Kano State Fire Service, has said that fire had destroyed six shops at Kurmi (Yan’ Jagal) Market in Kano on Friday.A statement signed and issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, made this known on Friday in Kano.

According to the statement, we received a distress from Jakara police division at about 01:35 am that there was a fire outbreak at the Kurmi Jakara market. “Upon receiving the information, we quickly sent a fire vehicle to the scene, to bring the situation under control,’’ the statement said.Abdullahi, in the statement, explained that six shops were completely razed down by the fire, mainting that no life was lost and cause of the fire was under investigation.The Fire Service however, advised traders at the market and other residents, to always switch off all electrical appliances and disconnect the sources when not in use.(NAN)

Ecobank Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises across various sectors of the economy. Ms Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaboration, Ecobank, made this known on Friday during the second edition of the “Oja Oge” marketplace.

The three-day event focuses on supporting SMEs in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors by providing a platform for business exposure. Odu highlighted the bank’s dedication to SME growth, noting their vital role in driving Nigeria’s economic development. She stated that SMEs contribute over 50 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP and account for about 90 per cent of employment opportunities. “As a financial institution deeply invested in Nigeria’s progress and financial inclusion, we recognise that empowering SMEs is crucial to achieving these goals. “When we say we are the SME solution, we mean it, and Oja Oge is a testament to that commitment,” she noted. Odu said ‘Oja Oge’ allows creative entrepreneurs to reach wider markets, with expected attendance ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 visitors. She added that the bank supports SMEs through webinars and helps them access international markets via platforms like the “Ecobank Trade Hall.” According to her, the fair, which runs until April 20, reflects the bank’s goal of empowering SMEs and enhancing economic progress. Odu highlighted the evolution of Ecobank’s pan-African vision, tracing its roots back to a discussion among African founders who aimed to create a financial institution that truly understood the African context.She drew parallels to the opportunities seen by international investors in Nigeria’s emerging market, emphasising the need for local enterprises to capitalise on the vast potential within the continent and beyond. “Our goal is to be the partner bank that takes the local Asoke seller, the Ankara designer, and propels their businesses from Nigeria to Rwanda, Egypt, Europe and North America,” Odu explained. The event showcases both new and established brands and provides free exhibition spaces for participating vendors. (NAN)

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government, on Friday launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) as a strategy to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in the country.Dr Muntaqa Sadiq-Umar, the National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Coordination Office, stated in Katsina that the initiative was aimed at addressing the alarming health indices related to maternal and infant mortality.

The coordinato was represented by Mr Omorugi Iyahen. According to Sadiq-Umar, MAMII brings together all key stakeholders in the health sector to develop solutions to the troubling statistics surrounding maternal and neonatal mortality.He revealed that 172 local government areas across Nigeria were affected by high rates of maternal and neonatal deaths, with 15 of them located in Katsina State.“That is why the Minister emphasised the need to prioritise Katsina in the activation of this programme,” he said.“We want to ensure that by the end of 2027, we have a completely different story to tell.”In her remarks, the wife of the Katsina state Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, praised the federal government for the initiative, saying it would go a long way in saving the lives of women and children.“As a mother and a strong advocate for women’s health, I am deeply touched by the statistics and the realities of maternal and neonatal deaths.“It is my belief that when women are given the right information and supported with compassionate care, we can significantly reduce maternal deaths and give every child a fighting chance from birth,” she said.Dikko-Radda added that her NGO had engaged 50 volunteers currently working in communities to mobilise women and ensure they received antenatal care and deliver at health facilities.Also speaking, the State MAMII Focal Person, Dr Aminu Lawal, noted that Katsina state had one of the highest rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.He attributed the high mortality rate to various delays, including, delay in seeking healthcare, and delay in reaching healthcare facilities.Other delays included that of receiving adequate care, in taking responsibility, and delay in coordination of services.Dr Shamsuddeen Yahaya is the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.Yahaya disclosed that Katsina, Kaita, Daura, Mani, and Batagarawa Local Government Areas had the highest number of maternal deaths in the state.He cited findings from a survey conducted between December 2023 and November 2024, attributing the majority of these deaths to obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, among other causes.(NAN)