Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, the Commissioner of Commerce for Kano State says the crucial role of private companies in fostering state development during a familiarization visit to industrial sites in the region.

The tour, he said as  directed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf aimed to engage with local businesses and address prevailing issues affecting their operations.

Commissioner Kibiya said “Private companies play a vital role in the development of the state.

It is our responsibility as government officials to provide an enabling environment for their smooth operation.”

Adamu Aliyu Kibiya made the remarks during a visit to Mr. Lee’s industry, renowned for producing slippers and detergent, located in the Jogana area of Kano state.

We are here to see firsthand how you operate and to discuss what the government can do to ensure the smooth operation of the state,” Commissioner Kibiya expressed, emphasizing the interdependency between government and private enterprises. He pledged the government’s commitment to inviting more investors to Kano State, facilitating economic growth and job creation.

During the visit, Ahmad Haruna Zago, a consultant with the company, provided insights into its history, revealing that it was established in 1993 and currently employs over 4,000 workers.

The company’s workforce hails from various communities, including Gezawa, Gabasawa, Nassarawa, and Fagge, highlighting its significant impact on local employment and livelihoods.

The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, officially assented to the Kano State Premarital Health Screening Law, which mandates premarital health screening for all prospective couples.

As per the new law, no wedding will be permitted in Kano without the presentation of a health screening certificate for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other related illnesses.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the law was deemed necessary to reduce the likelihood of children being born with underlying health issues such as sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.

This initiative aligns with the Kano state governor’s commitment to enhancing and providing a conducive environment for the healthcare sector, aiming to make Kano free from or significantly reduce health challenges.

The law necessitates mandatory testing for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, genotype, and other relevant examinations before marriage.

It also prohibits any discrimination or stigmatization against individuals living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia , hepatitis, and related conditions.

During the signing ceremony, Governor Abba
Kabir Yusuf emphasized that the purpose of implementing the law is to uphold the sanctity of marriages in Kano State and ensure the birth of healthy offspring, free from any preventable illnesses.

Upon approval by the state house of assembly and endorsement by the Kano state governor, the law was signed on the 6th of May 2024 and will come into effect on May 13, 2024.

It is mandated by the law that any individual intending to marry must undergo testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, genotype, and any other relevant tests before marriage.

Furthermore, the law prohibits the formalization of any marriage contract for individuals planning to marry without presenting a test certificate from a government-approved health facility.

Moreover, the law specifies that any individual found in violation of its provisions commits an offense and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to five hundred thousand Naira, for a minimum of five years, or both.

The management of Best Choice Hospital has announced the relocation of the facility from Sabuwar Gandu to Tal’udu Round About near Sheikh Bashir El-Rayyah College, Kano city.

The chairman of the Hospital Auwal Muhammad Lawal announced this on Saturday in a statement issued to journalists in Kano.

He however noted that Best Choice does not have any branch and has nothing to do with the previous location.

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Lawal assured the general public of quality health care service in the new Best Choice Hospital similar to what they have been rendering at the previous location.