BREAKING: Kano Inaugurates State Committee on New Minimum Wage

By Farouk Musa Isa 

Kano State Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated a State Advisory Committee on the New National Minimum Wage, just 48 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the new N70,000 minimum wage as agreed with the organized Labour Union.

Kano is the first state nationwide to establish such a committee. The inauguration took place today at the State Government House and was conducted by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, on behalf of the Governor.

A statement issued to the newsmen by Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesman of the Deputy Governor,, revealed that Governor Yusuf tasked the committee to plan effectively for the newly approved minimum wage and to present a practical recommendation for the state government’s immediate implementation.

Governor Yusuf assured that the implementation of the new minimum wage would increase the development of Kano State across all sectors, as the welfare of workers is a government priority.

The committee has been mandated with delivering results within three weeks. The Governor reminded the committee members that their selection was based on merit and urged them to deliver convincing results.

The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Committee, Alh. Usman Bala Muhammad, Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs, expressed his gratitude to the State Government for its confidence in the committee. 

He noted that the exercise would significantly impact thousands of workers in both the private and public sectors by balancing the interests of employers, employees, and the public.

He assured that the committee would use thorough data analysis and consider all relevant factors to arrive at a sustainable minimum wage recommendation for the state government.

Members of the committee include: Alh. Usman Bala Muhammad, Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs as Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, Commissioner of Finance, Alh. Musa Suleman Shanono Commissioner of Planning and Budget, and Baba Halilu Dantiye Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.

Other members of the committee are Baffa Sani Gaya, Prof. Aliyu Isa Aliyu.

 Salahudeen Habib Isa, Ibrahim I. Boyi, Ibrahim Muhammad Kabara, Mustapha Nuraddeen Muhammad, Abdulkadir Abdussalam, Umar Muhammad Jalo, Hassan Salisu Kofar Mata and Yahaya Umar. 

Kano NUJ Chair Condoles With DG DMCSA

By Our Correspondent 

The Chairman National Union of Journalists, Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has paid a condolence visit to Director-General Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Pharm. Gali Sule over the death of his mother, Hajiya Safiya Sule.

Symphatizing with Pharm. Gali Sule, the Chairman described Hajiya Safiya's death as a huge, irreparable loss, not only to her family but to the entire Muslim ummah.

This was contained in a statement issued by Farouk Isa Musa, Public Relations Officer of Kano State DMCSA and made available to PARAMOUNT REPORTERS.

Ibrahim prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for her family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Hajiya Safiya died on Monday, at the age of 80, after a brief illness. She left behind 8 children and  48 grandchildren. Among her children are Isma'il Usman Abdullahi and Bashir Usman Abdullahi all of Nigeria Customs Service.

Kano Drug Agency, DMCSA Patrners Procurement Ministry on Due Process

By Farouk Musa Isa 

In his effort to make sure all government's business and engagements are conducted according to the laiddown rules and regulations, the Director General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Pharmacist Gali Sule has solicited for the support from the state Ministry of Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring, and Evaluation in following due process while executing official engagements for the sake of transparency and accountability.

The Director General made the request when he paid an official visit to the Commissioner of the ministry, Honorable Ibrahim Namadi Dala, in his office, Friday.

Explaining further, Pharm. Sule said that as an agency that makes procuments through tender bids, the management of DMCS sees the need for partnership between the two government institutions.

"We are here today to seek guidance from the Ministry of Public Procurement, especially in the area of procument law. We want to make sure all our procuments are done according to stipulated laws of demand. and are tallied with all laid down rules and regulations," he stressed.

Speaking on the history, mandates, challenges, and successes recorded by the agency, the DG said the core mandates of the DMCSA are to source, to procure, to store, and distribute qualitative drugs and medical consumables to healthcare facilities across the state, adding that such drugs and consumables must be available, affordable, and accessible to all.

Pharm. Sule thanked the Commissioner and his entire management for their hospitality.

In his remarks, the Commissioner, who was represented by Engr. Garba Adamu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, has assured the Director General of his support and cooperation. 

