FRSC to collaborate with DLEA to tackle drug abuse among drivers

By Olufunmi Zainab

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has collaborate with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the menace of drug abuse among drivers.

The Kano State Sector Commander, Umar Mas’udu, disclose this when he paid a courtesy visit to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Abdullahi Labaran on Thursday in Kano.

He called for joint patrols to identify and address cases of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Matazu advocated for robust public enlightenment campaigns targeted at drivers to raise awareness about the dangers and effects of drug abuse on road safety.

On his part, the Kano State Commander of NDLEA Abubakar Ahmed expressed profound gratitude for the visit and commend FRSC for its proactive approach to ensuring safer roads in Kano State.

 He assured FRSC of its full support in all initiatives aimed at curbing road traffic incidents related to drug abuse.

The FRSC RS1.2 Kano remains committed to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to achieve its mandate of ensuring safer roads for all.

NEPZA MD tasks investors on job creation

By Bosede Olufunmi

Alhaji Mu’azu Sahabi, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Zone Authority (NEPZA) has tasked investors on job creation .

Sahabi made the call at the 2024 Investors and Stakeholders’ Forum on Wednesday in Kano.

He urged investors to establish more companies and to explore innovative ways to create jobs for the teeming youths.

The theme of the forum:”Understanding the concept and operation of special economic zones scheme”.

He said the objectives of the stakeholders’ forum was to brainstorm on how to move the free trade zone forward.

“If investors establish more manufacturing companies our youths would be employed and become self-reliant.

“We also want the investors to know that the free trade zone is an industrial area not a terminal”,he said.

Sahabi further explained that for the first time in history, the authority generated over N1 billion from January to October.

Also speaking, Alhaji Adulrasheed Nasidi, a producer of various export materials commended NEPZA for providing the enabling environment for investors.

Kano DMCSA to Collaborate With BUK on Drug Manufacturing, Research

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Preparations to establish a workable synergy between Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Bayero University, Kano, are on top gear. The collaboration will revolve around drug manufacturing, sharing of knowledge, research, and training of students.

The Director-General of DMCSA Pharm Gali Sule disclosed this while receiving representatives of the executive council of the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), led by Pharm Gidado Yusuf, First Vice-Chairman of the association who paid him a working visit on Wednesday in his office.

The DG further noted that the remodeling of the Drug Manufacturing Unit of the agency, which is spearheaded by the state government, is underway, adding that the upgrade will pave way for the unit to meet all the necessary legal requirements and get certification from the regulatory bodies, namely the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC).

According to him, when completed, the proposed remodeled manufacturing facility would operate in a standard way and compliment the private sector for maximum benefit through producing drugs, quality control testing of the procured drugs, as well as receiving students on indistrial training from various tertiary institutions, especially Bayero University.

Pharm. Sule lastly commended the excos for the visit, which he described as timely and "honor to the agency," assuring them of his agency's total support and cooperation.

Earlier speaking, the Vice-Chairman of NAIP Pharm. Gidado Yusuf said they were at the agency to strengthen the existing working relationship between the two bodies, stressing that his organization is ever ready to support the DMCSA in any way possible in order to achieve the desired goals.

In his contribution, Pharm. Richard Ladapo, the Internal Auditor of the association, who is also a member of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), assured the DG that the USP is willing to provide the necessary training to DMU staff with view to enhance their capacity.

SURWASH organise retreat to address water supply, sanitation challenges in rural and urban areas

By Zainab  Olufunmi

The Gombe State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (SURWASH) held a two-day retreat aimed at fostering enhanced cooperation and coordination between the program and critical stakeholders. 

The retreat focused on aligning efforts to achieve the implementation goals of SURWASH in Gombe State.

The Commissioner for the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment (MWR&E), Hon. Muhammad Saidu Pawu, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of SURWASH. 

He highlighted the government's commitment to addressing water supply and sanitation challenges in both urban and rural areas of Gombe State.

