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Traditional Leaders Strengthen Immunization Efforts as New Incentives Expands Support

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Traditional leaders in Bauchi State have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting routine immunization efforts following recent visits from the New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE) program team. These visits to the Emirs of Dass and Misau highlight the ongoing collaboration between traditional institutions and health-focused organizations to improve childhood vaccination rates.

The Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, is a key advocate for immunization. He noted that financial challenges often prevent caregivers from accessing health services. “Many parents in rural areas want to vaccinate their children but cannot afford the transportation cost to health facilities,” he explained. “New Incentives has helped bridge this gap by providing support that encourages parents to complete their children’s immunization schedules.”
Since launching in Bauchi State in June 2022, the NI-ABAE program has expanded across all 20 local government areas, offering small financial incentives to caregivers who bring their infants for routine immunization. This approach has significantly improved vaccine uptake, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

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In Misau local government, the program has recorded remarkable milestones. Mustapha Kabir, New Incentives’ Operations Director for Bauchi and Gombe States, shared that over 23,000 infants have been enrolled in the program, with more than 300,000 vaccinations facilitated. The organization has also disbursed over ₦100 million to caregivers to ease financial barriers.
The Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Sulaiman, commended the initiative while acknowledging its impact on reducing childhood diseases. “This is a responsibility we should be handling, but New Incentives has stepped in to assist,” he said. “The small cash support you provide makes a difference for families struggling with poverty. We appreciate this program and we will continue to support it.”
The Emir of Dass acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy could arise from communities feeling neglected in government projects. “Some communities resist activities linked to government initiatives due to political grievances,” he noted. “This is why continuous community engagement is crucial. And we are happy that our people listen to us when we speak to them to understand the importance of the vaccination on their children.”
NI-ABAE has always worked in partnerships with traditional institutions to address these challenges. Ibrahim Ahmad, National Partnership Officer for New Incentives, highlighted the essential role of traditional leaders in the program’s success.
“Their influence has helped us overcome initial resistance, and we are now seeing a stronger commitment from parents to complete their children’s immunization schedules,” he said. According to Ibrahim, despite these noticeable challenges, the All Babies program, operating in 42 public hospitals in Dass, have enrolled over 12,000 infants in the local government and disbursed over 54 million to caregivers since 2022.

As the program which started in 2017 in Katsina State has now expanded to 11 states in northern Nigeria. “So far, we have enrolled more than 4 million infants into our program, encouraging more than 64 million vaccinations across the states,” added Ibrahim.

The organization also works to strengthen vaccine awareness campaigns through radio jingles and community health talks to ensure that even urban working-class parents—who may forget due to their busy schedules—are reminded to complete their children’s vaccinations.

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Sallah Thanksgiving: NUJ President Commends Kano Correspondents’ Chapel For Fostering Love, Unity Among Journalists

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The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has commended the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, for providing platforms and occasions that foster love, unity and progress among journalists.

Comrade Yahya stated this at Kano Press Centre, on Sunday, during the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah Celebrations, Thanksgiving And Special Prayers Ceremony, organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, to appreciate God for the successful month long Ramadan fasting period and the Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.

The NUJ National President used the occasion to urge journalists to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion and promote unity, peace, and tolerance, among themselves, in the course of their profession.

Represented by former chairman of Kano NUJ and a member of NUJ National Board of Trustees, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, the NUJ National President, who said he has been impressed over the activities of Kano NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, within the last one year, under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and addressing national challenges, particularly food security and insecurity.

Comrade Alhassan Yahya urged other NUJ chapels to draw inspiration from Kano Correspondents’ Chapel’s unity and camaraderie, highlighting their event as a model for promoting peace and solidarity among journalists.

He encouraged other chapels to organize similar events, fostering a sense of community and cooperation, which is essential for the growth and development of the journalism profession.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, a Professor of Communication in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Yakubu Mai Nasara Kurfi, described the event as not only inspiring, but heart-warming, while urging the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo.

