The much-publicized rice price reduction in Sokoto State has turned into a source of frustration and controversy, as many residents say they are unable to buy the discounted bags, despite government claims. The Governor, on his X handle on 15th March 2025 wrote, “In a historic step to ease the burden on our people, especially during this sacred month of Ramadan, the Sokoto State Government has signed a landmark agreement with the Union of Commodity Dealers to reduce the prices of food and essential commodities across the state. “Through this partnership, we are providing financial support to offset costs and…
Author: John Asishana
The intense heat wave affecting many parts of Nigeria has brought forth a new source of health concern for many residents following the outbreak of meningitis.
In the commemoration of the World Glaucoma Week 2025, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), collaborated with the Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Friday, to screen 167 journalists. The team lead, Dr. Mustapha Bature, also a Consultant Opthalmologist and Head of the Department of Opthalmology at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), during the health talk, stressed the importance of the collaboration with the NUJ and expressed his pleasure at providing free eye screenings for journalists, while describing glaucoma as a leading cause of irreversible blindness. “Glaucoma is one of the leading…
ASHENEWS reports that thousands of Muslims in Sokoto State have expressed gratitude to Mr. Yahaya Buhari for his annual Ramadan support, which includes the distribution of fabric and food items. Buhari who is the King of all Imam in Sokoto, has upheld a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community during the holy month. The Philantropist distributed 10 yards of yadedi fabric each to 500,000 people in the state on the third day of Ramadan. The distribution took place at his residence, located behind the Glo head office in Sokoto. The beneficiaries arrived as early as 7:00 AM to…
For 36 years, Tayo Oredola-Elegbede has lived with sickle cell disease. She has endured the pain, the hospital visits, and the societal stigma that comes with the condition. But rather than let it define her, she has turned her experience into advocacy — educating others on the importance of genotype awareness and fighting against the discrimination that sickle cell warriors face daily. During a recent ASHENEWS Facebook Live discussion themed “Breaking the Cycle: Sickle Cell Awareness and Access to Care in Nigeria” which was moderated by Ruth Jatto, ASHENEWS’ Social Media and Community Manager, Oredola-Elegbede, founder of the Oba Oredola…
The harmattan season has arrived in Sokoto, painting the city in shades of dust and chill. For many, this season of extremes brings both relief and discomfort. From cracked lips and dry skin to nights wrapped in layers, the harmattan season has once again become the city’s most debated visitor. But while some see harmattan as a welcome break from Sokoto’s blistering heat, others view it as a health hazard waiting to strike. Amid the dusty haze and plummeting temperatures, residents are adapting in their own ways—each story reflecting resilience in the face of nature’s whims. From the dry, dusty…
In Sokoto State, where the relentless sun beats down on parched lands, water scarcity is not just a challenge; it is a daily struggle. For many residents, the lack of reliable access to water is a story of resilience, innovation, and survival. Yet, amidst this scarcity, reservoirs, boreholes, and government investments shine as glimmers of hope. In 2024, Sokoto State tried to put its money where its mouth is. The 2024 budget allocates ₦15.8 billion to water resources projects. The Ministry of Water Resources leads the charge with ₦8.8 billion, followed by allocations for the Water Board, Rural Water and…
Imagine being a student forced to choose between a filthy toilet or the open bush to relieve yourself. This is the harsh reality for many students in schools Sokoto State, where the lack of toilets in schools has not only led to open defecation but also jeopardized health and dignity. ASHENEWS uncovered the stark contrasts in school sanitation during visits to various schools in Sokoto. While some schools pride themselves on clean and functional toilets, others struggle with water shortages, financial constraints, or lack toilets altogether, forcing students to resort to open defecation—a practice that fuels the spread of diseases.…
Did you know that the dry weather and dust-filled winds of harmattan have a surprising benefit to farmers?
Cattle farmers in Sokoto State have shared the secrets behind their successful cattle rearing techniques, emphasizing proper feeding, milking practices, and breeding to maintain healthy cows and boost milk production.