"We're Committed to Uplift Kannywood to World Standard" — Director Films

By Farouk I. Musa

The newly-appointed Director Films, Kano State Censorship Board, Lawan Hamisu Danhassan, has echoed the determination of the agency to continue presenting innovations and initiatives that will promote and uplift the standard of Kannywood film industry just like its peers around the globe.

The new Director made this known, Monday, during a meeting with Kano State Proprietors of Open Theaters Association at the conference hall of the agency.

Danhassan said the Executive Secretary Abba El-Mustapha, the management, and the entire staff of the board are working round the clock to achieve the set goals.

He gave his assurance to the members of proprietors of open theater and members of Kannywood industry in general that the state government, headed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through Censorship Board, is willing to give all the necessary support the entertainment industry might need.

He then solicited for the cooperation of the proprietors of the state theaters and members of the Kano-based Hausa film industry in general, advising them to be law-abiding while conducting their respective legitimate businesses. 

Danhassan further cautioned them to be extra careful in conducting their business by making sure that Islamic tenets and injuctions and the culture of good people of Kano are not trampled upon.

On his part, The Executive Secretary of the agency urged members of the association to give optimum support and cooperation to the new Director as they did to his predecessor.

El-Mustapha assured all Kannywood family that with the new Director onboard, the film industry in the state would witness tremendous development, taking into cognizance of Danhassan's vast knowledge and experience in this line.

Speaking on behalf of the proprietors, the chairman of the association, Sani Tahir, better known as Boy One,  congratulated the new Director for his appointment, which he described as "well-deserved" and "timely," pledging full support and cooperation of members of his association.

Before his appointment into the present position, Lawan Hamisu Danhassan was a Deputy Director Information at State Ministry of Information. Priority to that, he worked at different ministries and agencies as public relations officer for many years, an avenue that earned him a vast experience and versatility in the image-making industry.

NHFSS, NSCDC collaborates to train 375 personnel on leadership

By  Zainab Olunfunmi 

The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in collaboration with Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps organise a three-days training for 375 security personnel on leadership, quality and organisation management.

The Commander General of NHFSS, Mr. Osatimehin Joshua-Wole during the training in Abuja said that this  training will help a lot in on how they manage their organisation to get the desire goals.

He said the aims and objectives are to prevent and combat forest crimes, investigate and arrest perpetrators.

According to him,"Whenever NHFSS arrest anyone found wanting, we immediately hand them over to the police for further investigation," he said.

Joshua-Wole further explained that they were also traied  on how to handle first aid and understanding basic of life and support if the need arises.

He added that it will enable them identify security threats, risks and handle effective report.

In the same vein, the Commander Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Kano State Command, Abdullahi Al-ameen said this training is timely and will make good use of to ensure that forest in his area are safe.

NSCDC officers were said this is a good initiative and happy with the training and should be done from time to time to encourage all security officers all over the world to  be security alert always.

Eid el-Kabir: DG Kano DMCSA Pharm Sule Urges Muslims to be Committed

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Muslims in the state have been called upon to inculcate the lessons that Eid el-Adha teaches, as a religious celebration that symbolizes piety, perpetual sober reflection, and submission to the will of Allah.

Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, made the call in his Sallah message to the teeming Muslim faithful.

The DG further pointed out that the major lessons of this noble and sacred festivity include commitment, hope, and strong faith in Almighty Allah, as contained in a statement issued by Farouk Isa Musa, the Public Relations Officer of the agency.

"The lessons of this important festivity are far beyond the slaughtering of rams, cows, camels, and goats. The essence of the sacrifice is to reinforce the virtues of faith and trust in Almighty Allah," the statement revealed.

Pharm. Sule then felicitated with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Muslim adherents on this special occasion.

"On behalf of the Management and the entire staff of DMCSA, I would like to felicitate with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf; his deputy, Comd. Aminu Abdussalam; the National Leader of NNPP, Sen. (Dr.) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, and the entire Muslims on this important and memorable occasion."

The DG finally prayed for sustainable peace and progress in the state and the country at large.

Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 1,536 personnel in Kano

By Zainab Olufunmi 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano command has deployed 1,536 personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in the state.

The State FRSC Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed while briefing newsmen on Friday in Kano.

He said five ambulances, 30 patrol vehicles, and one heavy-duty tow truck and other operational equipment have been deployed on major routes and highways to facilitate effective smooth operations.

