By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Telecom giant, MTN Nigeria has urged young Nigerians to embrace digital technology and affordable data services to harness their potential and positively impact their communities.

Speaking at the Kano leg of the Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D) campaign, MTN’s Regional Manager for Sales and Distribution in Kano, Abu-Sufyan Aliyu, said the initiative is designed to empower youths to showcase their skills, connect globally, and drive social change.

Aliyu noted that MTN’s customized data plans are built to support different lifestyles, making digital access easier for everyone.

He stressed that young people need only the right mindset and internet access to make a lasting difference.

“This campaign is about sparking a movement — using simple tools like mobile data to inspire, educate, and create change,” he said.

Aliyu described Kano as a vibrant youth-driven city ripe for digital transformation.

Ms Oyeronke George, Manager, Go-To-Market, urged Nigerians to take bold steps and make meaningful impact in their communities, stressing that MTN data offers limitless opportunities.

She said the company aims to nurture a generation of tech-savvy Nigerians capable of addressing local challenges.

Also speaking, Mr Hamza Adamu Panda, Managing Director of Fantel Nigeria Ltd., lauded MTN for its role in supporting youth development and entrepreneurship.

He recounted his growth from a three-man team in 2001 to a workforce of over 200 across 30 branches, noting that his journey with MTN inspired the creation of the Fantel Business School to train young entrepreneurs.

The Go M.A.D initiative, which has made stops in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Jos and Abuja, aims to ignite a nationwide culture of self-empowerment and digital creativity.

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An NGO, Health Awareness and New Development Services (HANDS) has conducted hydrocele surgery for 500 patients in 16 local government areas of Kano to provide much-needed relief to the patients.

The team lead of HANDS in Kano, Mr Adara Priestly, made this known during Lymphatic Filariasis project coordinating meeting on Saturday in Kano.

Priestly explained that the patients underwent successful surgeries and received necessary interventions.

He noted that individuals suffering from lymphedema and hydrocele faced significant societal stigma.

“In response, we are providing counseling and psychosocial support to help them navigate and overcome this stigma,” he said.

The team lead said that Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention project in Kano State aims to address the challenges posed by NTDs through a comprehensive approach focused on morbidity management and disability prevention.

According to him, the project seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by NTDs by providing access to essential healthcare services, treatment, and support.

“Despite efforts to combat NTDs in Kano State, there are still gaps in the existing healthcare system.

“These include limited access to healthcare services, inadequate resources for disease surveillance and treatment, and a lack of awareness among the population about preventive measures.

“Addressing these gaps through collaborative efforts between organizations like HANDS and local health authorities is crucial to effectively combatting NTDs and improving the overall health outcomes in Kano State,” he said.

He further said that the objective of the project was to ensure access to hydrocele surgeries and Lymphoedema management services for individuals in 16 LGAs through the Kano State hospital management board to improve their quality of life.

“Provide Lymphedema services and psychosocial support to affected individuals and caregivers in communities through the NTDs units,” he added

Earlier, coordinator of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in Kano, Dr. Abubakar Zarewa, said the meeting was organized to engage other stakeholders involved in the elimination campaign.

Zarewa explained that the purpose of the meeting was to familiarize stakeholders with the process, challenges, and successes of the project in the state.

He noted that the campaign had been successful throughout the year, and they were set to begin the schistosomiasis multiple drug administration on Monday.

“We will train the patients receiving the drugs and also implement a five-day campaign,” he said.

“We are at the peak of the project, as it will conclude by the end of March. We will evaluate the number of cases treated, the surgeries performed, and the ongoing activities,” he added.

Zarewa further stated that the project would train healthcare workers on managing Lipedema patients and subsequently pass this knowledge to other clinical health workers.

In a remark, Deputy Director Public Health, Kano State Ministry of Health Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed expressed determination of the state to partner with stakeholders in the eradication of the disease in the state

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Kano State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has marked the observance of World Leprosy and Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day.

The goal of this day is to encourage parents to take proactive steps against tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases in Kano State.

The Commissioner urged parents to bring children exhibiting symptoms of these diseases to testing centers across the state.

“This call to action is a vital step in combating these diseases and improving public health in Kano State,” he said.

Dr. Yusuf emphasized the Kano State Government’s commitment to the health sector, particularly in providing free testing and treatment for tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases at designated health facilities across the state.

“We must collaborate to prevent the spread of tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases,” Dr. Yusuf added.

“Early testing and treatment are crucial to saving lives and improving the well-being of our community.”

Dr. Yusuf also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to the spread of these diseases.

Parents and guardians are advised to look for symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and skin lesions, and to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect their child may be infected.

“Kano State has made significant contributions to the health sector, particularly in providing free services to its citizens. Among these free services are:

• Free antenatal and postnatal care for mothers and newborns, ensuring healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.
• Free tuberculosis testing facilities for early detection and treatment,” said Dr. Yusuf.

Additionally, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state provides free medical care for leprosy patients and for individuals affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), enabling access to free medical care and testing. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for those affected.

These free services underscore Kano State’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of its people, particularly vulnerable populations.

January 30th marks World Leprosy and Neglected Tropical Disease Day, a day dedicated to ending the neglect of these treatable and preventable diseases, especially in Kano State.

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