In his contribution, Pharmacist Tukur Ibrahim, the Director Drugs and Supply, said a collaboration between DMCSA and the ministry will undoubtedly improve the quality of healthcare delivery, and generally strengthen the health sector in the state

Nigerian Politics Under Religious Influence says Sule Lamido

By Muhammad Usamat Suleiman 

Former Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Sule Lamido, has stirred controversy with his recent statement claiming that politicians hold no decisive control in today's Nigerian politics. 

According to Lamido, the influence of religious leaders has now eclipsed the traditional role of politicians in the governance of the nation.

Lamido pointed out that the Nigerian political landscape resembles a football match, where politicians find themselves sidelined while religious leaders take center stage in deciding the fate of political candidates. 

He emphasized that the power wielded by these religious figures has transformed Nigerian politics into a realm where their endorsements can make or break a candidate's chances, overshadowing the voice of the electorate.

In a candid appraisal, Lamido criticized the intrusion of religious sentiments into politics, citing instances where divisive narratives have been propagated, leading to a fractured electorate. 

He expressed dismay over being labeled a betrayer and a non-Muslim during the tumultuous 2023 elections, attributing these attacks to the manipulative agendas of those exploiting religious sentiments for personal gains.

The seasoned politician reaffirmed his allegiance to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and signaled his intention to remain an active participant in the political arena, particularly with the 2027 general elections on the horizon. 

However, Lamido issued a stark warning, asserting that if the trend of religious interference persists, he may reconsider his involvement in the political sphere, calling for a return to principles-based governance.

Lamido's candid remarks have reignited debates on the role of religion in shaping Nigeria's political landscape, raising pertinent questions about the influence wielded by religious leaders and the implications for democratic processes. 

As the nation grapples with these complex dynamics, the future of Nigerian politics hangs in the balance, poised between the traditions of governance and the evolving forces of religious influence.

One-Year Anniversary: Kano DMCSA Celebrates Gov Yusuf's Achievement at the Agency

By Frank Pinicop

The management of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, led by the Director-General of the Agency Pharmacist Gali Sule, has organized a gigantic ceremony, Thursday, to celebrate the notable achievements of Kano government in the area of drug supply to health facilities across the state.

The ceremony was part of a series of activities organized to celebrate the DG's clocking of one year in office, as he was appointed to the position on 16th July 2023. The day's activities, however, were kicked off by Qur'anic recitations and prayer conducted by some powerful and respected clerics at DMCSA mosque.

According to a statement issued by Farouk Isa Musa, Public Relations Officer of the agency., the main occasion, which was chaired by the Commissioner State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf was graced by all crème de la crème from the health sector, including heads of agencies, their management staff, members of professional organizations, regulatory agencies, drug manufacturers and suppliers, development partners, among others.

While speaking, the Commissioner issued a directive to the leadership of all government-owned healthcare facilities in the state to make sure they purchase the drugs and medical consumables from DMCSA due to the quality and affordability of the commodities there, warning that appropriate measures will be used to sanction the defaulters.

Dr. Yusuf commended Pharm. Sule for his exampilary leadership and the virtues of trust, transparency, and accountability, stressing that with people such as Gali at helm of affairs of a very sensitive and important agency like the DMCSA, he sleeps with his two eyes closed.

In his address, the DG humbly attributed all the tremendous successes recorded at the organization to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that without the support and cooperation of the Governor, what was achieved would be unattainable.

He commended the governor for what he called "mass-oriented policies, projects, programs and initiatives," which are aimed at uplifting the standard of living of the common man.

Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, Director Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, spoke extensively on the major successes recorded in the period under review, disclosing that the healthcare facility coverage has risen from the initial 78 percent to over 95 percent. The quality of the drugs has also been increased, as the Agency is procuring and supplying the facilities with high-quality, registered drugs and consumables that are affordable and accessible to teeming population.

The Director further added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government and the UNICEF/ Global Fund, has built a modern, wold-standard pharmagrade warehouse for proper storage of health commodities.