According to him, "this will strengthening partnerships for sustainable water and sanitation in Gombe State

On his part, the National Program Coordinator, NG-SURWASH

Eng. Abdullahi Gwaram commended Gombe State for its proactive measures and commitment to the SURWASH initiative. He encouraged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and leverage resources for sustainable results.

Task Team Leader, NG-SURWASH (World Bank Representative)

The World Bank representative reiterated the international community’s support for SURWASH, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in implementing the program's objectives. The representative also stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement as a critical factor in the program's success.

Chairman, House Committee on Water, Gombe State House of Assembly – Hon. Musa Manaja Zambuk

Hon. Musa Manaja Zambuk assured participants of the legislature's unwavering support in enacting policies and providing oversight to strengthen water and sanitation initiatives. He applauded the retreat as a timely intervention for fostering synergy among stakeholders.

The retreat serve as a platform for dialogue, capacity building, and consensus building among stakeholders. 

"The participants collectively agreed on actionable steps to address challenges, improve coordination, and ensure the effective implementation of SURWASH in Gombe State.

Gombe State remains committed to its vision of providing sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation, setting a precedent for other regions in Nigeria.

Kano revenue service urges companies to pay withholding tax

By Zainab Olufunmi 

The Kano State Internal Revenue Services (KIRS), has urged companies operating in the state to settle their outstanding withholding tax with immediate effect.

Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, Director, Debt Management and Enforcement, KIRS, said this during an enforcement exercise to some companies, on Monday in Kano.

He said that Gov. Abba Yusuf administration was committed to serve the people through execution of viable projects, hence the need for compliance by taxpayers in the state. 

“It is important for taxpayers to be compliant as at when due in order to avoid legal action against them. 

"Once we receive a court order to seal any of the companies, they must pay before it can be reopen,” he said.

Abdullahi commended the Northern Rice and Oil Mills Limited for ensuring prompt payment of their tax to the government. 

Kano Govt partners MDAs to checkmate malnutrition

By Zainab Olufunmi

The Kano State government said it will collaborate with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in order to checkmate malnutrition across the state.

The Commissioner Ministry of Planing and Budget, Alhaji Musa Suleiman who spoke on Friday at a meeting on dialogue to uptake multiple micronutrient supplement(MMS) and prevent anemia.

He said quality of food is very important not the quality.

According to him," our objective is to inform policy makers on nutrition situation in the state, secure commitments of state assembly members to improve domestic investment for Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) towards reduction of malnutrition in the State.

"It is important to note that nutrition issues is multisectoral and multidimensional in nature which needs serious attention.

"Kano state Government is one of those states who have challenges on children malnutritíon",he said.

Suleiman further explained that the issue of Malnutrition cannot not be over emphasized. 

The Commissioner urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for implementing nutrition programs in the state to double their efforts to reduce malnourished children.

On her part, The Kano State Coordinator of Civil Society, Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Hajiya Zainab Ali said the state will improve nutrition indices in the state.

"The importance of Multiple Micronutrient Supplement to human health is to ensure optimum collaborating with the stakeholders to achieving the stated objectives.

2024 World RTC remembrance day: FRSC reiterates commitment to promote safe motoring practice

By Zainab Olufunmi

The Federal Road Safety Corps has

reiterates it's commitment to reduce road crashes and promoting safe motoring practices.

 

The Sector Commander, CC UM Masa'udu, disclose this at the 2024 World Road Traffic Crash (RTC) Remembrance Week Day five with a special Jumu'at service at the Al-Furqan Jumu'at Mosque, Alu Avenue, Nassarawa GRA, Kano.

Masa'udu attended the service alongside senior staff and other personnel.

This is contained in a statement signed and issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Abdullahi Labaran on Friday in Kano.

Earlier, the Chief Imam, Prof Bashir A Umar, in his sermon emphasized the importance of adopting safe road culture to protect human life, as enshrined in Islamic teachings. 

