

In his remarks the Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria,Kano State House of Assembly branch , Comrade Bashir Yahaya expressed delight with the meeting which he described as apt and timely.

He thanks the Acting Clerk for his foresight in bringing initiatives aims at service improvement and effective service delivery and assured him that the workforce would accord the Clerk all necessary cooperation for the attainment of organisational goals.

Meet Dr. Imam Wada Bello, An Epidemiologist with Passion

By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa

Dr. Imam Wada Bello Director Disease Control and Epidemiology Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board

Dr. Imam is a public civil servant with over 15 years of experience. He
served at various capacities both field and managerial levels, during which he rose through the rank from a Medical officer in a specialist hospital to the program manager state Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP), Manager Saving One Million lives Program for results, State Epidemiologist, Incident
Manager Polio Eradication (PEI), Deputy Director and Director Public
health & Disease Control in the Kano State Ministry of Health and
currently the Director medical and health service of State Primary Health Care Management Board (SPHCMB) as well as secretary state task force on
COVID-19.
 
Dr. Imam attended Bayero University Kano for his first degree in Medicine, MBBS from 1997-2003;  house officer/medical intern from 2003-2004; medical officer at Federal Medical Centre, Nguru where he served the country as National Youth Service Corp member, 2005-2005; Acting Medical Officer at Al-Noury Hospital Kano from 2005-2007; Supernumerary Resident in Community Medicine at Aminu Kano teaching Hospital, AKTH from 2008-2014; Program Manager, State Malaria Elimination Program/Deputy Director Public Health and Disease Control, Kano state Ministry of Health, from 2014 to 2016; State Epidemiologist/Incident Manager/ Deputy Director Public Health and Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health, 2016-2019;  State Program Manager, Saving One Million Lives Program for Result,
Kano State Ministry of Health, 2017-2019; Director Public Health & Disease Control Kano State Ministry of Health, 2019-2020; Director Medical and Health Services
Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, 2020-2021; and currently, Director Disease Control and Epidemiology Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, 2021 to date.
In his capacity, he coordinate routine surveillance on diseases of public health importance and other public health interventions e.g. malaria, TBL, immunization, etc.; coordinate sentinel surveillance activities; conduct periodic surveys to establish baselines or trends on PHC services and other related issues; analyze surveillance data and reports.
He also prepare and issue regular surveillance bulletins in collaboration with the planning department; issue alert notices and establishes a threshold for epidemics, monitor and refine the surveillance process in the State, review all reports and data relating to the department emanating from Zonal and LGA PHC Teams and collate these for planning purposes; review and recommend for approval all operational plans of the relevant programs and units under the department; plan, budget, implement, control and monitor finances of the
Department; and perform any other duties and roles that may be assigned by the Executive Secretary. 
He is currently Secretary, Covid-19 State Task Force Kano State Ministry of Health, 2020 to date, and also Performance Monitoring for Action Chairman Technical Advisory Group, PMA TAG from 2019 to date.
Imam is highly conscientious in follow-through, careful planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing new ideas and readily accepts new challenges. He demonstrates exceptional communication skills with an extensive presentation in English and Hausa languages. His developed capacity to train and support others, enthuse, motivate and encourage teamwork from others, staff, and management, has proven him to be an invaluable asset to multiple projects. He is also a professionally trained manager in various capacities. This makes him critically collect, analyze and interpret data for proper decision-making to achieve organizational predetermined objectives. He leads by example and can successfully motivate and facilitate an effective training program. He is skilled in bringing learning programs to life, developing session plans, and conducting and providing training to health workers with varying levels of need including front line providers Imam’s presentation style is energetic, anecdotal, and learner-focused, with a view, not only to help participants improve their knowledge levels but also to enhance their willingness and ability to apply what they’ve learned in a practical setting. As a public health professional, Imam hopes and dreams to continue to support and lead teams that achieve a highly strengthened health sector that continue to improve health outcomes by responding to the needs of the underserved in society. HIV/AIDs, TB, Malaria, and other diseases of public health importance were his most focused, this makes invents simple tools and methods that simplify stakeholders’ tasks for surveillance, disease tracking and has worked to coordinate state-wide programs like Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR), Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week, MNCHW, Long Lasting Insecticide Nets, LLIN mass replacement campaign and Community mobilization for public health issues, among others.
 
