Flowerbud News

Author: Habibu Dan-Garba

  • 34 die in meningitis outbreak in Sokoto – Commissioner

    34 die in meningitis outbreak in Sokoto – Commissioner

    34 die in meningitis outbreak in Sokoto – Commissioner

    No fewer than 34 persons died out of 254 infected with meningitis outbreak in nine local government areas of Sokoto State.
    The State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, disclosed this to the newsmen on  in Sokoto.
    Wurno said most of deaths were recorded at home before government interventions as people still attributed spiritual believe or misterous circumstances to the ilments.
    He said Isolation center was established at the severe affected places at Dogondaji and Kurawa communities in Tambuwal and Sabon Birni LGAs adding that all the 201 persons were treated and discharged at the government facilities.
    He listed the affected local government areas to include; Dange-Shuni 26, Kebbe 16, Shagari 51, Tambuwal 34, Wamakko 60, Sabon Birni 63 Bodinga, Kware has two cases each while Gada has one case.
    According to him, 24 samples were sent for tests out of which 16 samples were returned free of the diseasebwhile eight cases of meningitis were confirmed.
    He explained that meningitis is a serious infection affecting membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, spreading through respiratory droplets during close contact, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
    He said government intensified awareness campaigns for people to sleep at ventilated rooms or outside house compounds in order to prevent the spread of the diseases mostly resulted from hot weather.
    Wurno emphasized that children aged one to 15 are most affected, while overcrowding and seasonal dry winds increase transmission risks, raising serious public health concerns across northern states.
    He added that government had intensified surveillance and response through disease surveillance officers and ensure laboratory testing, medications conducted while efforts continued to strengthen laboratory capacity and improved detection and confirmation of cases.

  • Sokoto, Sightsavers partner media on immunisation against tetanus, azithromycin drug distribution

    Sokoto, Sightsavers partner media on immunisation against tetanus, azithromycin drug distribution

    The Sokoto State Government and an NGO, Sightsavers, have sought media partnership on sustain sensitisations and scaling up vaccinations against tetanus and distribution of azithromycin drug across the state.
    Mr Kamaru Gada, the Director Advocacy in the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), made the call during a media orientation and sensitisation meeting in Sokoto.
    Gada assured more state government support for the administration of antibiotics drug ‘Azithromycin” to children stressing that the last round exercises had recorded more than 90 per cent coverage, raising hopes for sustaining the progress.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting was organised by Sightsavers ahead of May 12 vaccination and administration of azithromycin drug across the local government areas in the state.
    NAN reports that the programme operates under the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children in Nigeria (SARMAAN) designed to improve child survival outcomes through preventive treatment.
    Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, thereby stopping bacterial growth, making it effective for tackling infections contributing to high childhood morbidity and mortality in vulnerable communities.
    The antibiotic is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and various childhood illnesses. Its administration aligns with the World Health Organisation’s 2022 guidelines for targeted preventive treatment among at-risk populations.
     
    In his address, the Sightsavers Programme Officer, Mr Olayinka Lawal, stated that azithromycin was a vital antibiotic used to treat various childhood ailments and played a key role in reducing infant and child deaths.
    Lawal emphasised that the SARMAAN Project aligned with global efforts to improve child survival in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the potential of bi-annual azithromycin administration in lowering early childhood mortality.
    He added that stakeholders have monitored azithromycin’s safety and effectiveness in reducing antimicrobial resistance among treated children.
    According to him, the targeted children aged zero to 59 months using azithromycin, particularly in communities battling Neglected Tropical Diseases like onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis causing significant mortality. 
     
    A Specialist, Mr.Buhari Dahiru, dwelt of prevalence and complications of Tetanus and importance of the immunisation vaccine to humans and highlighted the related comparative of cases across the globe. 
     
    Dahiru underscored the importance of media for public  communication on interventions and benefits as well as serve as guides to strengthen misconceptions and support awareness creation, sustain sensitisations and acceptance.
     
