Pharm. Gali Sule Led Kano Delegation to International Conference of Pharmacists in Denmark

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Director-General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule, FPSN, and other delegation from across the country, has officially arrived Denmark to participate in the highly anticipated 83rd World Congress of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Sciences, bringing with them a strong commitment to advancing pharmaceutical practice, healthcare innovation, and international collaboration.

Organized by the Federation of International Pharmacists, this year's conference, titled Copenhagen 2025 FIP World Congress, is taking place between 31 August and 3rd September 2025. The theme of the event is Pharmacy forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation.

Shading more light on the congress, Pharm. Sule said the program "aims to explore the evolving role of the pharmacy profession in the context of modern healthcare challenges. It will also explore how pharmacists can drive forward the performance of healthcare systems, foster meaningful collaboration across sectors, and catalyze transformative changes in health outcomes globally."

Speaking on the benefits Kano State stands to gain from the conference, Pharm. Gali Sule stated: "We are honored to represent Kano State, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, at this global gathering of pharmacy leaders. Our participation underscores the importance of strengthening healthcare systems through pharmaceutical advancement, and we are here to collaborate, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the global health agenda.

"The participation of Kano in this year’s Congress reflects the state's ongoing efforts to elevate pharmaceutical standards, invest in local capacity, and build resilient health systems in alignment with the World Health Organization’s goals," Pharm. Sule observed.

One of the attendees of the conference from Kano State, Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, who is also the Director Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, said the presence of Kano delegation, led by Pharm. Gali Sule to Copenhagen marks a significant step in showcasing Kano's growing contributions to national and global pharmaceutical development and public health solutions.

The Kano team is expected to take part in high-level discussions,, and policy sessions focusing on drug accessibility, digital health, and pharmaceutical education, at the Congress, which gathers pharmacy professionals from all over the world,

Stakeholders Convene to Review Kano DRF Pricing Policy

By Farouk Isa Musa 

To reflect with the current realities as in line with global best practices, the Kano State Ministry of Health, through the Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS C), in collaboration with the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme, has organized a pivotal workshop aimed at reviewing the current Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Pricing Policy. 

The DRF is a critical financing mechanism designed to ensure the sustainable availability of essential medicines through a cost-recovery system. However, changing economic conditions, inflationary trends, and supply chain challenges have necessitated a comprehensive review of the existing pricing framework.

Declaring the workshop opened, Pharm. Aminu Bashir, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, who was represented by Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad, the Director-General State Primary Health Care Management Board, spoke extensively on the significance of the DRF scheme and the need for reviewing pricing policy, noting that the DRF has long served as a critical mechanism for ensuring the continuous availability of affordable, quality-assured medicines at public health facilities.

"This review workshop is timely, and it has presented us, the participants, with a valuable opportunity to examine the current pricing policy in depth and collectively chart a path forward," the Permanent Secretary said.

"As with all policies and systems, it is essential that we periodically review and refine our approaches to reflect changing realities —be they are economic, logistical, or epidemiological."

He then challenged the participants to bring their expertise, experience, and insights to the table, "Whether you are a health practitioner, a pharmacist, a partner, or a supply chain specialist, your voice is crucial to the success of this review meeting. Let us approach our task with a shared sense of purpose: to develop a pricing policy that is fair, realistic, and aligned with our broader goal of universal health coverage."

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director-General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule explained that the workshop offers the participants a timely opportunity to assess the current pricing framework, identify gaps, share lessons, and collaboratively develop recommendations that will better align the policy with the health system goals and the needs of the citizens of Kano State.

Pharm. Gali Sule maintained that the Drug Revolving Fund is crucial in maintaining the availability of affordable, good-quality medicines across the state-owned healthcare facilities, lamenting that the evolving economic conditions, supply chain challenges, and the need for improved equity and efficiency have brought the DRF pricing policy under necessary scrutiny.

He further observed that the convergence of key stakeholders from relevant government agencies, health facilities, development partners, and community representatives —demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening the sustainability, transparency, and impact of the DRF in ensuring continuous access to essential medicines.

"We encourage open and honest dialogue throughout this session. Your insights, experiences, and technical contributions will be invaluable in shaping a more responsive, transparent, and sustainable DRF pricing model," Pharm. Gali Sule told the participants.

Speaking on the objectives of meeting, Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, the Director Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health, said reviewing the DRF pricing policy is essential to protect access to affordable medicines while maintaining the financial sustainability of the fund, adding that the workshop is also an opportunity to align on a pricing strategy that serves the needs of patients and the health system alike.

