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Over 80% of Diptheria Deaths Attributed to Lack of Vaccination, says Health Agency Chief

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Dr Faisal Shuaibu addressing the Press at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano

 

Kano, Nigeria –

In a distressing revelation, Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, stated that over 80% of diptheria-related fatalities in Kano, Nigeria, involved individuals who had not received vaccination. The victims were primarily aged between 5 and 14 years.

Dr. Shuaibu further emphasized that the vaccination coverage in various states varies significantly, with some areas achieving a 71% rate while others fall below that threshold. This data underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing diseases like diptheria.

Dr. Shuaibu vehemently disapproved of misinformation circulating about vaccinations and encouraged Nigerians to disregard the baseless claims of pseudoscientists and unfounded rumors. He made a direct reference to previous false narratives surrounding vaccines, such as the debunked theory that the polio vaccine causes infertility.

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Similar challenges have arisen with the COVID-19 vaccine, with unfounded claims of it causing death. Dr. Shuaibu urged Nigerians to work closely with the media to promote accurate information regarding immunization.

The Executive Director acknowledged that there are still gaps in public knowledge about vaccinations and reassured the public that vaccination would not be made mandatory, taking into account these concerns.

Diptheria has had a significant impact in Nigeria, with more than 14,000 reported cases of the disease. The states primarily responsible for 97% of these cases include Kano, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa.

Dr. Shuaibu took the opportunity to clarify that diptheria is unrelated to COVID-19. While diptheria is caused by bacteria, COVID-19 is caused by a virus. He attributed misinformation about this distinction to the actions of mischievous individuals spreading false narratives.

These statements were made during Dr. Shuaibu’s visit to a diptheria treatment center at the Murtala Muhammad Special Hospital in Kano, where he also commended the Kano government’s response to the disease.

 

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BREAKING: Gov. Yusuf to Formally Join APC on Monday

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is set to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last Friday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

The statement recalled that Governor Yusuf first joined the APC in 2014 when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, a position he later conceded to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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It noted that after years of political engagement across different platforms, including his most recent stint in the NNPP, prevailing realities of governance, national cohesion and development necessitated his return to the APC, which he described as a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.

Governor Yusuf stated that rejoining the APC would further strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, accelerate infrastructural development, enhance security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He added that the decision would also consolidate political stability and unity in the state.

On Monday, 26 January 2026, the governor will formally register as a member of the APC in Kano alongside 22 members of the State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 Local Government Chairmen.

He is also expected to officially launch the APC e-registration exercise in the state.

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NGO Sensitizes Physically Challenged on Disability Law, Calls for Speedy Establishment of Commission

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A non-governmental organization, Non-Formal Development for Education and Health Initiative (NODEHI), has embarked on a sensitization program to educate persons with disabilities in Kano State about the Disability Law passed by the State Assembly. The initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among the physically challenged and push for the speedy establishment of a disability commission to ensure full implementation of the law.

Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Adviser to NODEHI, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among persons with disabilities about their rights under the law. He noted that many physically challenged individuals were not even aware of the provisions of the legislation.

“We gathered the physically challenged persons to enlighten them on the Disability Law and the steps required for its implementation. If strictly enforced, the law will help reduce street hawking among persons with disabilities. While the law has been partially implemented, the commission that should oversee its enforcement is yet to be established. We hope our recommendations will guide the government towards proper implementation,” Dr. Halilu stated.

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Participants at the event expressed both optimism and concern. Abdurazak Ado Zango, one of the attendees, acknowledged government efforts but lamented the lack of proper monitoring. He stressed the need for inclusive education and guidance, particularly in confronting challenges faced by disabled students in examinations conducted by JAMB and WAEC.

“Government is trying its best, but unfortunately, progress is not being tracked. We should be pacesetters in educating the physically challenged. Funds meant for disability support must be accessible and not diverted. Each ministry should have a desk officer to represent persons with disabilities,” Zango said.

Adding her voice, Ambassador Rabia Yusuf Gezawa, Executive Director of the Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Center, described the sensitization as crucial for stakeholders. She highlighted the slow pace of implementation since the law was passed during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and reintroduced under the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“The bill has been moving very slowly. Although Governor Yusuf is familiar with the law, more needs to be done. Each ministry, department, and agency should appoint directors to ensure compliance. There should also be customized instruments and interpreters to make the law accessible to all,” Gezawa explained.

Stakeholders called for the immediate establishment of the Disability Commission, which they believe will serve as a central body to coordinate implementation, monitor compliance, and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into government programs.

The program appealed to the Kano State Government to prioritize disability inclusion, allocate more budgetary resources, and guarantee that persons with disabilities are represented across ministries and agencies.

 

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Kano Commissioner Resigns, Citing Political Pressure and Threat to Office’s Integrity

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kano State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect, citing the state’s “prevailing political turmoil.”

Kofarmata announced his decision in a formal resignation letter, expressing concern that the current political climate could compromise the independence and impartiality required of his office.

He argued that the growing tension and expectations of political loyalty risked creating a perception—or reality—of compromised judgment, which he said was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a State Commissioner.

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“The integrity of the State Commissioner’s role rests on the ability to act without undue influence, partisan pressure, or divided allegiance,” Kofarmata stated. He added that remaining in office under such circumstances could erode public confidence in the institution.

He explained that his resignation was motivated by a desire to safeguard the credibility of his office and uphold his personal commitment to ethical public service.

Kofarmata thanked the Kano State Government for the opportunity to serve in various ministries, stating that his tenure allowed him to contribute to policy reforms and the state’s development.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served, and for the trust placed in me during my tenure,” he said. He expressed hope that his departure would allow the institution to function without question or constraint.

He formally requested that his resignation be accepted as official notice of his disengagement from the Kano State Executive Council.

His resignation comes amid a period of heightened political tension and realignment in Kano, sparking public debate over governance and institutional independence in the state.

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