    The meeting featured interactives, questions and answers and well as reporting mechanism on symptoms and other issues
  • UNFPA urges Sokoto students to pursue midwifery careers

    UNFPA urges Sokoto students to pursue midwifery careers

    UNFPA urges Sokoto students to pursue midwifery careers

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has begun sensitising secondary school students to consider studying nursing and midwifery as career choices for their future across Sokoto State in northern Nigeria.

    Mrs Jamila Gatawa, UNFPA Desk Officer in the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said this during a guidance and counselling talk for adolescent schoolgirls in Sokoto.

    Gatawa, also Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, emphasised that marriage should never prevent girls from getting an education; insisting opportunity and learning must remain accessible to every girl.

    “Educated women are the backbone of every healthy society, especially in the healthcare sector. No girl should be denied the chance to learn and succeed,” she said.

    She announced that UNFPA, with support from the European Union EU-SARAH Project, would provide scholarships to 500 women and girls under the Community Midwifery Scholarship and Bonding Scheme initiative in Sokoto.

     

    She emphasised that sourcing skilled birth attendants within each community would address worker shortages, noting that importing personnel from other areas often undermined service delivery and limited effective healthcare access locally.

    “The two-year initiative was designed for rural areas, hard reach and security affected communities across Sokoto state where deployments of healthcare workers from urban centers become challenges in Sokoto.

    “This is a golden opportunity for young women who want to build careers and serve their communities,” she added, pledging government support to ensure fairness and transparency in selecting beneficiaries process.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Ward Development Committee, Dr Aliyu Bala-Gadanga, said more young women were needed in the profession to tackle maternal and infant deaths across communities in Sokoto State.

    “Midwifery is a noble profession, respected and rewarding, by becoming midwives, you will help save mothers and babies while building a secure future for yourselves,” he told the students.

    Bala-Gadanga said that many women still die from complications such as prolonged labour, bleeding, high blood pressure and unsafe abortion, and lauded UNFPA for championing the campaign theme in 2026 widely.

    UNFPA Programme Assistant, Mr Benedict Essong, said the programme aimed to reduce maternal deaths, end gender-based violence and help young people reach their full potential through education and health interventions nationwide.

    Essong urged students to study hard and meet required subject combinations for admission into midwifery programmes, while stakeholders called for stronger support for girls’ education and increased enrollment in health-related courses.

    A lecturer, Malama Rabi Sani, outlined admission requirements and encouraged focus, saying, “Midwifery is more than a career, it is service to humanity. Your communities need you,” he said.

    Our Correspondent reports events, held at Government Girls’ College and Hafsatu Ahmadu Bello Model Arabic Secondary School, marked World Midwives’ Day with discussions on family planning and healthcare.

  • Forum express concern over aborted drugs abuse awareness in Sokoto 

    Forum express concern over aborted drugs abuse awareness in Sokoto
    Sokoto Advancement Forum (SAF), a Non-partisan Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has expressed concern over denial by authority’s for permission to conduct it’s drug abuse sensitisations programme.
    This is contained in statement issued by the SAF Secretary, Mr Malami Ladan in Sokoto.
    Ladan apologies to members and other public on aborted brainstorming session organised to educate youths and the general public on the dangers of drug abuse.
    ” It is pertinent to mention that all arrangements were made for the conduct of the programme, but late evening on Friday that premises management communicated to Forum that the programme should not hold.
    ” The hotel management refunded the fee and stated clearly that the power-that-be insisted against the conduct of the event.
    ” SAF apologise to all that came for the programme and regrets inconveniences that postponement might have caused,” Ladan said.
    He said the SAF is fully committed to contributing it’s quota in the development of Sokoto State in all.areaa of human endeavors.
    However, Mr Abdallah Dankane, who spoke on behalf of Sokoto Guest Inn management, confirmed refund and could not further make satisfactory explanation on the situation.
    SAF is a group of professionals from different fields interested on supporting citizens empowerment, fine-tuning and shaping attitudes and spearheading activities they would facilitate meaningfully development in the state.
    Our Correspondent who was at scene of the event reports that dozens of personalities arrived the venue included two former Vice Chancellors of Usamanu Danfodio University (UDUS), Prof. Aminu Mika’ilu and Prof. Ruskuwa Arabu-Shehu.
    Others were Prof. Umar Wali, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim, Prof. Sani Umar, a community advocate, Mr Hassan Wurno and many other lectures of different tertiary levels, traditional rulers and many others.
  • Coordinator hails military, Sokoto Govt for NYSC safety

    Coordinator hails military, Sokoto Govt for NYSC safety

    Coordinator hails military, Sokoto Govt for NYSC safety

    Mr Tyoyer Gabriel-Ter, Sokoto State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has lauded the military, other security agencies and Sokoto State Government for their support to safe orientation and other activities in the state.