According to Pharm. Kamilu Mudi, who is also the Chairman SHCSS-C, the meeting would attempt to review the current DRF pricing structure and identify existing gaps, to evaluate the impact of current pricing on drug availability and affordability, and explore global best practices in pricing models for sustainable DRFs.

"The objectives of the workshop are, one, to understand the concept of DRF Pricing Policy for sustainability; two, to update stakeholders on Intergrated Health Commodity Supply and Last-Mile delivery; and, lastly, to review DRF Pricing Policy," the Director Pharmaceutical Services stated.

Delivering a goodwill message, Alh. Abdulkadir Salisu Kabara, the State Team Lead FCDO Lafiya Programme in Kano, commended the initiative of the state to review the DRF pricing policy and called on the participants to engage in data-driven discussions and shared evidence-based recommendations to ensure the DRF pricing structure remains equitable, transparent, and sustainable.

The FCDO State Team Lead further expressed his optimism that the outcomes from the workshop will help in developing actionable recommendations for a revised pricing framework, inform policy reforms, and contribute to strengthening the overall efficiency and transparency of the Drug Revolving Fund system in Kano State.

The workshop, held between 24th and 25th August 2025 at Bafra International Hotels Kaduna, brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including top officials from the state Ministry of Health, relevant agencies under the ministry, healthcare facilities, donor partners, health financing experts, representatives of community-based organizations and the workshop resource person Pharm. Ali Adamu who is also an expert in the health supply chain, Victoria Aguomo the State Coordinator of Nutrition International, and Amos Gwazalyen, the State Lead of Capacity for Sustainable Development (C4SD).

KAZOWMA Celebrates the Heroes of Conservation on World Rangers Day, as Kano Govt Donates Motorcycles

By Hauwa Adam 

In a strategic move to preserve biodiversity and promote wildlife conservation, the Kano State government, headed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has procured and distributed 10 brand new motorcycles to forest rangers stationed at Falgore Game Reserve.

The Managing Director Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency (KAZOWMA) Conservator Sadiq Kura Mohammed presented the motorcycles to the rangers on behalf of Governor Yusuf during a ceremony to commemorate the World Rangers Day 2025, which was organized by KAZOWMA and took place, Wednesday 20th August at the Falgore Base Camp, in Doguwa Local Government Area.

Conservator Kura Mohammed stated that the Kano State government is much more concerned about safeguarding the ecosystem, which harbor the fauna and flora that are domiciled at forests and reserves in the state, by rolling out policies, programs, and initiatives that are geared toward enhancing wildlife conservation.

"Today, KAZOWMA proudly joins the global conservation community in celebrating World Rangers Day, a day dedicated to honoring the courage, dedication, and commitment of rangers working to safeguard the wildlife," the Managing Director said.

He then commended the rangers, whom he described as the "unsung heroes of conservation" for patrolling the vast game reserve area and for combating tree felling, poaching, monitoring endangered species, and supporting local communities. 

“Our rangers are the backbone of our conservation efforts. Their efforts are critical to safeguarding the planet’s natural heritage," Kura Mohammed noted. “On World Rangers Day, we honor their service and recommit ourselves to supporting their safety, well-being, and professional growth.”

Speaking on the purpose of marking the World Rangers Day, Hajiya Hafsat Bello, the Director Zoo Services, said the ceremony is organized every year to honor the brave and dedicated rangers who stand to preserve biodiversity.

"World Rangers Day is a moment to celebrate the tireless efforts of men and women who protect wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and ensure that future generations inherit a planet rich in biodiversity. From patrolling vast vast forest to checkmating the felling of trees and combating poaching, your courage and commitment inspire us all," she said 

"We are here to honor and recognize those who are dedicated to their duties, and to renew our support to you for working under challenging conditions to protect nature’s most vulnerable We say a big thank you to our rangers for being guardians of the wild," the Director added.

In their separate remarks, Alh. Sarki Muhammad Dankadai, the District Head of Doguwa, and Alh. Hamza II, the Village Head of  Falgore town, who spoke on behalf of the host communities commended Governor Yusuf for providing necessary support to the rangers in order to effectively and efficiently safeguard the reserve which, according to them, is the lifeline to many residents of the area as it is the only source of River Kano which runs into Tiga Dam, as well as the carbon sink and the major source of oxygen.

Speaking on behalf of the rangers, Hisham Sulaiman Aliyu, the Officer In-charge of Falgore Game Reserve, expressed gratitude to the management team of KAZOWMA for providing condusive working environment and for prioritizing the welfare and safety of the rangers.