 Courses/Training
He attended various courses and training, some of which includes, MPH Nigeria Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Training Program, Ahmadu Bello University ABU, Zaria, 2011-2012; AMREF International University Kenya Strategic Management and leadership Course, 2019; APMG International: Project Management for Development Professional, 2019; Certificate of Merit During the SINA Health International course on Performance Based Financing (PBF), 2019; Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Topo, Badagry Management Workshop, 2019; International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) which was held in Washington D.C., USA, 2012
Epi-info and Health mapper Training Organised by World Health Organization, WHO Nigeria Office For Staff Of Community Medicine, 2010; National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria Revision Course In Public Health, 2010; West African College Of Physicians Part 1 Revision Course in Community Health, 2009; ART Comprehensive Training by AIDS Relief, 2009; Advanced ART Course by University Of Maryland School of Medicine/IHV/AIDS Relief, 2008, Adult Antiretroviral therapy (ART) management training Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, 2008; Stop TB/Dots Training Workshop Organised by FMOH/Netherlands, 2009; and Training on Infection: Prevention, Control and Medical Waste Management, 2006 among others.
 
Publications
Some of his publications includes, The cholera risk assessment in Kano State, Nigeria: A historical review, mapping of hotspots and evaluation of contextual factors 2021; Acute flaccid paralysis surveillance, Kano State, Nigeria: 2009 – 2015, Pan African Medical Journal Conference Proceedings; Trend of measles in Kano State: a secondary data analysis: 2012 – 2016, Pan African Medical Journal Conference Proceedings; Outbreak investigation of Neisseria meningitides serogroup C Meningitis in Kano State, March – May 2017, Pan African Medical Journal Conference Proceedings; Outbreak of a Highly Virulent Lassa Fever Virus in Kano State, Nigeria: An Investigation Report 2015-2016, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 8, Issue 1, January-2017; and Deaths during tuberculosis treatment among paediatric patients in a large tertiary hospital in Nigeria.
 Membership
 Dr. Imam is a member of various professional associations which includes, member, Association of Public Health Physicians, member, West African College of Physicians(Community Health); member, Association Of Resident Doctors, member, Nigeria Medical Association; and member HIV Join Alignment Committee (JAC), among others.
Dr. Imam is widely travelled, and is married with children

Dan Masanin Karaye Passed Away

By Haruna Gunduwawa

The Late Dan Masanin Karaye Alhaji Sisi Mustapha Karaye

Karaye Emirate Council has announced the passing on of one of it’s member; the Danmasani of Karaye Alhaji Sidi Mustapha Ƙaraye.

The Danmasani of Karaye Alhaji Sidi Mustapha Ƙaraye passed on Sunday after a protracted iliness.

The vocal politician was a one time member of house of representatives and until his death Sidi Mustapha was the Kano State publicity Secretary of All Progressive Congress (APC).

He was also bestowed with the Danmasani of Karaye and also Member of the traditional Council of Karaye Emirate by the Emir of Karaye Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Abubakar II.

The Late Politician and traditional Ruler’s remains was laid to rest at Ƙwanta-Ƙwaro cemetery in Karaye town after his funeral prayer was observed at the Ƙaraye Emir palace yesterday.

The deceased who died at age of eighty three, has left behind one wife , fifteen children and many grand children.

Among his children is Zuldayni Sidi Mustapha former Special Advisor to immediate past Governor of  Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Haruna Gunduwawa,
Information Officer.
Karaye Emirate Council.

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