    Gabriel-Ter stated this on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of corps members for 2026 Batch A Stream II, orientation exercise at Wamakko Orientation Camp.

    He said the military ensured routine surveillance and patrols during and after orientation exercises, while adequate security measures were put in place to safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances.

    The coordinator praised the state government for awarding a contract for total renovation of the orientation camp, timely payment of monthly corps members’ allowances in addition to other welfare packages.

    He pleaded for construction of a hall that would accommodate more corps members on empowerment training and other activities at the orientation camp.

    Gabriel-Ter observed that the gesture coupled with routine support from the Sultanate Council had complemented the federal government’s burden on corps members’ activities in the state.

    In his speech, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, pledged more support to the NYSC scheme and promised an enhanced welfare package for corps members deployed to the state.

    Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development, Alhaji Mustapha Kofar-Marke, said the scheme had over the years remained a vital tool for national integration.

    According to him, it has boosted the social, cultural and physical development of the country and urged the corps members to sustain the tempo.

    He enjoined them to use the one year period in promoting national unity in line with the fundamental objectives of the scheme.
    The governor promised to prioritise the corps members’ security and welfare irrespective of any part of the state they were posted to serve.

    Aliyu urged them to be agents of societal change by exhibiting high sense of discipline, tolerance and understanding to further consolidate the already established national cohesion.

    He further enjoined the corps members to uphold the good morals acquired during the training, while encouraging them to interact and integrate freely with their host communities starting from the camp.

    The NYSC Governing Board Chairperson in Sokoto State, Hajia Hadiza Galadima, urged the corps members to participate fully in all activities in the camp which she said, were meant to prepare them for future challenges.
    Galadima said majority of corps members would be posted to teach in schools during their one year mandatory service to contribute to the state’s education growth.

    Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Sa’idu Sifawa, represented by Justice Kabiru Muhammad, administered the oath of allegiance to 1,685 corps members, signalling commencement of the orientation exercise.The ceremony was attended by officials from 8 Division of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, the Police, FRSC, NDLEA, NSCDC, and traditional rulers among others.

  • IPAC inaugurates new executives in Sokoto

    IPAC inaugurates new executives in Sokoto

    IPAC inaugurates new executives in Sokoto
    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Sokoto State chapter, has inaugurated new executives to oversee the union activities.
    The election was conducted by the Chairman of Electoral Committee, Dr Umar Muhammad, from National Secretariat of Youth Party.
    The exercise was witnessed by the representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sokoto state office led by the administrative Secretary, Mr Bello Aliyu among others.
    The Electoral Committee Chairman said 15 out of the 18 registered political parties in the state have participated in the election.
    He said political parties duly recognised by INEC have partake in the election in accordance with legal requirements.
    Alhaji Sambo Muhammad of the NRM party, emerged as State Chairman of IPAC,. Maryam Umar-Kebbe was elected as Deputy Chairperson, while Bello Abubakar Dangaskiya of the AAC secured the position of State Secretary.
    Other officials elected unopposed include Shamsu Shehu of the YPP as Publicity Secretary, Hassan Shehu of the Accord Party as Organising Secretary, Legal Adviser Aburrahman Cindo and Ahmad Hassan Maidamma of the SDP as State Treasurer.
    In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Sambo Muhammad, pledged to collaborate closely with INEC and council members to ensure the achievement of the council’s objectives.
    Muhammad also commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a peaceful election and assured stakeholders that the new leadership would live up to the confidence placed in them

  • Army denies attack on Catholic Cathedral, Bishop Kukah’s residence in Sokoto

    Army denies attack on Catholic Cathedral, Bishop Kukah’s residence in Sokoto

    The Nigerian Army, 8 Division, Sokoto, has debunked a social media report alleging an attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Sokoto by Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division.