He pointed that the rangers at Falgore Game Reserve are working tirelessly to protect iconic and endangered species of both fauna and flora, adding that their work has led to a decrease in indiscriminate felling of trees, illegal poaching incidents, habitat restoration projects, among others.

“Rangers are guardians of nature, and they deserve our utmost respect and support. Let’s stand with them—not just today, but every day," Hisham Sulaiman appealed to the neighboring host communities of Falgore Game Reserve,.

This year’s theme, "Rangers: Powering Transformative Conservation," highlights the essential role rangers play not only in protecting biodiversity but also in fostering peace and prosperity for people living in and around protected areas.

Kano Urban Renewal Project: 13 Projects Earn MPPPM&E Commendation

By Sagiru Ado Abubakar

As part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s bold vision to transform Kano into a modern, livable city, the Ministry for Public Procurement Project Monitoring and Evaluation (MPPPM&E) has rated 13 major projects in the state capital as satisfactory.

The routine monitoring exercise, led by the Honorable Commissioner, Comrade Nura Ma’aji Sumaila, revealed impressive progress across multiple project sites under the Governor’s Urban Renewal Development Agenda.

The Commissioner’s itinerary began with the inspection of the asphalt overlay at Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road in Tarauni, before proceeding to several landmark sites including the Kano State Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House Convention Center (Open Theater), Government House Jumma’at Mosque, and the Deputy Governor’s Official Residence.

The inspection tour also covered ongoing asphalt overlay works at Audu Bako Way and Airport Road.

 At Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Comrade Sumaila commended Hajiya Halima Uba Jalli, the contractor handling the conversion of the D-Ward into a dedicated Sickle Cell Center. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide comprehensive healthcare services for patients living with sickle cell disease.

The Commissioner further inspected drainage and waterway challenges in Tudun Wizurchi, assuring residents that the matter will be brought to the attention of KARMA and other relevant MDAs for urgent intervention

Other projects visited during the tour included the Kano State Printing Press, Printing Technology Institute, Kano Educational Resources Department (KERD), as well as asphalt overlay works from Dan Agundi to Sabon Titi Road.

The 13 projects, collectively valued at over ₦22 billion, all located within the state capital, received high performance ratings from the ministry.

 “At all these sites, we observed contractors delivering commendable results. Our team of engineers assessed and rated at least 95% of them satisfactory,” the Commissioner stated.

He, however, urged the contractors to intensify efforts and strictly adhere to the Bill of Quantities to ensure timely and quality completion of the projects.

PSN Visits Kano SSG, Appreciates Government's Support

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim has, on Wednesday 30th July 2025, led the executive members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Kano Secretary to the State Government Alh. Umar Farouk Ibrahim.

Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Pharm. Ibrahim said they were at the SSG's office to inform him about the PSN's planned annual national conference tagged 'Dabo 2025' which is scheduled to take place in November in Kano, and to also expressed their profound gratitude to the Kano State Government for supporting the association.

Pharm. Ibrahim added that the courtesy call is part of the PSN's efforts to further deepen the collaboration with Kano State Government, which is aimed at strategically enhancing access to quality medicines and strengthening healthcare delivery systems in the state.

The president further emphasized the critical role pharmacists play in achieving universal health coverage, ensuring drug safety, and supporting public health initiatives.

"This visit is aimed at reinforcing cooperation between the Kano State Government and the PSN. We are here not only to pay our respects to the SSG but to also seek stronger collaboration in areas that directly impact the lives of our people,” the President clarified. “Our pharmacists are on the frontlines of healthcare, and with the government’s support, we can do even more to improve outcomes and access to safe medications.”

Responding, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Umar Farouk Ibrahim commended the PSN for its unwavering dedication to public health and pledged the government's commitment to enhancing the pharmacy profession's role within the state’s health architecture.

“We recognize the value your profession brings to our healthcare system, and we are open to working closely with you to ensure quality healthcare delivery for all citizens,” 

He then assured the leaders of the professional association of continued support and cooperation of the Kano State Government to transform the pharmaceutical sector for the betterment of the pharmacy profession and the residents of the state.

During the visit, the PSN President was together with all national executive members and was also accompanied by the Director-General of Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director Pharmaceutical Services Kano State Ministry of Health Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu, as well as the executives of PSN Kano State Chapter, led by its Chairman Dr. Murtala Isa Umar.

The PSN’s visit mark a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward a more efficient and reliable healthcare system.

The PSN is the umbrella body for all registered pharmacists in Nigeria. It was established in 1927 and is a professional organization that aims to promote and maintain high standards of pharmaceutical practice in the country. The PSN also works to advocate for the welfare of pharmacists and the advancement of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.