Flowerbud News

Author: Habibu Dan-Garba

  • Minister urges tertiary institutions to strengthen partnerships

    Minister urges tertiary institutions to strengthen partnerships

    Minister urges tertiary institutions to strengthen partnerships

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has urged heads of tertiary health institutions to sustain collaborations that ensure efficient healthcare services across Nigeria.

    Pate made the call on Tuesday at the 113th regular meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals (CCMDFTH) in Sokoto.

    Represented by the ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr Adesola Adegoke, he commended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sokoto State Government and Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), urging other institutions to emulate the initiative.

    He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to proper funding, infrastructure, and manpower provision for tertiary health institutions to guarantee affordable, quality healthcare and reduce medical tourism.

    Pate encouraged participants to use the meeting to share experiences and knowledge for the betterment of citizens’ healthcare services nationwide.

    Earlier, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, represented by Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, reassured participants of the state’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with institutions to improve healthcare at all levels.

    Aliyu said that the government increased health sector budgets, recruited 2,400 community health workers for rural centres, and renovated and equipped healthcare facilities while sponsoring medical students at various levels.

    The CCMDFTH Chairman, Prof. Saad Ahmed, explained that the meeting allowed heads to brainstorm, discuss challenges, and propose solutions affecting tertiary healthcare institutions and service delivery in Nigeria.

    He highlighted that tertiary healthcare centres provided specialised services, conducted research, and trained manpower for breakthroughs in kidney transplants, heart surgery, and other complex medical procedures.

    Ahmed added that the committee fostersed industrial harmony, strengthened Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, protected lives, preserved professional solidarity, and upheld the noble calling of healthcare service.

    Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by District Head Dr Jabbi Kilgori, described the meeting as a landmark event for healthcare services and called on traditional institutions to continue supporting public health initiatives.

    The UDUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Anas Sabir, thanked colleagues for hosting the event at UDUTH and emphasised the need for more collaborations to improve public health services.

    Dr Suleiman Baguda, Medical Director of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kware, described the meeting as an excellent forum for sharing achievements and challenges in service delivery.

    Baguda added that participants were expected to implement the meeting’s resolutions to enhance services, strengthen research, and develop manpower, ultimately leading to more effective and affordable healthcare for Nigerians.

    The week-long event, hosted by UDUTH, Sokoto, includes exhibitions, interactive sessions, and specialist discussions.

  • True Sokoto PDP Stakeholders arrives Abuja for National Convention — Chieftain

    True Sokoto PDP Stakeholders arrives Abuja for National Convention — Chieftain

    True Sokoto PDP Stakeholders arrives Abuja for National Convention — Chieftain

    A Chieftain of People Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto state, Barrister Hassan Isma’ila, has confirmed that bonafide party loyalists and members have arrived Abuja for the National Convention as scheduled.

    In an interview with the newsmen of Saturday, Isma’ila denied that Sokoto contingents were not part of the convention stressing that the information was completely false.

    He explained that the present PDP executives might not be party of the exercise in recognition that most of them have diluted into the fulk of the African.Democratic Congress (ADC).

    He alleged the that some executives were only in PDP as shadows as their roots were in ADC, however, didn’t make public announcements.

    According to him, the new electoral act as amended has nothing to do with Delegate it’s all about party member, therefore it’s shameful for those dancing on a dead rat to cry for help.

    Isma’ila further argued that they should have concentrate on developing their new party rather than crying on matters that they have no business with at all.

    ” I enjoined the PDP national leadership and other loyalists to disregard the notion saying that non members from Sokoto state have participated in the national convention.

    ” We are on ground, associating and partaking in all arrangements and procedures along with other members,” Isma’ila declared.

    He further assured continue loyalty to party leadership and pledged to working for party’s progress in future engagements.

  • NGO unveils project for women participation in politics, decision-making in Sokoto 

    NGO unveils project for women participation in politics, decision-making in Sokoto 

    NGO unveils project for women participation in politics, decision-making in Sokoto