He also noted that motorists who cause loss of life due to recklessness will be liable to death upon conviction, in accordance with Islamic law.(ER)

Kano Govt, N.I/FAcE-PaM Collaborate on Staff Capacity Building

By Farouk Isa Musa 

Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, through the Ministry of Health, has organized a 2-day workshop titled Dissemination Meeting on DRF Pricing Survey, which was held on 20th and 21st November 2024.

Speaking on the objectives of the meeting, Pharmacist Tukur Ibrahim revealed that the workshop seeks to compare the prices of DRF (Drug Revolving Fund) commodities at public health facilities and that of private outlets, as contained in a press statement issued by Farouk Isa Musa, Public Relations Officer of the DMCSA

Supported by the Global Affairs Canada Nutrition International and its funded "Forward in Action for Education, Poverty, and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM)" project, the meeting also tries to validate the affordability component of the DRF drugs and medical supplies, and lastly, to verify the availability of drugs and medical supplies at public health facilities.

Earlier speaking, the Chairman of the session and Director Pharmaceutical Services at State Ministry of Health Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu said the ministry is organizing such kind of capacity-building workshops in order to broaden the staff's knowledge and expand their expertise, with the sole purpose of sustaining of well-trained health professionals who will take over the mantle of leadership of the health sector across the state in the near future.

He further expressed the Kano State government's gratitude to development partners who always work hand-in-hand with the government for the improvement of health sector.

In their separate remarks, the acting Executive Director of FAcE-PaM Ms Dabis Mwalike,  and the State Coordinator for Nutrition International Mrs. Victoria Aguomo assured the Kano state government of full support  and cooperation of their organizations.

The facilitators at the session include Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, Bello Muhammad Dandago, and Nura Yahaya.

WDR: FRSC urges road users to embrace safe driving practices

 By Olufunmi

The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has call on all stakeholders, road users to embrace safe driving practices, avoid dangerous driving behaviours.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a week-long event commemorated November each year.

The State FRSC Sector Commander,

Umar Matazu disclosed this in a statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Abdullahi Labaran on Monday in Kano.

He said this year’s theme is titled: “Remember, Support, and Act,”.

According to him, “the importance of collective efforts is to address impacts of road traffic crashes while promoting road safety.

“Together we will support and act for a safer road environment”,he said.

Kano Organizes Workshop to Review Drug Management Law

By Farouk Isa Musa 

To restrengthen the healthcare delivery, the Kano State government, through the Ministry of Health, has organized a 3-day workshop to review the law that established the Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA).

Delivering an opening remarks at the workshop, which took place from 16 to 18 November 2024 in Kaduna, the Commissioner Ministry of Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Pharm. Aminu Bashir expressed the determination of the state government to make policies that will enhance the health sector.

Revisiting the history of the DMCSA, the Commissioner pointed out that an attempt was previously made to review the law, but the attempt was unsuccessful, stressing that Kano has been seen as a role model by many states across the country, especially in the health sector.

He then gave his assurance that the ministry would do everything possible to ensure the law under review has scaled through, hoping that the law, when reviewed, will bring in the desired changes in the ever-changing supply chain management.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman House Committee on Health and member representing Kura/ Garun Malam Hon Zakariyya Alasan Ishaq assured the participants, on behalf of the Speaker, of a speedy consideration of the DMCSA Law review, adding that the members of the Committee and the State House of Assembly in general are always ready to accent any legislation that will move the state forward.

On his part, the Director General Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule spoke on the importance of the workshop, saying the main objective of the conference is to renew the DMCSA legal framework in order to align with the current global trend of manufacturing, procument, warehousing, and distribution of health commodities in the state.

The participants of the workshop, which was supported by the UK Government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO-Lafiya program, include heads of agencies under the Ministry of Health, relevant stakeholders drawn from different government ministries departments and agencies (MDAs), private consultants, the academia, and legal luminaries.

