Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has launched the 2024 Polio Eradication campaign in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area. This initiative reaffirms his administration’s commitment to combating polio and other childhood diseases.

The campaign aims to vaccinate all eligible children in the state, strengthening their immune systems and curbing the spread of the virus. Kano remains one of Nigeria’s 18 high-risk states, making this initiative crucial.

Governor Yusuf emphasized the state government’s determination to intensify vaccination efforts. He vowed to work with health agencies and local communities to reach every corner of Kano. Since Nigeria’s certification as a polio-free nation in August 2020, Kano has maintained vigilant surveillance and ensured routine immunization.

The governor urged parents to seize this opportunity to have their children vaccinated. He also stressed the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices for societal betterment. Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to development partners, religious leaders, and the Emirate Councils for their ongoing support.

Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo praised Governor Yusuf’s dedication to healthcare. “The governor’s timely intervention and commitment are commendable,” Gwarzo said. Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf explained that Dawakin Kudu was chosen due to its unique health challenges.

Some attendees stressed the need for a robust public awareness campaign. They urged households to embrace routine immunization as a means of protecting future generations. The 2024 Polio Eradication campaign marks Kano State’s continued effort to secure the health of its youngest citizens.

The campaign aligns with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s strategy to interrupt poliovirus transmission. Partners like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support polio eradication through technical assistance, vaccination campaigns, and surveillance.

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.