Moreover, some 60 percent of inherited debts accumulated from the previous administration were settled, while the 

stores and offices are largely renovated to provide a conducive atmosphere for the staff and business associates to enhance service delivery, he concluded.

During the function, some of the staff who excelled at their respective work, both among the junior and senior cadres, from all departments and four zonal stores, were carefully selected and rewarded, with a view to appreciate and motivate them in particular, and all staff in general.

Some of the beneficiaries from private organizations and government agencies who benefited from donations and corporate social responsibility, courtesy of the DG, have commended him for his empathy and support.

Among the heads of agencies who spoke at the function are the Executive Secretary Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda; Executive Secretary Kano State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme Management Agency, Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar; among others.

How Pharm. Gali Sule Transforms Kano Drug Agency in One Year

By Farouk I. Musa

When he was appointed as the Director-General of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on July 17, 2024, Pharm. Gali Sule found the organization in a very deplorable condition.

Challenges

First of all, the DG took over the mantle of leadership of the Agency that was heavily indebted by suppliers. He inherited the accumulated debts left by the previous administration up to the tune of N1.2 billion.

Apart from the debt, most of the infrastructure at DMCSA were decayed -- the stores were in dire need of general renovation, offices need facelift and furniture, and the complex of the Agency's need to be paved and provided with enough light for security purpose during the night hours.

Thirdly, with a mere 30 percent, the number of healthcare facilities in the state that were enrolled for the DRF (Drug Revolving Fund) scheme was very low and unimpressive as well.

Another challenge that bedeviled the Agency when Pharm. Gali Sule assumed office was a dearth of vital equipment necessary for drug testing at a quality control laboratory located at Drug Manufacturing Unit (DMU) of the Agency.

With these major challenges and other less pressing issues, Pharm. Sule began piloting the affairs of DMCSA as its captain, navigating his way with the sole aim to take it to Promise Land."

The Success Story

To start with, at the beginning of his reign, the DG, with the help and support of his management team, resolved to settle the inherited debt over a period of time.

With this determination, however. in one year, over 60 percent of the total debts of N1.2 billion, inherited from the previous administration, were paid.

Another milestone recorded is the substantial increase in the availability of drugs and medical consumables at health facilities throughout the state.

That success, however, is not limited to the availability of the drugs, but the quality, as the Agency is procuring and supplying healthcare centers with high-quality, registered drugs and medical consumables that are affordable to the patients.

Additionally, due to Pharm. Gali's hard work and commitment, the number of public healthcare facilities, both primary, secondary, and tertiary, covered by the Agency, has significantly risen from 78% to over 95%.

Five: Kano State Government, together with the Federal Government and UNICEF, constructed a world standard PharmaGrade Warehouse, which will be commissioned soon.

In the same vein, the stores at the Agency were totally refurbished, as financed by Medicines San Frontiers (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Border.

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

Lastly, for more prudent and accountability in the Agencies’ operations, some utilities were installed, including solar street light within the premises of the Agency, the installation of CCTV cameras in all the stores and the complex of the Agency, and also a solar system lighting was installed in all the 4 zonal warehouses of Dambatta, Gwarzo, Gaya, and Rano.

Nutrition International, FAcE-PaM Team Up With Kano Govt to Revitalize Health Sector

By Our Correspondent 

The Nutrition International, an international nongovernmental organization, has expressed its determination to strengthen the existing working relationship with Kano state government to revive the health sector in order to improve the delivery of healthcare services in the state.

Mrs. Amina Atta, the Senior Program Officer at Nutrition International, stated this while speaking during a 1-day orientation program   organized for members of Kano State Local Government Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Committee, Nassarawa Zone.

She disclosed that her organization has collaborated with Kano state government, through State Primary Health Care Management Board, in partnership with Forward in Action for Education, Poverty and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM), to complement the efforts of the state government to build and sustain a healthy society,

especially in the areas of fighting malnutrition and diarrhea.

Atta stressed that Nutrition International is working strategically to strengthen the health sector in the state by improving the supply chain system through training and retraining of healthcare workers like the DRF committee members who are tasked on regular supportive supervision at healthcare facilities.