Meanwhile, the members of the Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Health who attended the conference were Hon. Rabiu Shuaibu (Dawakin Kudu), who represented Hon. Usman Abubakar Tasiu (Kiru) the committee's Vice Chairman, Hon. Musa Tahir Haruna (Albasu), Hon. Zakariyya Abdullahi Nuhu (Gabasawa) the Majority Whip, and Hon. Kabiru Dahiru Sule (Tarauni).

Kano Inaugurates Committee on Transtport Policy

By Farouk Musa Isa 

Kano state government ha, on Friday, inaugurated a technical committee that will review the transport sector and develop a full transport policy that will help in regulating of transportation activities.

Inaugurating the committee, the state Commissioner of Transport Engr. Muhammad Diggol, said the committee is constituted with sole purpose of improving transportation system as in line with global practice.

A press statement issued by Ibrahim Adamu Kofar-Nassarawa, Public Relations Officer of the ministry quoted the Commissioner sadding that the 30 members of the committee, drawn from different organizationms, are tasked to conduct general review of transport policy plans and factor in other options where applicable based on the state percuarities.

Diggol further revealed that the committee expected to develop best possible options transtport policy accepted by the policy is expanded to identify missing gaps provision of affective and reliable public transportation.

Moreover, the Commissioner stressed that the technical committee is expected to submit it's completed policy green paper on or before in the 18th November, the transportation system access the state.

On his part the state Commissioner of Environment and Climate change Alhaji Nasuru Sule Garo who spoke on the significant of constituting the technical committee called for the review of Kano State master plan in developing the transportation policy development of the state.

In his remarks, Professor Ibrahim Barde, from Bayero University, Kano said the transportation policy when Implemented will go along way in enhencing the economic growth of Kano state being he commercial nerve centre of the north. 

The Technical Adviser on Transtport Policy and Planning, Dr.Nura Ibrahim Hassan, who prensented a paper at the event, applauded the foresight of the State government in revitalizing the transportation systems which described as a well come development.

Professor Afolabi Falola from Department of Geography and Chairman of the Committee said the transtport sector is one of the key area that government should give adequate attention in order to move the state forward, urging the state government to strive hard to achieve the set goals in this direction.

Committee of Experts Begins Registration of Foreigners

By Farouk Musa Isa 

The Kano State Committee of Experts on Expatriates has officially launched a comprehensive verification and registration exercise targeting all expatriates and their businesses operating within the state. The initiative is designed to sanitize and secure the business environment, ensuring that expatriates meet the necessary regulations and standards in Kano State.

According to a press statement issued by media officer of the committee Musbahu Aminu on Saturday, the committee has noted strong cooperation from the expatriate community at Kantin Kwari Market, many of whom have already complied with the verification process. The committee extends its gratitude to these individuals and businesses for their proactive compliance and emphasizes that their cooperation is essential to maintaining a safe, orderly, and business-friendly environment in Kano State.

The committee praised the compliance shown and encouraged all expatriates who have yet to participate to prioritize their registration promptly, because the exercise is crucial for the state’s security and for safeguarding the legitimate business interests of both expatriates and the local community ensuring that Kano remains a welcoming place for all law-abiding businesses to thrive,

The verification and registration exercise is part of the government’s broader commitment to transparency, business integrity, and economic stability. Through this process, the committee aims to gather accurate data on expatriate businesses, identify any regulatory gaps, and enhance coordination between the government and the expatriate community.

The committee urges all expatriates and their business representatives to cooperate fully with the verification teams and comply with the stipulated guidelines. The registration and verification exercise will cover key areas, including but not limited to, registration documents, permits, and compliance with local laws.

In the coming weeks, the committee will continue engaging with expatriates across Kano State, offering guidance to ensure a smooth registration process.

The present administration of governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to fostering an inclusive, secure, and prosperous environment for all. By cooperating with this exercise, expatriates contribute to a well-regulated and thriving business ecosystem that benefits everyone in Kano.