The National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners has set October 1 as the date for its members in Kano to go on strike.

The secretary of the association in Kano, Dr. Anas Idris Hassan, made this known while addressing newsmen on the outcome of their meeting.

Dr. Anas stated that despite reaching an agreement with the Kano State Government months ago which is June to meet their demands, the government has yet to respond.

He emphasized that the government has not addressed the issue of their hazard allowance, specifically the post-COVID-19 hazard allowance, which has been paid by the federal government since 2021 but has yet to be paid by the Kano State Government.

Dr. Anas further mentioned that newly employed medical doctors, who were hired by the Kano State Government in September 2023, have not been paid their salaries.

The medical practitioners also expressed concern over the dilapidated state of Kano hospitals and the lack of necessary equipment, stressing the urgent need to address these issues.

Dr. Anas highlighted the critical doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s standard. He noted that there are an estimated 20 million people in Kano, served by only 600 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients.

The medical practitioners concluded that they have no option but to embark on the strike on October 1.

The wife of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, has passed away.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, announced the sad news in a statement released early Friday morning.

Ememobong disclosed that the first lady died following an undisclosed illness on September 26, 2024, surrounded by her family. His statement, titled “Unexpected Sunset,” expressed the deep sorrow felt by the state government and the family.

It is with heavy hearts that we (Akwa Ibom Government) announce the passing of the wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, following an illness. She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family,” the statement read.

The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, while also asking for prayers and support from the public. The commissioner added that further details would be provided in due time.

Governor Umo Eno, despite the personal tragedy, assured citizens that his dedication to the service of Akwa Ibom remain steadfast. “His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering,” Ememobong’s statement concluded.

By Salisu Baso

The Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Land has received a complaint from the residents of Dariya village in Tudun Wada Local Government Area and Gomo village in Sumaila Local Government Area, both in Kano State.

The two Kano communities, bordering Bauchi State’s Burra Local Government Area, lodged the complaint with the Kano State House of Assembly, accusing a Bauchi lawmaker representing Burra of encroaching on their lands.

Hafizu Gambo, chairman of the House Committee on Land Matters, who represents Bunkure, along with other committee members, visited the affected communities as part of their oversight function.

Following the visit, the committee, led by Gambo, confirmed the residents’ claims of land encroachment by the Bauchi Assembly member. Gambo assured the communities that efforts would be made to reclaim the encroached lands for Kano State.

He expressed dismay that a Bauchi lawmaker, who should be well aware of legal boundaries, had removed the demarcation markers (drums) that outline the state borders.

The Kano Assembly members explained that their visit was to conduct oversight at the border communities of Dariya in Tudun Wada and Gomo in Sumaila, which lie between Tudun Wada and Burra.

Kano State Surveyor General Usman Dambatta also confirmed the encroachment and vowed to follow up on the issue.