    A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO),
    Productive Community for Sustainable Development Initiatives (PCSDI), has unveiled a project toward advancing women’s participation in political and decision-making processes in Sokoto state.
    The project was formally launched by Hajia Hauwa’u Jabo, the Director Women in the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs among other stakeholders in Sokoto.
    The Executive Director of PCSDI, Mr Nura Bello, said the project was tagged “Enhancing Women Participation in Politics and Decision-Making in Sokoto State” aimed at encouraging women engagements.
    Nura said the project gears toward creating awareness, sensitisations and  promoting gender friendly political spaces as well community dialogue on women participation in politics.
    He added that the project also aimed at strengthening partnerships, strong collaborations, engaging traditional, religious leaders, politicians and media to advocate for achieving the goals.
    The Executive Director highlighted that training and capacity building initiatives, mentorship programme, leadership skills and public speaking strategies were designed to harness their potentialities.
    According to him, overall objective was to create enabling environment respectful and safe for women politicians and adopt national and state gender policy in their political affairs.
    He said all the programme were designed to suit cultural, religious and traditional norms toward addressing socio-cultural and institutional barriers, and promote inclusive governance across Sokoto State.
    In her address, the Director Women, Jabo assured maximum support to the initiative adding that the ministry would partner with relevant agencies and bodies in order to achieve the desired result.
    Hajia Jamila Gatawa, the Deputy Director from the Ministry of Budget and Planing described the project a landmark achievement toward advancing women’s empowerment and urged relevant stakeholders to support the initiative.
    In a separate speech,, a two times aspirant for Wurno/Raba Federal Constituency, Hajia Inno Attahiru, encouraged women not to be distracted with men dominance in political spaces.
    Attahiru urged stakeholders to recognize women allocated spaces on governance and political spaces to ensure smooth growth and progress in the system.
    A retired Permanently Secretary in Sokoto state civil service and politician at present, Hajia A’ishatu Hassan urged women to educate their husbands, parents and community members on the initiative which would broaden women chances.
    The event witnessed contributions from Community Based Organisations (CBOs) leaders, representatives of state and federal electoral bodies, Police, NSCDC representatives and Women Journalists on ways, challenges and solutions to active women participation in political and decision making processes.
  • Sultan turbans Saudauna’s great-grandson as new Magajin Garin Sokoto, other district heads

    Sultan turbans Saudauna’s great-grandson as new Magajin Garin Sokoto, other district heads

    Sultan turbans Saudauna’s great-grandson as new Magajin Garin Sokoto, other district heads

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has turbaned a 23-year-old Alhaji Ahmadu Bello Danbaba as new Magajin Garin Sokoto.

    The new Magajin Garin Sokoto succeeded his late father, Alhaji Bello Danbaba, who was the grandson of Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Saudauna of Sokoto.

    His late father Bello Danbaba was from the family of Alhaji Marafa Danbaba and Hajia A’ishatu Ahmadu Bello, the eldest daughter of the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello KBE.

    Magajin Garin Sokoto is a revered traditional title and Senior Councillor in the Sultanate Council.

    Sardauna’s great-grandson appointment was approved Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State among 20 others turbaned by the Sultan Abubakar at his palace in Sokoto.

    Abubakar charged new appointees to remain apolitical, fathers to all citizens and considered their emergence as will of Allah.

    He said the burden of leadership called for increased dedication and selfless services and urged them to live up to the expectations on their responsibilities.

    Among those turbaned is Alhaji Ibrahim Isa, the son of late District Head of Gatawa, Sarkin Kudun Gatawa, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, who died in the captivity of bandits.

    Other turbaned included; Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Sanyinna as Ardon Sanyinna; Aminu Buhari Galadima as Sarkin Gabas Durbawa; Alhaji Abdullahi Saidu Sifawa as Sarkin Kudun Sifawa; Aminu Ubandoma Abdullahi as Ubandoman Garin Hamma’ali; Alhaji Muhammadu Mode Guiwa as Sarkin Kudun Guiwa.

    Others includes Abubakar Umar Dogondaji as Sarkin Yamma Dogondaji; Abdulrahman Yarin Gandi as Yarin Gandi; Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Bello Bingaje as Sarkin Kabin Yabo; Shiitu Bello Ayama as Bunun Gongono; Malam Sambo Bello as Sarkin Yamma Giyawa; Abdulrahman Abubakar Wandara as Marafan Tangaza; Alhaji Abdullahi Amadu as Sarkin Gabas Kalambaina.

    Also Bello Sani Yartsakuwa was turbaned as Sarkin Kudun Yartsakuwa; Ahmed Dahiru Tambuwal as Sarkin Tambuwal; Alhaji Lawali Labbo Margai as Sarkin Kabin Kebbe; and Abdullahi Dangaladima as Sarkin Gobir Sabon Birni.

    Others were Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Chacho as Dangaladiman Kwargaba; Sulaiman Abdullahi Madawaki as Sarkin Gabas Tulluwa and Alhaji Ahmed Barade as Baraden Wamakko.

    The Secretary of the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Sifawa, represented Gov. Aliyu while the was attended by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Daddi Adare, Chief of Staff Government House, Abdullah Dikko among other dignitaries.

