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.