"By organizing  regular oreintations to the committee members, we will improve their capacity and knowledge so as to get quality of healthcare services," the Project Officer pointed out.

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Bello Dandago, the Program Facilitator, said the objectives of the orientation are to equip the participants on DRF operations at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), and to re-orient them on key areas of improvement during supervision.

Explaining further, he described the DRF as a scheme aimed at ensuring that  "drugs and medical consumables are sold at a price that will allow the continuous replenishment of the initial stock and at the same time make sure the drugs remain affordable to those who need them."

Dandago charged the participants to be effective mentors and supportive to their subordinate staff, urging them to ensure community awareness of the scheme in their respective local government areas.

On her part, Asabe Muhammad, the Zonal Director in-charge of Nassarawa Zone, who spoke on behalf of the Director General Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Nasiru Mahmoud expressed her satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, describing it as a 'good initiative'.

Restating the resolve and determination of the Kano state government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to improve the health sector, she commended the development partners for their support in organizing the event, urging for future collaborations with the government.

Richard Dogara, the Project Coordinator of FACE-PAM, thanked all the participants for their individual contributions, which he described as 'immense,' 'valuable' and 'fruitful.'

He later called on the trainees to be goal-orientated and put the knowledge they acquired during the workshop into practice so as to achieve the desired objectives.

NHFSS Collaborates With Army to Boost Forest Security

By Zainab Olufunmi 

The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has partner with Nigeria Army to enhance forest safety in Kano.

The Commander Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Kano State Command, Abdullahi Al-ameen disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the new commander 3 Brigade at Bukavu barrack in Kano.

He said it will enforce on the inflow of those who go in and out of the forest especially during raining season.

According to him,"the visit will improve synergy and cement existing cordial relationship betweenthemm, and will also nip off any crime activities at Tudun Wada and Doguwa forest."

He call on the entire people of Kano state to work with all security agencies and report any crimes activities in the forest.

Earlier, the new commander, Brig. M.A Sadiq said the synergy will protect lives, property of citizens and forest in the state.

NFC Boss Harps on Synergy Among Film Stakeholders

By Our Correspondent 

The Managing Director National Films Cooperation, Alhaji Ali Nuhu has called for proper synergy between the Kannywood stakeholders, exhibitors, and regulatory agencies to revive the sector to the global standard.

The Managing Director made the call during a meeting with the films industry stakeholders to address the pressing issues facing cinemas in the North held at Cilantro Restaurant and Lounge, Kano, as contained in a statement signed by Lawan Hamisu Danhassan, Director Films, Kano State Censorship Board,

He also said that the meeting was aimed at discussing a lot of issues in order to explore ways to overcome challenges and pave the way for growth and development of the sector across the nation.

According to him, "Rome wasn't built in a day, but our collaborative efforts will undoubtedly lead to a thriving cinematic landscape" the managing director emphasized.

Alhaji Ali Nuhu explained that the emergence of new cinemas like Silverbird and Dex Cinema in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina, alongside existing ones such as Platinum in Kano, Fasnet Cinema in Yola, and Canal in Maraba, signifies a promising future. These developments highlight the region's potential to become a vibrant hub for film enthusiasts, offering diverse and enriching experiences.

"Our discussion reaffirmed my commitment to supporting and advancing the film industry in Northern Nigeria. By working hand in hand, we can create an environment where creativity flourishes and cinematic dreams become reality. The road ahead is bright, and I am excited to see the impact of our collective endeavors" he maintained.

The Managing Director further said that plans are already under way by the federal government under his domain to construct a modern cinema across the local government areas of the federation.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary Kano State Censorship Board, Alhaji Abba El-Mustapha who was represented by the Director, Films Production and Development, Lawan Hamisu Danhassan emphasized the need for collective collaborations and appealed all the stakeholders in the films industry to abide by the rules and regulations of the board thereby ensuring batter result.

In the long run, a committee was set up to look into the issues of the revival of cinema in the north comprising of producers, exhibitors and regulators in the industry.

