The Kano State Government has announced a significant initiative to target 1.5 million women with multiple micronutrient supplementation. This ambitious project is part of the World Bank-assisted initiative known as Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN).

Dr. Umar Yahuza, the Project Coordinator for ANRiN in Kano, shared this information while interacting with newsmen at one of the training centers for healthcare personnel drawn from the 484 wards in Kano. Dr. Yahuza highlighted the scale of this intervention, emphasizing that such a massive effort is happening for the first time across the state.

“This is the first time something massive like this is happening across the state. We intend to train over one thousand healthcare personnel,” Dr. Yahuza stated. He explained that the training is designed to respond to the identified challenges of stunted growth and malnutrition among women and children.

Stunting, a condition often resulting from chronic malnutrition, is a significant concern in Kano State. Dr. Yahuza pointed out that the increase in stunting rates can be attributed to other states’ refusal to implement similar nutritional interventions. However, he praised the Kano State Government under the leadership of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for its proactive approach and commitment to addressing these nutritional challenges.

“The Kano government under Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has done well,” Dr. Yahuza remarked, acknowledging the state’s efforts in improving nutritional outcomes.

The ANRiN project aims to provide preventive nutrition services to a teeming population of pregnant and lactating mothers. The training of healthcare personnel is a critical component of this initiative, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver effective nutrition services at the grassroots level.

As part of the project’s implementation, healthcare personnel from various health facilities in Kano, including medical doctors and dieticians, are being trained. The training covers essential aspects of nutrition and aims to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers to combat malnutrition and promote healthy growth among women and children.

The success of this initiative is expected to significantly impact the health and well-being of women and children in Kano State, ensuring that they receive the necessary micronutrients to support their growth and development.
One of the participants and a health worker, Nusaiba Garba, said she has learned a lot, including how to educate pregnant and lactating mothers on positioning during breastfeeding and how to relate well with patients.

Another beneficiary, Usman Balarabe Usman from Kibiya , said there are many things he learned from the training, things that he previously did not take as seriously but are very important in managing pregnant and lactating mothers, including how to welcome a patient.

FG has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as public holidays.

This declaration was made on Monday morning by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the federal government.

In his statement, Tunji-Ojo extended warm festive greetings to all Nigerians and encouraged them to embrace the spirit of love, peace, and unity that the season embodies.

The minister, through a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, highlighted the importance of the festive season as an opportunity to strengthen bonds within families and communities while fostering harmony across the nation.

The Minister also felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

Dr Tunji-Ojo enjoined Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ in his practice and teachings of humility, service, compassion, and patience.

He stressed that peace and security are critical prerequisites for economic development and prosperity.

The minister assured that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, will continue to put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property.

He urged Nigerians to be security-conscious, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agencies.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the Yuletide season calls for discipline to protect the lives and property of everyone in their respective communities and the nation as a whole.

The Minister urged all citizens to remain focused that the year 2025 will be a better year with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” he stated.

Former Military Governor of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, Major General Godwin Osagie Abbe, has passed away. He was 75.

Abbe served as the Military Governor of both Akwa Ibom State from 1988 to 1990, and River State from 1990 to 1992. He also held the position of Minister of Interior under President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration where he was later redeployed to the ministry of defence

He died in Abuja on Saturday after a long illness.

His academic achievements include a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University and attendance at the United States Army Infantry School, the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.

He rose through the ranks to become the General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and commanded both the Training and Doctrine Command and the National War College.

Abbe retired in 1999 at the rank of Major General and subsequently joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).