  • NELFUND rejuvenates school system, provide opportunity to less privileged families — VC

    NELFUND rejuvenates school system, provide opportunity to less privileged families — VC

    NELFUND rejuvenates school system, provide opportunity to less privileged families — VC

    The introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has rejuvenated educational system and accorded opportunity to less privileged families in the country.

    The Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU) Prof. Bello Yarima, disclosed this to the newsmen on Thursday in Sokoto.

    Yarima said SSU is witnessing a transformation in its academic landscape as more students access loans under NELFUND, a development that eases financial constraints and expanding access to higher education.

    He said the initiative assist students from Sokoto State and beyond to meet tuition as well as other academic expenses.

    “The combined support from NELFUND and the state government has significantly reduced the financial burden on students and families, encouraging wider participation in higher education,” Yarima said.

    He highlighted that major infrastructure projects embarked by the visitor, Gov. Ahmad Aliyu, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko have facilitated growth in the institution.

    He said Wamakko is constructing a state-of-the-art library, which will improve research, learning, and digital access for students and lecturers.

    Yarima revealed that Gov. Aliyu is committed to completing the university’s Teaching Hospital and College of Health Sciences, paving the way for studying medicine and other health related courses.

    He commended the state government for initiating renovations of staff quarters and plans to establish primary and secondary schools on campus to benefit the university community and nearby rural settlements.

    The Vice-Chancellor also noted that nearly 90 percent of female students are accommodated on campus, providing safety and convenience.

    He added that synergy of government support, national education financing, and infrastructure development is positioning really supporting the University as a growing centre of academic excellence in Nigeria.

  • Army neutralises bandits in Turji’s hideouts 

    Army neutralises bandits in Turji’s hideouts

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised dozens of armed bandits in the notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji’s camp in Fakai community in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    A source in the security told the Newsmen on Monday that the success was recorded during a fierce gun battle part of the routine operation against banditry activities.

    According to security sources, the operation was led by 8 Division Strike Force of Nigeria Army Sokoto and it commenced at early hours on March 20, targeting Turji’s camp deep inside Kagara Forest.

    The source disclosed that during the advance, operation, two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, prompting a temporary halt in the troops’ movement.

    The source said it was at the moment that heavily armed bandits from Turji’s camp launched an ambush, using high grounds and forested areas for cover.

    ” The troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, engaging the bandits and eliminating several of them in the encounter.

    ” Three soldiers and one personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the skirmish and were promptly evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital for medical attention, ” the sources said.

    However, the source who pleaded for anonymity described the report of 150 bandits capsised and died in a river in Sokoto as false report.

    ” This is a fake reports, alleging that over 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishaps in sabon gida area,” the source said.

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Manager in Sokoto, Mr Bello Bala, also confirmed the report was fake adding that river in Sabon gida area is currently not navigable.

  • Psychiatrist unveils book on Bipolar Disorder in Kano

    Psychiatrist unveils book on Bipolar Disorder in Kano

    Psychiatrist unveils book on Bipolar Disorder in Kano

    Dr Auwal Sani Salihu, the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer MD/CEO of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Dawanau in Kano state, has published a book on Bipolar Disorder and management strategies.
    The book titled ” The Edge of Light on Bipolar Disorder” would be released on the World Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day scheduled on the 30th of March 2026.
    Bipolar disorder (BD) is among the most disabling of all mental illnesses, affecting millions of people across different racial and ethnic groups globally.
    It is a form of mood disorder characterized by
    the occurrence of manic or hypomanic episodes that are typically alternate over the course of the disorder with depressive episodes.
    These is because of the chronic nature and the tendency for exacerbation of symptoms at some points in the natural course of the illness, medications are used in its management, often over a long period of time.
    Many of the patients often discontinue
    the medications following the onset of use, which to a large extent leads to subpar management outcomes.
    Medication non-adherence is a behavior in which patients flout the recommendations
    of their healthcare providers concerning the use of medications, in which they either skip, stagger, take inappropriate doses, or decline taking them altogether, usually within a short period from the commencement of therapy among other issues.
  • Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan charges leaders on unity, Nigeria’s progress 

    Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan charges leaders on unity, Nigeria’s progress 

    Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan charges leaders on unity, Nigeria’s progress

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to sustain prayers and commitment to nation’s progress.

    Abubakar made the call in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Friday in Sokoto, emphasising the need for genuine unity and dedication among leaders for finding lasting solutions to national problems.

    He commended Islamic Scholars on their effort to educate people during Ramadan Tafsir and other preaching sessions and enjoined them to sustain the efforts and engaged on individual and collective prayers for the country.