NASC, Partners Develop Framework For National Seed Policy

By Zainab Olufunmi

 The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), says it will partner with the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) and Harvest Plus to develop framework for National Seed Policy.

The Acting Director of the Council, Dr Isaq Khalid stated this at a two-day national seed policy implementation framework development workshop on Wednesday in Kano.

He said that it was imperative to prioritise policy that drive the system in view of the new technologies in agriculture.

Khalid said the seed industry was still evolving and being a critical input in enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

“The new 2022 seed policy was put in place to support Nigeria’s aribusiness investment activity to feed the future project.

“The policy statement is aimed at achieving a robust National Seed System that enhances private sector participation in seed industry, and also define roles for public and private sector.

“This include liberalisation of Foundation Seed (FS) production and marketing by private seed accredited enterprise,” he said.

According to Khalid, affixation of seed codex label in addition to the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) certification are tag to every seed package as a quality authentication tool.

He said the council has expanded its operations by deploying modern technologies, procurement of modern equipments, human and infrastructural capacity development as well as strengthened cooperation’s with relevant bodies.

The council, he said, encouraged youths and women participation in seed value chain from breeding to marketing.

Also speaking, the President of the NABG, Mr Kabir Ibrahim, said quality seeds lead to better yeilds, enhance food security and income for farmers.

Ibrahim, who was represented by Muhammadu Abubakar, said the NABG was fully committed to support implementation of the policy to foster growth and sustainability.

“We believe in transformative power of good policies and will continue to champion and support initiatives that promise to make a lasting positive impact on our agriculture and agribusiness sector,” he said.

On his part, Dr Yusuf Fua’d, Country Manager Harvest Plus, said the framework would strengthened the role of private sector and inter-agency collaboration for seamless seed policy implementation in the country.

State DMA's Best Source For Qualitative, Affordable Drugs

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The federal government has recognized drug management agencies (DMAs) owned by the state governments as the most appropriate facilities to get the best health commodities across the country.

This was made known by the Director-General Kano State DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule, Tuesday, when he received members of Kano State-Led Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM) in his office, who paid him an advocacy visit.

Pharm. Sule stressed that the federal government has come to terms that the DMAs  are the only place where healthcare facilities are getting their supplies of commodities that are qualitative, available, affordable, and accessible to the populace.

As a result of the realization of the importance of DMAs, the federal government is now working hard to make sure all states have established the said agencies, and ensure they are operated according to the laid down rules and regulations, revealing that 22 sates so far have established their own.

Speaking on the history, mandate, and success recorded at Kano state DMCSA under his leadership, the DG drawed similarity between DMCSA and KanSLAM, emphasizing that his agency and the organization are working for the same goal of improving the health sector in order to get a healthy society.

Pharm. Sule further disclosed that KN State Ministry of Health , under the Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf and all the agencies under the ministry are working towards achieving the said objectives in their different capabilities.

He finally commended the Kano state government, especially Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf , for allocating over 16 percent of the state's budget to health sector, which is above the stipulated amount required by the Abuja Declaration, which requires allocating of 15 percent of the budgets of all state governments.

Speaking ealier, the Co-Chairman of KanSLAM, Nafisa Murtala said they were at the DG's office, as one of the top government officials in the state from the health sector, to seek his support, especially in regard to decision-making around women health.

She said KanSLAM is supporting the Kano government on human development, specifically on the health matters, through  advocating for the improvement of women and children health in the state.

The co-chair called on the government to  increase the budgetary allocation to the health sector to ensure that there are quality healthcare services so as to reduce maternal and child mortality.

Embrace Skill Acquisition to Be Productive, Pharm. Sule Impels Youths

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Youths in the state, especially those who graduated from tertiary institutions, have been called upon to learn necessary skills for various occupations so as to be self-reliant.

Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director-General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, made the call while speaking at a 10-Year Anniversary of Kano Science Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA), Class 2014 Dawakin Kudu Chapter, which took place at Sani Bello Science College in Dawakin Kudu town.