According to him, "the deployed personnel include 1,300 regular marshals and 236 special marshals on major routes.

"The special patrol operations to combat crashes on our roads has commenced on 14th of June 2024.

"Our main objective is to achieve reduction on road traffic crashes, road traffic crash victims.

"FRSC officers in all the 44 local government will be on standby to check road traffic and ensure prompt removal of obstruction rescue operations during the period," he said.

He further explained that one of the challenges is the ugly trend of using trailers and trucks to convey human beings, night trips, fatigue, speed violations, and driving under influence, among others.

Abdullahi added that FRSC has a flagged ff inter-agency joint task force to enforce compliance against the use of trailers to convey passengers as well as mitigate road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries emanating from lawlessness of trailer drivers.

"Since the commencement of the joint task force, they had successfully arrested 222 trailers loaded with 3169 passengers hanging on top of goods and animals," he said.

The Sector Commander warns trailers to desist for conveying human beings going on night trips and reducing speed to avoid road crashes.

Abdullahi also warned tricycle drivers, especially underage, to stop plying highways to avoid unforeseen circumstanc. Anyonene caught will be taken to court.

He wished the general public a peaceful, happy, sallah celebrations and drive with caution.

25 Uninterrupted Years of Democracy Usher in Progress in the State and the Country — Dr. Kofarmata

By Farouk Musa Isa 

As Nigerians celebrate 25 years of democratic governance, various sectors at both state and federal levels have seen significant improvements. 

Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, emphasized this in a statement signed by the ministry's Public Relations Officer Sunusi A. K/Na'isa and distributed to journalists in the state.

The statement reads, "In Kano State, education has been a major focus for the current administration under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf."

"As part of his campaign promises, the Governor is committed to ensuring that all residents of the state receive proper education, not only at the basic primary or secondary level but also up to tertiary level," the statement added.

To achieve these goals, the state government has introduced several programs and initiatives.

A few months after the inauguration of the present administration, the Ministry for Higher Education, led by Honorable Commissioner Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata launched a scholarship program where the state government sponsored 1,001 youths to pursue master's degrees abroad.

Additionally, recognizing the difficult economic situation facing many residents, the state government approved the slash of 50% of registration fees for all Kano indigenes studying at higher institutions within the state.

Under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership, another notable achievement in the higher education sector has been the reopening of entrepreneurial skills acquisition schools, which had been closed by the previous administration but were originally established by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Further accomplishments include the renovation of state-owned tertiary institutions to provide a conducive learning environment and the accreditation of various courses offered by these institutions, among others.

"As we celebrate Democracy Day, I assure the people of Kano State of the administration's ongoing commitment to enhancing education under Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf’s leadership," Kofarmata gave the confirmation.

Photospeaks: DG Kano DMCSA Storms SPHCMB Workshop in Kaduna

By Farouk Musa Isa 

The Director General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharm. Gali Sule FPSN has attended a 3-Day Workshop on LGA Primary Health Care Coordinators Orientation on PHC Programmes.

Slated for Sunday 9th - Tuesday 11th June, and taking place in Kaduna, the workshop was organized by Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board and supported by the SSHCSS Committee and FCDO Lafiya Program.

Kano State DMCSA is Digitally Social

By Farouk Musa Isa 

To boost information dissemination, Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency has rolled out social media platforms.

Below are the official social media platforms of the agency, which include X (Twitter) handle, Facebook page, and WhatsApp channel and the phone number, in addition to official online newspaper, KANO DMCSA BULLETIN.

Notable Achievements of Kano Gov. at DMCSA

By Farouk Isa Musa

Here, we compiled and brought to you the major achievements, in terms of policies projects, and programs, recorded by Kano State Executive Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf at Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, in one year from 29th May, 2023 – 29th May 2024.

The successes recorded, undoubtedly, became realistic due to the hard work and examplary leadership of Pharm. Gali Sule FPSN, the Director General of the organization.

Happy reading!

1. IMPROVED PROCUREMENT: The Agency was able to conduct tender for 2024 procurement, where 103 pharmaceutical companies and suppliers bought the Standard Bidding Document (SBD).

There was an appreciable increase in turnover as a result of the tender, as the sum of 124 million Naira (or 5%) was obtained from the exercise as a total saving. This has been the largest procurement ever in the history of the Agency.

2. PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING DEBTS: Over 50% of the total debts of N1.2 billion, inherited from the previous administration, were paid.

3. AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBLITY OF DRUGS AT HOSPITALS: There was a substantial increase in the availability of drugs and medical consumables to health facilities throughout the state.

4. SUPPLY OF QUALITY BUT AFFORDABLE DRUGS: The Agency procured and supplied healthcare centers with high-quality, registered drugs and medical consumables that are affordable to the patients.

5. INCREASE IN FACILITY COVERAGE:

The number of public healthcare facilities, both primary, secondary, and tertiary, covered by the Agency, has significantly risen from 78% to over 92%.

6. CONSTANT RESTOCKING: Stock out rate has been significantly reduced from 70% as of July 2023 to 15% as of March 2024.

7. REDUCING EXPIRY LOSSES: There was a notable reduction in the number and value of Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) items that expired from over 4 million Naira as at December 2023 to 241,819 Naira as at March 2024.

8. UPGRADING THE LABORATORY: To ensure the quality of drugs, the laboratory has been upgraded to the standard level by providing the needed equipment for necessary tests.

9. REVIVING THE MORIBOND INFRASTRUCTURE: For more prudent and accountability in the agencies’ operations, the following utilities were installed:

a). Installation of solar street light within the premises of the agency.

b). Installation of CCTV cameras in all the stores and the complex of the agency.

c). Installation of solar system lighting in all the 4 zonal warehouses of Dambatta, Gwarzo, Gaya, and Rano.

d). Renovation of some facilities within the agency.

10. ACCOUNTABILITY & CAPITAL BASE INCREMENT: During the period under review, there was a major increase of accountability and transparency within the Agency’s operations, which in turn led to the increase in the Agency’s fund value.

11. RESTORING SUPPLIERS’ TRUST: The suppliers’ confi dence and trust have been restored through prompt payments, typically within two to three weeks period.

12. QUARTERLY REVIEW MEETING AND STOCK COUNT: The Management of the Agency, led by the Director General, has institutionalized a quarterly stock count the former bi-annual practice and quarterly review meeting with stakeholders.

13. CREATING HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP: During the period under review, the Agency has established new and restrengthen the existing working relationships with relevant private and government regulatory agencies, such as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), etc.

14. BUILDING PHARMAGRADE WAREHOUSE: Kano State Government, together with Federal Government and The Global Fund, constructed a world standard PharmaGrade Warehouse, which will be commissioned soon.

15. GETTING RECOGNITION FROM PHARMA COMPANIES: The Agency was recognized and complimented by some of the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturers due to its commendable performances, including:.

a).Presentation of an Award by Jawa International, positioning the Agency as the best performing in North West and North East regions of the country.

b).Donation donation of 14,000 packets of Zinc/ORS from Nutrition International (NI) worth 3.5 million Naira.

c).Another donation of a mini truck for LMD by Fidson Health Care Plc.

One-Year Anniversary: Pharm. Sule Lauds Gov. Yusuf's Achievements in Health Sector

By Farouk Isa Musa

The Director General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Pharm. Gali Sule has applauded the notable achievements of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the health sector in general.

Pharm. Sule made the commendation while felicitating with the governor over one year anniversary in office, as contained in a statement issued Wednesday by Farouk Isa Musa, Public Relations Officer of the agency

The DG listed some of the laudable achievements recorded by the state government, particularly at DMCSA, including providing qualitative and affordable drugs and consumables.

"Since we came on board in July last year, the agency is procuring and supplying healthcare facilities with high-quality, registered drugs and medical consumables that are affordable to the patients.

"There is also a substantial increase in the availability and accessibility of drugs and medical consumables to health facilities throughout the state," he disclosed.

Other laudable achievements, according to him, include the payment of over 50% of the outstanding debts inherited from the previous administration and the jointly-built world standard pharmagrade warehouse, which will be commissioned soon.

"I, Pharm. Gali Sule, DiG DMCSA, on behalf of the Management and entire staff of the Agency, rejoice with His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, on the special occasion commemorating his one year in office.

"His Excellency has deployed an effective means for sustaining peace, initiated programmes and policies that better the lives of Kano residents.

'You have prioritised supply and distribution of affordable drugs to the teeming masses, which has significantly improved the overall healthcare delivery programme of your administration.

"It is our prayer that may Allah continue to protect and give you sound health to serve the people better," Pharm. Sule prayed.