    Osoba described the report circulating on Facebook as misleading and unfounded.

    “The attention of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has been drawn to a misleading social media post.

    “The post falsely reported an armed attack on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, as well as the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.

    “We categorically debunk these unfounded claims as there was no such attack in Sokoto State.

    “The safety and security of Bishop Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact. Bishop Kukah is currently fulfilling his Easter duties without any disruption,” he said.

    Osoba added that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remained committed to ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

    He said that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful Easter celebration within the division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR).

    In a related development, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto also dismissed the report, saying it was false and unfounded.

    In a statement issued by Mr Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications of the Diocese, the Church described the report as false and misleading.

    According to the statement, the video accompanying the claim began circulating following the murder of Deborah Yakubu in May 2022.

    “This is the work of persons committed to causing havoc in society.

    “We wish to inform the general public that the information is totally false. The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto remain safe, intact and fully operational,” it added.

    The diocese extended its goodwill messages from Bishop Kukah to the faithful and other residents, wishing them a joyful and grace-filled Easter celebration.

    It also expressed appreciation to the military and other security agencies for their prompt response following the circulation of the false video.

  • PDP support groups celebrates Bature’s emergence as organising secretary

    PDP support groups celebrates Bature’s emergence as organising secretary

    PDP support groups celebrates Bature’s emergence as organising secretary
     A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) support groups in Sokoto state, have expressed excitement over the emergence of Alhaji Umar Bature as party’s National Organising Secretary.
    This is contained in a statement signed by the coalition leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba-Tambuwal, on behalf of the groups and made available to newsmen on Sunday n Sokoto.
    Garba-Tambuwal said no fewer than than 27 support groups attended a meeting and perused the outcome of the concluded party’s national convention.
    He praised party’s leadership over the peaceful conduct of the exercise describing it as a demonstration of maturity and harmonious relationship and party loyalists at all levels.
    The coalition leader further commended Sokoto state contingents that participated at concluded national convention and enjoined supporters to work in the interest of party progress.
    According to him, PDP remain valuable platform that is capable of securing success in all elective positions in coming 2027 elections.
    He further assured continues loyalty to party leadership and pledged to working for party’s progress in future engagements.
    Garba-Tambuwal described Bature as strong political with grassroots support across Sokoto state and nation at large.
    He added that Bature’s performance on the capacity as Organising Secretary would further facilitate successes and woo more supporters into the party especially in the northwest states and Nigeria at large.

  • NYSC sanctions 24 corps members for misconducts in Sokoto

    NYSC sanctions 24 corps members for misconducts in Sokoto

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sanctioned 24 corps members in Sokoto State for various misconducts, including absconding and absenteeism.
    The State’s NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Usman Yakubu Yaro, disclosed this at the passing out ceremony of the 2025 Batch A, Stream 1 Corps members in Sokoto.
    He said eight corps members would repeat their service year, while 16 others have their service extended to various periods.
    The coordinator stated that the affected corps members were sanctioned for offences committed during their service year, adding that the scheme had zero tolerance for truancy.
    Yakubu Yaro noted that two corps members received the prestigious Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar awards for their outstanding contribution towards uplifting the living standard of their host communities.
    He urged the outgoing corps members to be good ambassadors of the scheme and their families, and to take the skills they learnt during the service year seriously.
    The coordinator warned the corps members against night traveling, advising them to seek refuge at NYSC formations, military barracks, police stations, or traditional rulers’ houses if night falls on them.
    Yakubu Yaro thanked Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his unwavering support to the scheme, particularly his commitment to sustaining the payment of state allowances to corps members.
    He also expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Sokoto for his unflinching support to the scheme, demonstrating his love for youths and NYSC.
    The coordinator pointed out that corps members were posted to rural communities to contribute to the state’s development, in line with the scheme’s policy and the present administration’s programmes.
    He added that most corps medical personnel  posted to rural areas to address the shortfall in health personnel, have assisted thousands of residents through various health outreaches.