Pharm. Sule said that due to the current economic downturn in the country, it will be beneficial for the graduates to possess the needed craft and dexterity and subsequently engage themselves in various occupations, including but not limited to trade, entrepreneurship, and artisanry.

He lamented that the paid jobs are hard to come by as factories are shutting down, and multinational companies and business entities are exiting the country on a daily basis, adding that the situation was not like this before, citing an example where graduates in some professions, such as doctors and teachers, are automatically employed immediately they graduate. But, due to certain factors, according to him, the situation has dramatically changed throughout the country. 

The DG  stressed that to pacify the grim situation, Kano state government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has introduced several programs and initiatives, such as empowerment programs for youths and women, and reopening and renovating moribond skill acquisition centers across the state. But the government alone can not employ all jobseekers, especially Kano being the most populous state in Nigeria, he said.

Pharm. Sule commended the KASSOSA national body, headed by Alh. Balarabe Nuhu Jallah, its National President, for organizing training for unemployed members on skill acquisition and empowerment. He then urged other class chapters to emulate the national body.

However, it was revealed at the event that only 30 percent of members of KASSOSA Class 2014 Dawakin Kudu Chapter were engaged by the governments as civil servants.

Abubakar Idris Yarima, the Chairman of KASSOSA Class 2014, thanked the invited guests who graced the occasion despite their tight schedules.

Production: FG Charges Manufacturing Companies on Local Contents

By Zainab Olufunmi

The Federal Government has charged manufacturing companies to adopt total utilisation of local material for their production. 

The companies were further task on making their products available and accessable to all Nigerians.

The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Isiaq Salako, gave the charge while inaugurating a local factory, Atmosfair Climate and Sustainability Limited in Kano on Friday. 

He said the ministry is ready to partner with any company ready to invest anywhere in the country and particularly passionate to promote initiative that align with national priorities and personal initiative and growth.

He commended the company, manufacturing energy efficient cooking stoves and solar-powered stoves. 

"Manufacturing company’s facility in Kano are shining example of innovation and commitment to sustainable development.

"Your innovative approach and technology have the potential to transform lives and communities across Nigeria,"he said.

Salako explained that making the stoves affordable and accessible to every part of the country would be the best for the company and particularly for Nigerians at affordable prices. 

"We can make a difference and create a cleaner environment to reduce death among women and children associated with black carbon from using traditional cooking means.

The Director, Governor Relations, Abdurahman Bawa, said each stove can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to three tonnes per year. 

"From 2021,we were able to produce 10,000 stoves, but we are glad to inform this gathering that we have increase our production to over 500,000 annually, and we aim to reach one million by the end of 2025. 

"With our stove, millions of household can save money, breathing cleaner air, and helping to preserve our forests," he said.

Kano DMCSA Donates Drugs Worth N1.2 Million to Science Schools

By Farouk Isa Musa 

To complement the efforts of the state government to improve the education sector, the management of Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency has donated drugs and other consumables to the national executive council of Kano State Science Secondary Schools Old Students Association (KASSOSA) for onward distribution to science schools.

Presenting the donation, the Director General DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule said his agency gave the donation in order to contribute its quota in improving the education sector, taking into cognizance of laudable policies and initiatives of present administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which are geared towards total overhaul of education in the state.

Pharm.Sule pointed out that the donation would serve as first aid to the students before they were taken to hospitals when they fell ill. He said that the drugs and consumables donated include anti-malaria, pain killers, stomach pain relievers, injections, and syringes.

As a former national president of KASSOSA, the DG called on the beneficiary schools to judiciously use the medicine for the betterment of their students.

He charged the leadership of the association to intensify their efforts for soliciting donations and contributions from agencies, organizations, and wealthy individuals in order to support education in the state..

Receiving the donation on behalf of KASSOSA, the National President of the association, Alh. Balarabe Nuhu Jallah explained that the drugs will be distributed to science secondary schools in both Kano and Jigawa states, adding that it will go a long way in safeguarding the students.

Jallah lauded Pharm. Gali Sule for his zeal and commitment to take the state to greater heights.