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Prof. Mai Nasara Kurfi congratulated the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel executive members for their foresight to organize the event, and promised to borrow a leaf from them as he planned to introduce such occasion in the Faculty of Communication, BUK.

The Professor of Communication also used the occasion to canvass for collaboration and synergy among the NUJ, working journalists and the Faculty of Communication, BUK, so as to ensure training and re-training of both working journalists and student journalists for enhancement of the journalism profession.

The chairman of NUJ in Kano state, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, noted that the event was not only a Thanksgiving for the successful Ramadan and celebration of the Eid El Fitr, but a symbol of unity and togetherness among members of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, and the larger Kano NUJ family.

“This even is so special because some of the prominent scholars and practitioners in the media are here. I want to thank and commend the leadership of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing this event,” he said.

In his speech, chairman of NUJ Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the event as not just a celebration, but a moment to reflect on Allah’s countless mercies—granting us the strength, patience, and opportunity to observe the holy month.

According to him: “Ramadan has been a period of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and discipline. It has reminded us of the importance of empathy, humility, and self-restraint. As journalists, these values resonate deeply with our professional responsibilities—to be fair, truthful, and guided by integrity in all that we do.

“This gathering also serves as an avenue to strengthen our unity as members of the Chapel. In the midst of our demanding schedules and the pressures of the profession, moments like this allow us to reconnect, share, and reinforce the bond that holds us together.”

He encouraged all imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, and continue to embody patience, kindness, and responsibility, “in our daily lives and in our reportage. Our society looks up to us, and we must remain committed to promoting peace, truth, and understanding.

“I sincerely appreciate all our invited guests and well-wishers who have joined us today. Your presence is a testament to the strong relationships we have built over time, and we do not take it for granted. As we share this special breakfast, let us also remember those who are less privileged and continue to extend a helping hand, as taught during the holy month.”

The event was designed as a special Thanksgiving feast to appreciate Almighty Allah for His mercies and offer prayers for peace and progress, after a 30-day spiritual rejuvenation in the fasting month of Ramadan.

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Breaking: Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP

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Former Governor of Kano State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the party. The declaration was made through a statement posted on his verified Facebook page earlier today.

Kwankwaso, who served as the NNPP’s National Leader and spearheaded its presidential campaign in the 2023 general elections, described the decision as “not an easy one.” He explained that his departure was driven by the need for “strategic realignment” in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” Kwankwaso stated.

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In his resignation letter, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the NNPP’s leadership, including National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and members across all levels of the party. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, his loyal political base, pledging continued collaboration toward building “a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation.”

Kwankwaso’s exit marks a significant moment for the NNPP, which rose to prominence under his leadership and made notable gains in the 2023 elections. His next political move is expected to reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, though he has yet to disclose the platform he intends to join.

Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s resignation could trigger a wave of defections within the NNPP, particularly among members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who have historically followed his political trajectory.

 

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Northern Youth Group Backs Doguwa for Kano APC Leadership, Urges National Role

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The Northern Youths Merger Groups under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as the APC State Chairman in Kano.

In a statement, the group’s National Coordinator, Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, described Doguwa as a hardworking and experienced politician capable of leading the party to victory.

The group highlighted Doguwa’s track record, noting his four-time leadership of political parties in Kano, as well as his service in two commissioner roles. According to the group, his vast experience will significantly contribute to the success of the APC.

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The Northern Youths Merger Groups also called on APC stakeholders to nominate and support Doguwa for appointment as Chairman of the APC States Chairmen Forum, which comprises representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

They expressed confidence that such an appointment would strengthen efforts toward securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, particularly in the North-West region.

The group further noted that the North-West zone is expected to deliver massive votes in the 2027 elections, describing it as one of the APC’s strongest strongholds with seven sitting governors.

They emphasized that Doguwa’s leadership, experience, and political influence would play a crucial role in ensuring the party’s success in both the presidential and gubernatorial elections.

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