Sokoto State’s fight against tuberculosis is being shaped not only by medical interventions but by the lived experiences of survivors. In this report, John Asishana examined the journeys of survivors from illness to recovery highlighting both the persistent challenges and growing progress in Nigeria’s battle against the disease. Fatima Bello still remembers the fear in her children’s eyes when she could no longer hide how sick she was. The 32-year-old mother of three from a farming village in Sokoto North Local Government Area had dismissed her persistent cough as ordinary malaria. Night sweats soaked her wrapper, she lost weight rapidly,…
Author: John Asishana
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, says Nigerian banks have raised a combined N4.61 trillion in fresh capital ahead of the March 31, 2026, recapitalisation deadline. Cardoso disclosed this on Tuesday at the International Monetary Fund/Africa Regional Technical Assistance Centres (IMF/AFRITAC) West 2 high-level forum in Abuja. He noted that foreign investors accounted for about 27 per cent of the capital raised, reflecting renewed confidence in the sector amid ongoing reforms. “Nigerian banks, despite navigating subsidy removals and exchange rate reforms, attracted N4.61 trillion in new capital—nearly 27 per cent from foreign investors—while also expanding their…
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has debunked reports alleging that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap at Sabon Gida in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The NIWA Area Manager in charge of the Sokoto Zonal Office, Mr. Bello Bala, dismissed the report as false in an interview with reporters on Monday in Sokoto. Bala said there was no such incident, adding that the river mentioned in the report is not navigable. He appealed to the media to be cautious about spreading misinformation and to always verify news from credible sources, assuring that the authority…
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, the Development Communications Network (DevComs) has called for stronger support and generosity toward women scientists across Africa, emphasizing that empowering women in science is critical to the continent’s development. Marking this year’s celebration under the theme “Give to Gain,” DevComs highlighted the contributions of African women researchers who are advancing breakthroughs in areas such as genomics, antimicrobial resistance, maternal health, and public health policy despite facing significant barriers. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), women make up less than 30 percent of researchers globally, with even lower…
As Nigeria grapples with persistent food inflation and the uncertainties of climate change, dry season agriculture has become a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to achieve food security. Federal programs like the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), alongside state-level efforts, promise year-round farming, increased yields of staples such as wheat, rice, and vegetables, and economic relief for millions of rural households. The concept is straightforward: deliver subsidized seeds, fertilizers, irrigation equipment, and extension services to enable cultivation during the dry months (November to April). When executed well, it boosts production, stabilizes supply, reduces imports, and improves farmer incomes…
Residents of Gumburawa town in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State have expressed relief and appreciation following the construction of a new cemetery by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. The facility enables the community to bury their loved ones with dignity and in accordance with Islamic rites. The project was carried out in response to a formal request from members of the Gumburawa community, reflecting the senator’s continued responsiveness to the needs of his constituents. While handing over the completed cemetery, the senator’s representative and project contractor, Umar Abdullahi Alkanci, said the gesture is part of Senator Wamakko’s longstanding commitment…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Bado Quarters Chapter, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, has disbursed ₦20 million and 100 bags of assorted rice to residents of Bado Quarters in Wamakko Local Government Area. Over 300 people benefited from the gesture, aimed at encouraging them to start businesses and become self-reliant.The Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Agriculture, Mustapha Alkali, urged committee members to ensure fair distribution of the items. Alkali commended the governor for supporting the forum with 100 bags of rice for donation to the needy. He pledged the state government’s readiness to provide more…
Northwest University Sokoto (NWUS) has signed its first international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Lahore, Pakistan, to deepen academic collaboration, research exchange, and global institutional engagement. L-R: Director Exams, Dr Mohammed Suleiman; Director MIS, Dr Ibrahim Aminu; HOD Accounting, Mr Elisha Wamahyel; Bursar, Sarkin Baki Garba Shinkafi; Dean, Faculty of Law, Dr Abubakar Getso; NWUS VC, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza; Dean, Management Sciences, Prof. AB Sani; HOD, Public Administration, Hajiya Fatima Muhammad; HOD, Business Administration, Mrs Maryam Adam Mamman; Director SIWES, Bashir Alhassan; and Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Umar Muhammad The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mukhtar Umar…
As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, 2026, Nigeria remains a focal point in the global struggle against this deeply entrenched human rights violation. With an estimated 20 million survivors, Nigeria accounts for about 10% of the over 230 million girls and women worldwide who have undergone FGM. This practice, involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, persists despite federal bans and international commitments. As a journalist examining the landscape, I’ll delve into the levels of FGM – both hidden and openly practiced…
As the world marks World Cancer Day, doctors and patients have renewed calls for increased awareness, early detection, and improved access to cancer care, stressing that timely diagnosis can save lives. World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention, treatment, and care, while encouraging governments and individuals to take action against the disease. In Sokoto state, a Consultant Oncologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Dr. Aisha Bello, said many cancer-related deaths in Nigeria are linked to late presentation at health facilities. “Most of the cancer cases we see come very…