    The sultan further encouraged Nigerians to embrace positive change in their attitudes, expressing optimism that the country’s best days lie ahead.

    He urged all the citizens to remain God-fearing in their conducts, adhear to religious guides and be patriotic to national building at all times.

    Abubakar also commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and President Bola Tinubu for implementing policies and programmes that directly impacted the lives of citizens.

    ” In Sokoto, government has spent much on free feeding programmes, no amount of money spent on people is a waste, people need more empowered and poverty reduction schemes.

    “We are fully aware that the leaders in the country are doing their best to ease the hardship, but more needs to be done.

    “Our people are facing some challenges especially on security, Therefore, leaders need to do more in tackling the current challenges,” he said.

    He urged people to continue supporting government on the good works in the state adding that very soon governor and Sokoto people would receive a good story that assuring that people would welcome and rejoice the information.

    Abubakar stressed the need for Muslims to continue praying for the leaders, emphasising that only prayers could support the desired needs of any society.

    He also thanked the Muslim community for the continued dedication to propagating the true essence of Islam, and urged them to have full faith that the country’s challenges would soon be over.

    Responding, Gov. Ahmad Aliyu commended Sultan for foresight and leadership that encourage political leaders to remain on track and assured more profitable engagement with the Sultanate council.

    Aliyu congratulated Sultan for successful completion of Ramadan Fasting and appreciated scholars on their effort on preaching sessions as well as prayer for the nation’s progress.

    He thanked people on their supports to governments at all levels and urged more collaboration and support security agencies toward ending banditry, terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

    Sultan Abubakar prayed together with Gov. Aliyu, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC Sokoto), Minister of State Works, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, State APC Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Aditya and other dignitaries at Fakon Idi ground led by Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammadu Awkwara.

    After the Eid prayer Sultan address citizens at his palace the Gov. Aliyu alongside others also paid traditional Sallah homage at the palace.

  • Sokoto community harps on interfaith dialogue to promote peace, brotherhood

    Sokoto community harps on interfaith dialogue to promote peace, brotherhood

    Sokoto community harps on interfaith dialogue to promote peace, brotherhood

    Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, District Head of Gagi in Sokoto South Local Government Area, has urged communities to organise more interfaith engagements to foster unity and brotherhoods among citizens.

    Jabbi made the appeal during a Ramadan fast-breaking event organised by the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC) for Durbawa, Tsaki, Mallamawa, and Gagi communities on Tuesday.

    He said interfaith activities promote religious tolerance, peace, love, forgiveness, and understanding values essential for overcoming the challenges currently facing Nigeria.

    He explained that CDC organised the event due to its importance, and urged groups and associations to emulate the initiative, considering rising community vulnerability to crime.

    As CDC Chairman, Umar-Jabbi said the initiative aimed to unite Muslims and Christians through a shared meal, strengthening bonds and promoting unity among faith-based organisations.

    He emphasised that such efforts help combat religious extremism and hatred, fostering harmony and national cohesion among citizens of different faiths.

    He noted that Muslims and Christians jointly participated in the fast-breaking, and he encouraged other group leaders to explore similar ways of enhancing interfaith engagement.

    “God created us to relate with all humans, regardless of tribe, culture, religion, colour, size, region, or continent,” Umar-Jabbi added.

    He said the initiative sought to promote religious tolerance in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

    Jabbi noted that the event showed how NGOs unite people across religious and cultural divides, with support from individuals and the district head.

    He described the event as successful, citing positive feedback from attendees on the importance of fostering brotherhood among Nigerians.

    A Islamic Scholar, Malam Abdurahman Sanusi, described the event as a step in the right direction to strengthen ties between Muslims and non-Muslims.

    Sanusi highlighted the importance of holding similar events beyond Ramadan, given their role in promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.

    He stressed that criminals and those with bad conduct do not represent any religious teachings and should not define interfaith relations.

    He called for increased understanding, tolerance, and collaboration among religious adherents to address insecurity and other societal challenges.

    A Christian leader, Evangelist Solomon T.T Don, from HEKAN Church Sokoto, praised the organisers, saying the event would enhance peaceful co-existence, tolerance, forgiveness, and interfaith ties.

    Don said the programme would spread peace and unity, urging Nigerians to reject all forms of ethnic, religious, political, and regional division.

    “We must love our Muslim neighbours. That is why we are here, to celebrate Ramadan with them and encourage devotion to Allah,” he said.

    The event was attended by community leaders, youths, women’s groups, civil societies, NGOs, and individuals.