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UNICEF and Kaduna State Hold Health Retreat for Local Government Chairmen

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1 year ago

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By Kabiru Basiru Fultan

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, concluded a two-day health retreat aimed at orienting local government chairmen towards their responsibilities in improving health care delivery in their respective LGAs. The event, which took place in Kano, was facilitated by Dr. Idris Bawa, the health specialist overseeing UNICEF interventions in the Cardinal Field Office, and was attended by key state officials, including Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and Commissioner of Health Umeki Ahme.

“The essence of this meeting is for us to begin to orient our local government chairmen towards their responsibility as the number one citizens in their respective local governments,” Dr. Idris Baba stated.

“Health is one area that we can’t stop talking about. It’s one area that we must deliver on because it is the fulcrum around which human survival hinges.”

Dr. Baba emphasized the importance of involving local government chairmen in changing the current health indices in Kaduna State. “The whole objective of the meeting is to have them on board as quickly as possible so that they know where to invest their resources moving forward,” he explained. He added that UNICEF’s role was to convene the meeting and provide technical support, while the Deputy Governor of the state played a more significant facilitating role.

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Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe highlighted that the retreat focused on service delivery in health, particularly primary health care services, which she described as the foundation of the healthcare system. “We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve also recorded some gains. We realize that if we get it right at this level, we will get the other levels right as well,” she said.

The retreat organized attendees into three groups to discuss key issues: motivation for health workers, maternal health issues, and child health issues including nutrition. “One group was talking about how health workers can stay motivated to do their work better, another group discussed maternal health issues, and another focused on child health issues including nutrition,” Deputy Governor Balarabe noted.

Commissioner of Health Umeki Ahme reiterated the state’s commitment to health as a priority under Governor Uba Sani’s administration. “The local government chairmen are the gatekeepers of the local government. Our hospitals, from primary health care centers up to the secondary health facilities, need to work hand in hand with the local government chairmen to ensure quality and accessible health care,” Ahme said.

Ahme also mentioned the involvement of various health agencies including the Primary Health Care Board, Kaduna State Contributory Health Agency, Kaduna State Drug Supply Agency, and CADBUSA. “We are doing this to ensure that we provide quality and accessible health care to our people at the grassroots,” he added.

The retreat emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle health challenges, improve service delivery, and ensure sustainable development in the health sector across Kaduna State.

 

 

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ADC Rising: Salga hails influx of political heavyweights as a turning point for justice

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2 hours ago

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April 1, 2026

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Ambassador Abdulrahman Mai Nasara Salga, a prominent ADC leader from Dala, Kano, has welcomed the influx of influential politicians into the party, describing it as a sign of ADC’s growing acceptance.

Salga, who contested for the federal legislature in Dala during the 2023 general election, says the party’s progress is heartening, having worked tirelessly to promote ADC’s agenda and position it as a viable alternative for good governance.

He highlights the entry of Kwankwasiyya leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, and APC’s 2025 gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among others, as major boosts that are transforming ADC into a formidable opposition force.

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Salga believes these developments signal a shift towards justice and better leadership in Kano and Nigeria. He urges party leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso, to unite for success in 2027.

The ADC leader pledges continued efforts to promote the party’s ideals, expressing optimism for a brighter future with these influential additions.

 

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BREAKING: INEC Removes David Mark-Led NWC from Portal, Updates Records Amid ADC Leadership Crisis

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4 hours ago

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April 1, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally updated its official portal to reflect changes in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the commission’s recognition of the leadership dispute within the party.

The commission confirmed that the removal of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark followed a detailed review of a recent Court of Appeal judgment and an ongoing suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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According to INEC, the decision comes after receiving conflicting legal representations from the two factions vying for control of the party. One faction, loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, urged the commission to enforce the appellate court’s ruling, which includes withdrawing recognition from the Mark-led NWC. The other faction, aligned with Mr. Mark, advised INEC against recognizing Mr. Gombe as acting national chairman, citing the pending legal proceedings.

The leadership crisis traces back to July 2025, when the ADC’s former leadership resigned, paving the way for a new executive committee headed by Mr. Mark. Mr. Gombe, a former vice-national chairman, has challenged this transition, arguing that the party’s constitution mandates his ascension to the leadership role.

In a ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr. Mark. The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the crisis—pending the resolution of the substantive suit at the Federal High Court.

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JUST IN: El-Rufai Detained as Bail Ruling Adjourned to April 14

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10 hours ago

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April 1, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.

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Security sources said vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings.

El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice.

“We await the decision of the court,” he added.

He also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

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