Mal. Habibu Ahmadu, an Ex-Officio of the association, thanked the Director General for the donation.

Pharm. Sule Receives DMU Implementation Committee Report

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Director-General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Pharm Gali Sule has today, 4th July 2024, received in his office a progress report on the activity of the Drug Manufacturing Unit (DMU) Implementation Committee.

The Committee is saddled with the responsibility of charting a way forward concerning the remodeling of the existing DMU at DMCSA, as well as overseeing the reconstruction project of the new DMU located in Madobi Local Government Area.

Receiving the monthly report for June, the DG said, when the work is completed, the facility will be used by students for learning and research, in addition to its primary purpose of production of medicine.

He also commended the members of the committee for what he described as "a job well done," assuring them of full support and cooperation of the Management of the Agency.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee Pharm. Nasir Rikadawa, who was represented by Pharm. Abdul'aziz Hamisu pledged that the committee would keep the Management up-to-date concerning the activities of the Committee.

In her contribution, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Magashi, Director Admin and General Services, charged members of the Committee to be up and doing and make sure the projects have been made into reality.

Eid-el-Kabir: Kano DMCSA Spend Over N9 Million on Staff Welfare

By Farouk Isa Musa 

To improve the welfare of its staff, the Management of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, under the leadership of Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director-General of the Agency, has spent 9.26 million Naira during the just concluded Eid-el-Kabir as Sallah gesture to members of staff.

This was disclosed by Pharm. Aminu Datti, the Chairman of the Welfare Committee, while presenting the committee's report to the DG in his office.

According to the chairman of thecommittee, five cows were purchased, and the meat was shared among all the staff of the Agency, including those working at zonal offices In addition to that, cash incentives were given to support the staff for successful Sallah festivities.

Pharm. Datti further added that the gesture was disbursed to motivate the staff in order to improve their performance at work.

"This is the first time in the history of DMCSA when members of staff were given both monetary gifts and meats as a form of motivation," he observed.

In his remarks, Pharm. Gali Sule said, "The essence of the gesture was to promote the welfare of the staff and other relevant stakeholders supporting the Agency, especially during this important religious activity."

He said the initiative is in line with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf principles of helping the needy and downtrodden, as the state government is working round the clock to improve the general welfare of the residents

"His Excellency the Executive Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf is always directing all the political appointees in the state to be compassionate and sympathetic towards masses in order to ease their suffering, notably during this hard economy. We are emulating the virtues of His Excellency, that's why we came up with this initiative," the DG explained.

In her part, the Director Admin and General Services, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Magashi, commended members of the committee for their dedication and determination, urging them to redouble their efforts for maximum result.

25 Die, 53 Injured in Kano Auto Crash — FRSC

By Zainab Olufunmi

No fewer than 25 persons died while 53 others were injured, 12 unhurt in an early morning auto crash at Dangwauro Flyover along Kano - Zaria Road in Kumbotso Local Government Area.

The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Ibrahim Abdullahi confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Kano.

He said that the accident involved a trailer (IVECO) with registration number XA 311 ZB.

 

“We received a call at about 03:15 a.m. on July 1, 2024, On receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our personnel and vehicle to the scene of the incident to rescue the victims at 03:30a.m.,” Ibrahim said.

The Sector Commander said that the accident occurred as a result of excessive speed, dangerous driving and overloading which led to loss of control, which led to the vehicle to crash.

He further explain that during the rescue operation, items recovered include six motorcycles, ten mobile phones, animals (goats and rams), maize, and the sum of N4,000.

Abdullahi said that all recovered items are in police custody.

"All the victims were immediately conveyed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano for urgent medical attention.

"The Doctors on duty confirmed 25 dead out of the victims",he said.

He warn motorists against unsafe practice of transporting animals, goods along with human beings concurrently.

The Sector Commander said such practice will not only endanger lives but also contravene traffic regulations designed to ensure road safety.

He also urge all road users to adhere strictly to traffic laws and regulations to prevent further tragedies on our roads.